Fresh Air
Actor Simu Liu On Diving In The Dark
Mar 6, 2025
Simu Liu, renowned for his role as Shang-Chi, shares his journey from childhood in China to Hollywood stardom. He recounts the harrowing true story behind his new film, Last Breath, which dives deep into the world of saturation divers. Liu reveals the struggle of meeting parental expectations as an immigrant child and the pressing issues of cultural identity. He also reflects on the importance of representation in cinema and how his breakthrough role has influenced his life and career.
44:49
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Quick takeaways
- Simu Liu's leap from a stable accounting job to acting symbolizes the challenging yet rewarding path many immigrants navigate to pursue their dreams.
- His role in 'Last Breath' illustrates the intense emotional and physical challenges faced by saturation divers, highlighting their extraordinary resilience and dedication.
Deep dives
Simu Liu's Journey to Stardom
Simu Liu discusses his rise to fame, emphasizing his breakout role as Shang-Chi, Marvel's first Asian superhero. His journey took a pivotal turn when he was fired from his accounting job, which prompted him to pursue acting full-time. He reflects on how this leap of faith led to early roles, including the popular sitcom 'Kim's Convenience', which resonated with his experiences as a child of immigrants. Liu's memoir, 'We Were Dreamers', highlights his family's immigration story and his struggles growing up, shedding light on the challenges faced by Asian-Canadians in the entertainment industry.
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