Simu Liu named Entertainment Weekly rising star of 2021
From Toronto to Hollywood, Simu Liu is making waves on the international stage.
Simu Liu, the Toronto-based star of Kim's Convenience and the forthcoming Shang-Chi from Marvel is among ten breakout stars named by Entertainment Weekly.
"I would never in a million years have expected my life to have unfolded the way it did," says Liu during an interview for Kim's Convenience season five.
DID YOU KNOW THERE"S A NEW KIM'S CONVENIENCE YOUTUBE CHANNEL? LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!
The list of breakout stars also includes Paul Mescal, the lead actor of the drama series Normal People, which you can watch for free on CBC Gem.
When asked about his co-stars in Shang-Chi, which hits screens this upcoming July 9, Liu speaks highly about the amazing cast, "some of whom are absolutely legendary coming from all parts of the world."
"An insanely talented Asian actor, comedian and creator," Liu comments on co-star Ronny Chieng, who is featured on CBC's new comedy series Humour Resources.
Liu told EW that he always considered himself an introvert who enjoys alone-time — until the pandemic happened.
"A couple weeks into quarantine, I realized, 'Oh, I am as extroverted as it gets," says Liu.
"'I realized that it was because being around people recharged me."
The Chinese-Canadian actor also wrote a memoir reflecting on his family's immigrant experience. The book is expected to come out later this year.
"As an only child, I was alone for so much of my life. My parents worked all the time… they were very, very hard workers."
When Liu got back to Toronto last year to film for Kim's Convenience season five, he quarantined for two weeks and caught up with nine straight days of shooting.
He says "ambitious" is the keyword for Jung's character development in the new season, which premiered this month and can be streamed for free on CBC Gem.