Simu Liu turned rejection from Deloitte into Hollywood stardom

Simu Liu was born in China and moved to Canada as a child, where he initially pursued a career in accounting. In 2011, he joined the accounting firm Deloitte in Toronto but faced difficulties in his new role, leading to his termination after just eight months. Liu's decision to leave work to audition for a role in the action film 'Pacific Rim' marked a pivotal moment in his career. While auditioning for minor roles that did not allow him to take center stage, he became increasingly aware of the lack of representation for Asian actors in Hollywood. In 2018, the release of 'Crazy Rich Asians' began to shift perceptions about Asian representation in film, and the momentum continued in 2019 when Liu was cast as the lead in Marvel's 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.' This role not only solidified his status as a prominent figure in the industry but also opened doors for discussions about diversity and representation in the film industry. However, Liu faced challenges growing up, having been instilled with his parents' mindset of modesty and avoidance of confrontation. This upbringing affected his perception of success and self-advocacy; Liu emphasized the importance of being outspoken against discrimination targeting Asian Americans. As part of his evolution, he has embraced investing in Asian American businesses, becoming a general partner at Markham Valley Ventures to support startups that uplift the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Liu's journey from accountant to actor illustrates the transformation of personal identity and cultural representation in America, demonstrating the need for future generations to be assertive and redefine success on their own terms. Ultimately, Simu Liu's story emphasizes a shift from conforming to external expectations of success to embracing one's identity and advocating for greater representation. Liu's trajectory not only represents personal growth but also serves as a reflection of broader cultural changes aimed at fostering inclusivity in the entertainment industry.