Simu Liu has rapidly ascended as one of Hollywood’s sought-after talents, making it challenging to envision a time when he wasn’t making waves in the realm of film and TV. From his origins in the cult favorite Kim’s Convenience to headlining major productions such as Barbie and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, his journey has been noteworthy.
Shang-Chi marked his breakthrough in the industry, following years of dedication to his craft. Despite his present achievements, Liu openly shared the difficulties he encountered on his path to success before his pivotal MCU role.
Simu Liu Talks About His Struggles In Hollywood
While participating in the SAG-AFTRA picket line, Simu Liu, also known for his role in Barbie, candidly discussed his experience as a struggling actor in Hollywood. Many are aware of his earlier stint as a stock image model, a fact that led to amusing compilations of his stock images circulating online. These images gained a renewed spotlight once he rose to leading man status. Despite his ascent in Hollywood, Liu expressed his closeness to working-class actors, emphasizing that he’s not far removed from that experience.
“I’ve been there. I’ve spent time as a background actor and I’ve spent time in that type of gig economy where it’s just gig to gig not knowing when your next paycheck is going to come and not qualifying for health care. It’s already a rough spot to be in as is, but what the AMPTP is suggesting is that the livelihood of these working-class actors is lowered even more with new guidelines about AI and new guidelines about replication.”
Liu’s comments provided a meaningful context to the ongoing actors’ strike. The 34-year-old actor recognized the significance of background work for aspiring talents in Hollywood, acknowledging that it often serves as a means of survival until their major breakthroughs. Prior to his prominent role in Kim’s Convenience, Liu spent years securing minor guest appearances on television shows in both the US and Canada. Thus, he intimately understood the experience of living from paycheck to paycheck while relentlessly pursuing his dream.
Simu Liu Couldn’t Match His Friends’ Lifestyles
Even starring in numerous multi-million-dollar movies might give an actor the impression of leaving behind their past hardships, but for Simu Liu, that wasn’t the reality. The star of One True Loves vividly remembered the challenges he faced in making a living as an actor, much like his fellow actor friends.
“In my mind, I remember not just myself but all of the background actors and performers that I knew whose livelihood depended on their ability to go into work. It really hasn’t been that long for me so to be in a position of privilege now, I think it’s a responsibility to stand in solidarity with each and every one of the members of SAG.”
Thankfully, artists of all calibers find solidarity through advocates like Simu Liu and Colin Farrell, who are voicing their support from the picket lines. Colin Farrell, a prominent figure in Hollywood, still remembers his days as a background actor, making him intimately aware of the challenges that countless working actors confront on a daily basis.
Source: Cinemablend
