Daniel Wu

Daniel Wu is an actor, filmmaker, and martial artist known for his versatile performances in both Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood. Born in Berkeley, California to Shanghainese parents, Wu developed an early interest in martial arts, inspired by icons like Jet Li and Donnie Yen. He studied wushu from the age of 11 and later earned a degree in architecture from the University of Oregon, where he also founded the school’s Wushu Club.

In 1997, while visiting Hong Kong, he was unexpectedly discovered as a model and soon transitioned into acting, making his film debut in 1998's "Bishonen." Despite initially speaking little Cantonese, Wu quickly rose to prominence with roles in films such as "City of Glass," "Gen-X Cops," "New Police Story," and "One Night in Mongkok," earning multiple award nominations and a Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor. He later made his directorial debut with "The Heavenly Kings" (2006), a mockumentary that won Best New Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

In Hollywood, Wu expanded his profile with roles in "Warcraft," "Geostorm," "Tomb Raider," and the sci-fi series "Into the Badlands," which he also executive produced. More recently, he played the Monkey King in Disney+’s "American Born Chinese."

Beyond acting, Wu is an outspoken advocate for Asian-American representation and has served on President Biden’s AANHPI Advisory Commission. A husband and father, he balances his career with his passion for design, vintage cars, and professional racing.