Actor and producer Daniel Wu visited UCLA with his inspiring journey from architecture student to global film star. Reflecting on his roots in Hong Kong cinema and his transition to Hollywood, Wu shared insights on creativity, cultural identity and the challenges of balancing passion with career. His message: stay humble, embrace growth and never stop exploring your potential. Wu began by reflecting on his early years in Hong Kong and his transition from architecture student to actor.
“I’ve always wanted to be an artist, even from a young age. My dream was to be a visual artist like Picasso,” Wu confessed.
However, Wu also shared how his immigrant parents, who valued education above all else, initially pushed him toward a more practical career path. This led him to architecture, though his passion for creativity ultimately steered him toward the film world.
“Creativity was too important to me. I decided to pursue something that allowed me to express that side of myself,” he explained.
After breaking into the Hong Kong film industry, he made a name for himself with his roles in popular films like “New Police Story” and “The Heavenly Kings.” Yet despite his success in Hong Kong, it was his move to Hollywood that truly expanded his horizons.
“I never thought I’d be in Hollywood. But after I got the opportunity, I knew I had to make it work,” he said, speaking of his experience with films such as “Warcraft” and the television series “Into the Badlands,“ which propelled him onto the international stage.
He spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing his cultural roots with his career in the West.
“When I was growing up in America, I always felt like a minority. But as I grew older, I realized that embracing both sides – my Chinese heritage and my American upbringing – has helped shape my unique identity as an actor,” he said, reflecting on his early struggles in breaking into the film industry.
Wu’s journey also touched on personal growth, humility and remaining grounded, even as success beckons. One of the highlights of his visit was when he discussed the evolution of his acting philosophy.
“In the beginning, I wanted to play the hero – the charming guy. But as I grew as an actor, I realized that the most interesting roles are those that challenge me, that push me to explore different facets of myself,” he said. “It’s not about how you look or whether you fit the traditional mold of a leading man. It’s about depth, about character.”
In “Into the Badlands,” Wu portrayed a martial arts master, which allowed him to combine his love for martial arts with his acting.
“I trained in martial arts from a young age, and when I had the opportunity to bring that into my work, I knew I had to give it my all,” he said. “Being able to share Chinese culture through the lens of Hollywood was a dream come true.”
And he gave a glimpse of what’s next, mentioning his role in the newly released action comedy film “Love Hurts“, which premiered in February 2025. Wu stars alongside Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose in a story about a former hitman-turned-realtor whose past comes back to haunt him.
“I know the reviews are mixed, but I hope people can just enjoy the fun energy of the film, and it’s always great to see more Asian actors getting to have fun in action comedies,” Wu said.
Success in the entertainment industry is not just about fame or recognition – it’s about passion, hard work and staying true to oneself. He encouraged students to follow their own paths, even if it meant stepping outside of their comfort zones.
“If you don’t try to challenge yourself, you’ll never know what you’re capable of,” he said.
The talk concluded with Wu offering some practical advice for aspiring filmmakers and actors: “Stay humble, keep learning and always find time to enjoy the process.”
