Daniel Wu
Encyclopedia
Daniel Yin-Cho Wu (born 30 September 1974) is a Hong Kong
actor
, director
and producer
. Since his film debut in 1998, he has been featured in over 40 films. Wu has been called "the young Andy Lau
," and is known as a "flexible and distinctive" leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry
.
, and raised in Orinda, California
. His parents were immigrants from Shanghai, China. Wu developed an interest in martial arts when he saw Jet Li
in The Shaolin Temple, and consequently began studying the form known as wushu
at age 11. His childhood role model was Jackie Chan
, a man who now considers Wu "like a son." Wu attended the Head-Royce School
in Oakland, California
and later majored in architecture at the University of Oregon
. While there, he founded the University of Oregon Wushu club in 1994 and served as the team's first coach. During this time, Wu also took film classes and frequented local theaters, and came to enjoy the works of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa
and Luc Besson
, who he describes as "men of vision." Following graduation, Wu traveled in 1997 to Hong Kong to witness the handover of Hong Kong, with no intention of taking on a movie career. At the suggestion of his sister, Wu began modeling. Four months later, film director Yonfan
, after seeing Wu featured in a clothing ad at an MTR station
, approached Wu about starring in an upcoming movie.
's City of Glass (for which Wu was nominated as best new actor at the 18th Hong Kong Film Awards), and later, a supporting part in Young and Dangerous: The Prequel, from Andrew Lau
's gangster film series. Around this time, Wu met superstar Jackie Chan
at a restaurant opening, and was quickly signed to Chan's JC Group with agent Willie Chan. Wu's breakthrough performance came in 1999 with his role in Benny Chan
's Gen-X Cops. He followed this success with roles in a variety of movies including big-budget thriller Purple Storm, art-house production Peony Pavilion, and the extremely successful Love Undercover. In 2001, Wu received criticism from the Hong Kong media for sexual scenes with Suki Kwan in Cop on a Mission, but Wu says that same criticism attracted the attention of directors and the film represented a turning point in the types of roles he chose in the future.
Wu's first experience in film production came with his starring role in Julian Lee's 2003 film, Night Corridor. Due to budgetary constraints, Wu also participated in the search for funding for, and distribution of, the film, and recruited Jun Kung
to create the soundtrack. Though Night Corridor dealt with "risky" themes, Wu felt he had less reliance on image than many of his pop-star actor peers, and he was nominated for best actor at Taiwan's 40th Golden Horse Film Awards for his effort. During 2003, Wu also took part as producer and creative director on "MTV's Whatever Things!", a "Jackass"-styled program aired in Asia, also featuring Sam Lee, Josie Ho
, Terence Yin
, and other celebrities. Also during 2003, Wu took part in a stage production of The Happy Prince at the Edward Lam Dance Theater as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival
, during which he recited a 16-minute monologue in Cantonese, learned entirely from pinyin
. In 2005, Wu was nominated as best actor at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards
for his role in Derek Yee
's One Nite in Mongkok
, and as best supporting actor for New Police Story. At the 41st Golden Horse Film Awards, Wu won the award for best supporting actor for New Police Story. The win came as a surprise to him, because he "didn't think that much" of his performance in the film.
In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin
, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan. Wu and his band mates posted information, updates, personal thoughts (including slamming Hong Kong Disneyland
, for which they were spokespersons), and the band's music, at their official website. In 2006, Wu made his writing and directorial debut with The Heavenly Kings
, which chronicles Alive's formation and exploits. After the film's release, however, it was revealed that The Heavenly Kings was actually a mockumentary
of the Hong Kong pop music industry
, and Alive was constructed purely as a vehicle to make the movie; the film's characters represented only 10-15% of their real-life counterparts
Daniel Yin-Cho Wu ' onMouseout='HidePop("40202")' href="/topics/Jyutping">jyutping
: Ng Yin Jou) (born 30 September 1974) is a Hong Kong
actor
, director
and producer
. Since his film debut in 1998, he has been featured in over 40 films. Wu has been called "the young Andy Lau
," and is known as a "flexible and distinctive" leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry
.
, and raised in Orinda, California
. His parents were immigrants from Shanghai, China. Wu developed an interest in martial arts when he saw Jet Li
in The Shaolin Temple, and consequently began studying the form known as wushu
at age 11. His childhood role model was Jackie Chan
, a man who now considers Wu "like a son." Wu attended the Head-Royce School
in Oakland, California
and later majored in architecture at the University of Oregon
. While there, he founded the University of Oregon Wushu club in 1994 and served as the team's first coach. During this time, Wu also took film classes and frequented local theaters, and came to enjoy the works of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa
and Luc Besson
, who he describes as "men of vision." Following graduation, Wu traveled in 1997 to Hong Kong to witness the handover of Hong Kong, with no intention of taking on a movie career. At the suggestion of his sister, Wu began modeling. Four months later, film director Yonfan
, after seeing Wu featured in a clothing ad at an MTR station
, approached Wu about starring in an upcoming movie.
's City of Glass (for which Wu was nominated as best new actor at the 18th Hong Kong Film Awards), and later, a supporting part in Young and Dangerous: The Prequel, from Andrew Lau
's gangster film series. Around this time, Wu met superstar Jackie Chan
at a restaurant opening, and was quickly signed to Chan's JC Group with agent Willie Chan. Wu's breakthrough performance came in 1999 with his role in Benny Chan
's Gen-X Cops. He followed this success with roles in a variety of movies including big-budget thriller Purple Storm, art-house production Peony Pavilion, and the extremely successful Love Undercover. In 2001, Wu received criticism from the Hong Kong media for sexual scenes with Suki Kwan in Cop on a Mission, but Wu says that same criticism attracted the attention of directors and the film represented a turning point in the types of roles he chose in the future.
Wu's first experience in film production came with his starring role in Julian Lee's 2003 film, Night Corridor. Due to budgetary constraints, Wu also participated in the search for funding for, and distribution of, the film, and recruited Jun Kung
to create the soundtrack. Though Night Corridor dealt with "risky" themes, Wu felt he had less reliance on image than many of his pop-star actor peers, and he was nominated for best actor at Taiwan's 40th Golden Horse Film Awards for his effort. During 2003, Wu also took part as producer and creative director on "MTV's Whatever Things!", a "Jackass"-styled program aired in Asia, also featuring Sam Lee, Josie Ho
, Terence Yin
, and other celebrities. Also during 2003, Wu took part in a stage production of The Happy Prince at the Edward Lam Dance Theater as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival
, during which he recited a 16-minute monologue in Cantonese, learned entirely from pinyin
. In 2005, Wu was nominated as best actor at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards
for his role in Derek Yee
's One Nite in Mongkok
, and as best supporting actor for New Police Story. At the 41st Golden Horse Film Awards, Wu won the award for best supporting actor for New Police Story. The win came as a surprise to him, because he "didn't think that much" of his performance in the film.
In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin
, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan. Wu and his band mates posted information, updates, personal thoughts (including slamming Hong Kong Disneyland
, for which they were spokespersons), and the band's music, at their official website. In 2006, Wu made his writing and directorial debut with The Heavenly Kings
, which chronicles Alive's formation and exploits. After the film's release, however, it was revealed that The Heavenly Kings was actually a mockumentary
of the Hong Kong pop music industry
, and Alive was constructed purely as a vehicle to make the movie; the film's characters represented only 10-15% of their real-life counterparts
Daniel Yin-Cho Wu ' onMouseout='HidePop("21529")' href="/topics/Jyutping">jyutping
: Ng Yin Jou) (born 30 September 1974) is a Hong Kong
actor
, director
and producer
. Since his film debut in 1998, he has been featured in over 40 films. Wu has been called "the young Andy Lau
," and is known as a "flexible and distinctive" leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry
.
, and raised in Orinda, California
. His parents were immigrants from Shanghai, China. Wu developed an interest in martial arts when he saw Jet Li
in The Shaolin Temple, and consequently began studying the form known as wushu
at age 11. His childhood role model was Jackie Chan
, a man who now considers Wu "like a son." Wu attended the Head-Royce School
in Oakland, California
and later majored in architecture at the University of Oregon
. While there, he founded the University of Oregon Wushu club in 1994 and served as the team's first coach. During this time, Wu also took film classes and frequented local theaters, and came to enjoy the works of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa
and Luc Besson
, who he describes as "men of vision." Following graduation, Wu traveled in 1997 to Hong Kong to witness the handover of Hong Kong, with no intention of taking on a movie career. At the suggestion of his sister, Wu began modeling. Four months later, film director Yonfan
, after seeing Wu featured in a clothing ad at an MTR station
, approached Wu about starring in an upcoming movie.
's City of Glass (for which Wu was nominated as best new actor at the 18th Hong Kong Film Awards), and later, a supporting part in Young and Dangerous: The Prequel, from Andrew Lau
's gangster film series. Around this time, Wu met superstar Jackie Chan
at a restaurant opening, and was quickly signed to Chan's JC Group with agent Willie Chan. Wu's breakthrough performance came in 1999 with his role in Benny Chan
's Gen-X Cops. He followed this success with roles in a variety of movies including big-budget thriller Purple Storm, art-house production Peony Pavilion, and the extremely successful Love Undercover. In 2001, Wu received criticism from the Hong Kong media for sexual scenes with Suki Kwan in Cop on a Mission, but Wu says that same criticism attracted the attention of directors and the film represented a turning point in the types of roles he chose in the future.
Wu's first experience in film production came with his starring role in Julian Lee's 2003 film, Night Corridor. Due to budgetary constraints, Wu also participated in the search for funding for, and distribution of, the film, and recruited Jun Kung
to create the soundtrack. Though Night Corridor dealt with "risky" themes, Wu felt he had less reliance on image than many of his pop-star actor peers, and he was nominated for best actor at Taiwan's 40th Golden Horse Film Awards for his effort. During 2003, Wu also took part as producer and creative director on "MTV's Whatever Things!", a "Jackass"-styled program aired in Asia, also featuring Sam Lee, Josie Ho
, Terence Yin
, and other celebrities. Also during 2003, Wu took part in a stage production of The Happy Prince at the Edward Lam Dance Theater as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival
, during which he recited a 16-minute monologue in Cantonese, learned entirely from pinyin
. In 2005, Wu was nominated as best actor at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards
for his role in Derek Yee
's One Nite in Mongkok
, and as best supporting actor for New Police Story. At the 41st Golden Horse Film Awards, Wu won the award for best supporting actor for New Police Story. The win came as a surprise to him, because he "didn't think that much" of his performance in the film.
In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin
, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan. Wu and his band mates posted information, updates, personal thoughts (including slamming Hong Kong Disneyland
, for which they were spokespersons), and the band's music, at their official website. In 2006, Wu made his writing and directorial debut with The Heavenly Kings
, which chronicles Alive's formation and exploits. After the film's release, however, it was revealed that The Heavenly Kings was actually a mockumentary
of the Hong Kong pop music industry
, and Alive was constructed purely as a vehicle to make the movie; the film's characters represented only 10-15% of their real-life counterparts and much of the footage blurred the line between fiction and reality. Wu admitted his own singing voice "sucked really bad," and the band had their voices digitally enhanced for its music, to prove that "it's easy to fake it." Despite some backlash from the media over being intentionally fed false information in the movie about illegal downloads of the band's music, Wu won the best new director award at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards, an achievement he called "a group effort."
founders Patrick Lee and Stephen Wang, as a place for filmmakers, musicians, and other artists to collaborate, receive exposure, network, and interact with fans. He continues his modeling career as spokesperson for a variety of products such as Seiko and L'Oréal. Wu posed for the charity photography album SuperStars by Leslie Kee, and performed on rapper Jin
's song, "HK Superstar." Wu is an investor in Racks MDB Shanghai, which opened in 2008.
He maintains residences in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. He continues to actively train in wushu as well as other martial arts.
On April 6, 2010, Wu married Lisa S.
in South Africa.
Hong Kong people
Hong Kong people refer to people who originate from Hong Kong. The term has no legal definition in Hong Kong. Rather, terms such as Hong Kong permanent resident and Hong Kong resident are used...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
and producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
. Since his film debut in 1998, he has been featured in over 40 films. Wu has been called "the young Andy Lau
Andy Lau
Andy Lau MH, JP is a Hong Kong Cantopop singer, actor, and film producer. Lau has been one of Hong Kong's most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980s, performing in more than 160 films while maintaining a successful singing career at the same time...
," and is known as a "flexible and distinctive" leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry
Cinema of China
The Chinese-language cinema has three distinct historical threads: Cinema of Hong Kong, Cinema of China, and Cinema of Taiwan. Since 1949 the cinema of mainland China has operated under restrictions imposed by the Communist Party of China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television and...
.
Early life
Wu was born in Berkeley, CaliforniaBerkeley, California
Berkeley is a city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California, United States. Its neighbors to the south are the cities of Oakland and Emeryville. To the north is the city of Albany and the unincorporated community of Kensington...
, and raised in Orinda, California
Orinda, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Orinda had a population of 17,643. The population density was 1,389.5 people per square mile . The racial makeup of Orinda was 14,533 White, 149 African American, 22 Native American, 2,016 Asian, 24 Pacific Islander, 122 from other races, and...
. His parents were immigrants from Shanghai, China. Wu developed an interest in martial arts when he saw Jet Li
Jet Li
The fame gained by his sports winnings led to a career as a martial arts film star, beginning in mainland China and then continuing into Hong Kong. Li acquired his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name was too hard to pronounce...
in The Shaolin Temple, and consequently began studying the form known as wushu
Wushu (sport)
The sport of wushu is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It was created in the People's Republic of China after 1949, in an attempt to nationalize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts...
at age 11. His childhood role model was Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
, a man who now considers Wu "like a son." Wu attended the Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School is a co-educational college-preparatory K-12 school in Oakland, California. The forerunner of Head-Royce was the Anna Head School for Girls in Berkeley, founded in 1887...
in Oakland, California
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
and later majored in architecture at the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
. While there, he founded the University of Oregon Wushu club in 1994 and served as the team's first coach. During this time, Wu also took film classes and frequented local theaters, and came to enjoy the works of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa
Akira Kurosawa
was a Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Kurosawa directed 30 filmsIn 1946, Kurosawa co-directed, with Hideo Sekigawa and Kajiro Yamamoto, the feature Those Who Make Tomorrow ;...
and Luc Besson
Luc Besson
Luc Besson is a French film director, writer, and producer. He is the creator of EuropaCorp film company. He has been involved with over 50 films, spanning 26 years, as writer, director, and/or producer.-Early life:...
, who he describes as "men of vision." Following graduation, Wu traveled in 1997 to Hong Kong to witness the handover of Hong Kong, with no intention of taking on a movie career. At the suggestion of his sister, Wu began modeling. Four months later, film director Yonfan
Yonfan
Yonfan is a Hong Kong film director and photographer.-Biography:...
, after seeing Wu featured in a clothing ad at an MTR station
MTR
Mass Transit Railway is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. Originally opened in 1979, the system now includes 211.6 km of rail with 155 stations, including 86 railway stations and 69 light rail stops...
, approached Wu about starring in an upcoming movie.
Acting career
Despite his inability at the time to speak Hong Kong Cantonese or read Chinese, Wu successfully completed his first movie, Yonfan's Bishonen in 1998. Still today, when he receives a Cantonese script, his assistant reads the entire piece, while he is making notes on the pronunciation. The day after Bishonen wrapped, Wu was offered the leading role in Mabel CheungMabel Cheung
Mabel Cheung is one of the leading film directors in Hong Kong. She was elected "Freshman's Queen" when she was studying undergrad at the University of Hong Kong, and was an avid sportswoman representing Lady Ho Tung Hall and HKU...
's City of Glass (for which Wu was nominated as best new actor at the 18th Hong Kong Film Awards), and later, a supporting part in Young and Dangerous: The Prequel, from Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau Wai-Keung is a Hong Kong cinematographer and filmmaker. Lau began his career in the 1980s and 1990s, serving as a cinematographer to filmmakers such as Ringo Lam, Wong Jing and Wong Kar-wai. In the 1990s, Lau decided to have more creative freedom as a cinematographer by becoming a film...
's gangster film series. Around this time, Wu met superstar Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
at a restaurant opening, and was quickly signed to Chan's JC Group with agent Willie Chan. Wu's breakthrough performance came in 1999 with his role in Benny Chan
Benny Chan
-Filmography as a director:*A Moment of Romance *Son on the Run *What A Hero! *The Magic Crane *A Moment of Romance 2 *Happy Hour *Man Wanted *Fist of Fury *Big Bullet...
's Gen-X Cops. He followed this success with roles in a variety of movies including big-budget thriller Purple Storm, art-house production Peony Pavilion, and the extremely successful Love Undercover. In 2001, Wu received criticism from the Hong Kong media for sexual scenes with Suki Kwan in Cop on a Mission, but Wu says that same criticism attracted the attention of directors and the film represented a turning point in the types of roles he chose in the future.
Wu's first experience in film production came with his starring role in Julian Lee's 2003 film, Night Corridor. Due to budgetary constraints, Wu also participated in the search for funding for, and distribution of, the film, and recruited Jun Kung
Jun Kung
Joventino Couto Remotigue also known as Jun Kung and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Biography :He is known for being “the drummer” in Hong Kong, also a singer songwriter and music producer. Born in Hong Kong, he spent his early years in Macau and went to Drummer's collective NYC and...
to create the soundtrack. Though Night Corridor dealt with "risky" themes, Wu felt he had less reliance on image than many of his pop-star actor peers, and he was nominated for best actor at Taiwan's 40th Golden Horse Film Awards for his effort. During 2003, Wu also took part as producer and creative director on "MTV's Whatever Things!", a "Jackass"-styled program aired in Asia, also featuring Sam Lee, Josie Ho
Josie Ho
Josephine "Josie" Ho Chiu-Yi is a daughter of Macao casino magnate Stanley Ho, and a singer and actress from Hong Kong.-Movie career:She was involved in numerous movies, TV commercials, TV dramas, and singing performances....
, Terence Yin
Terence Yin
Terence Yin Chi Wai is a Chinese film actor, singer, producer and media relations. Yin has starred in over 30 movies, released one solo album and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Early life :...
, and other celebrities. Also during 2003, Wu took part in a stage production of The Happy Prince at the Edward Lam Dance Theater as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Hong Kong Arts Festival , founded in 1973, is a focus programmes for the Culture of Hong Kong, in order to provides a wide range of art programmes from all over the world....
, during which he recited a 16-minute monologue in Cantonese, learned entirely from pinyin
Pinyin
Pinyin is the official system to transcribe Chinese characters into the Roman alphabet in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. It is also often used to teach Mandarin Chinese and spell Chinese names in foreign publications and used as an input method to enter Chinese characters into...
. In 2005, Wu was nominated as best actor at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards
Hong Kong Film Awards
The Hong Kong Film Awards , founded in 1982, are the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in mainland China and Taiwan. Award ceremonies are held annually, typically in April. The Awards recognize achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, such as directing,...
for his role in Derek Yee
Derek Yee
Derek Yee Tung-sing , born in 1957, is a former Shaw Brothers actor from Hong Kong, currently a film director and screenwriter, who has achieved fame and respect in Hong Kong and international film festival circuits for treading carefully commercial viability concerns with artistic integrity...
's One Nite in Mongkok
One Nite in Mongkok
One Nite in Mongkok is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Derek Yee Tung-Shing.-Cast and roles: * Cecilia Cheung - Dandan * Daniel Wu - Lai-fu * Alex Fong - Milo* Anson Leung - Ben* Chin Kar-lok - Brandon...
, and as best supporting actor for New Police Story. At the 41st Golden Horse Film Awards, Wu won the award for best supporting actor for New Police Story. The win came as a surprise to him, because he "didn't think that much" of his performance in the film.
In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin
Terence Yin
Terence Yin Chi Wai is a Chinese film actor, singer, producer and media relations. Yin has starred in over 30 movies, released one solo album and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Early life :...
, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan. Wu and his band mates posted information, updates, personal thoughts (including slamming Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
, for which they were spokespersons), and the band's music, at their official website. In 2006, Wu made his writing and directorial debut with The Heavenly Kings
The Heavenly Kings
The Heavenly Kings is a 2006 Hong Kong film directed by Daniel Wu.-Background:In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Daniel Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan...
, which chronicles Alive's formation and exploits. After the film's release, however, it was revealed that The Heavenly Kings was actually a mockumentary
Mockumentary
A mockumentary , is a type of film or television show in which fictitious events are presented in documentary format. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictitious setting, or to parody the documentary form itself...
of the Hong Kong pop music industry
Cantopop
Cantopop is a colloquialism for "Cantonese popular music". It is sometimes referred to as HK-pop, short for "Hong Kong popular music". It is categorized as a subgenre of Chinese popular music within C-pop...
, and Alive was constructed purely as a vehicle to make the movie; the film's characters represented only 10-15% of their real-life counterparts
Daniel Yin-Cho Wu ' onMouseout='HidePop("40202")' href="/topics/Jyutping">jyutping
Jyutping
Jyutping is a romanization system for Cantonese developed by the Linguistic Society of Hong Kong in 1993. Its formal name is The Linguistic Society of Hong Kong Cantonese Romanization Scheme...
: Ng Yin Jou) (born 30 September 1974) is a Hong Kong
Hong Kong people
Hong Kong people refer to people who originate from Hong Kong. The term has no legal definition in Hong Kong. Rather, terms such as Hong Kong permanent resident and Hong Kong resident are used...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
and producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
. Since his film debut in 1998, he has been featured in over 40 films. Wu has been called "the young Andy Lau
Andy Lau
Andy Lau MH, JP is a Hong Kong Cantopop singer, actor, and film producer. Lau has been one of Hong Kong's most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980s, performing in more than 160 films while maintaining a successful singing career at the same time...
," and is known as a "flexible and distinctive" leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry
Cinema of China
The Chinese-language cinema has three distinct historical threads: Cinema of Hong Kong, Cinema of China, and Cinema of Taiwan. Since 1949 the cinema of mainland China has operated under restrictions imposed by the Communist Party of China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television and...
.
Early life
Wu was born in Berkeley, CaliforniaBerkeley, California
Berkeley is a city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California, United States. Its neighbors to the south are the cities of Oakland and Emeryville. To the north is the city of Albany and the unincorporated community of Kensington...
, and raised in Orinda, California
Orinda, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Orinda had a population of 17,643. The population density was 1,389.5 people per square mile . The racial makeup of Orinda was 14,533 White, 149 African American, 22 Native American, 2,016 Asian, 24 Pacific Islander, 122 from other races, and...
. His parents were immigrants from Shanghai, China. Wu developed an interest in martial arts when he saw Jet Li
Jet Li
The fame gained by his sports winnings led to a career as a martial arts film star, beginning in mainland China and then continuing into Hong Kong. Li acquired his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name was too hard to pronounce...
in The Shaolin Temple, and consequently began studying the form known as wushu
Wushu (sport)
The sport of wushu is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It was created in the People's Republic of China after 1949, in an attempt to nationalize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts...
at age 11. His childhood role model was Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
, a man who now considers Wu "like a son." Wu attended the Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School is a co-educational college-preparatory K-12 school in Oakland, California. The forerunner of Head-Royce was the Anna Head School for Girls in Berkeley, founded in 1887...
in Oakland, California
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
and later majored in architecture at the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
. While there, he founded the University of Oregon Wushu club in 1994 and served as the team's first coach. During this time, Wu also took film classes and frequented local theaters, and came to enjoy the works of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa
Akira Kurosawa
was a Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Kurosawa directed 30 filmsIn 1946, Kurosawa co-directed, with Hideo Sekigawa and Kajiro Yamamoto, the feature Those Who Make Tomorrow ;...
and Luc Besson
Luc Besson
Luc Besson is a French film director, writer, and producer. He is the creator of EuropaCorp film company. He has been involved with over 50 films, spanning 26 years, as writer, director, and/or producer.-Early life:...
, who he describes as "men of vision." Following graduation, Wu traveled in 1997 to Hong Kong to witness the handover of Hong Kong, with no intention of taking on a movie career. At the suggestion of his sister, Wu began modeling. Four months later, film director Yonfan
Yonfan
Yonfan is a Hong Kong film director and photographer.-Biography:...
, after seeing Wu featured in a clothing ad at an MTR station
MTR
Mass Transit Railway is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. Originally opened in 1979, the system now includes 211.6 km of rail with 155 stations, including 86 railway stations and 69 light rail stops...
, approached Wu about starring in an upcoming movie.
Acting career
Despite his inability at the time to speak Hong Kong Cantonese or read Chinese, Wu successfully completed his first movie, Yonfan's Bishonen in 1998. Still today, when he receives a Cantonese script, his assistant reads the entire piece, while he is making notes on the pronunciation. The day after Bishonen wrapped, Wu was offered the leading role in Mabel CheungMabel Cheung
Mabel Cheung is one of the leading film directors in Hong Kong. She was elected "Freshman's Queen" when she was studying undergrad at the University of Hong Kong, and was an avid sportswoman representing Lady Ho Tung Hall and HKU...
's City of Glass (for which Wu was nominated as best new actor at the 18th Hong Kong Film Awards), and later, a supporting part in Young and Dangerous: The Prequel, from Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau Wai-Keung is a Hong Kong cinematographer and filmmaker. Lau began his career in the 1980s and 1990s, serving as a cinematographer to filmmakers such as Ringo Lam, Wong Jing and Wong Kar-wai. In the 1990s, Lau decided to have more creative freedom as a cinematographer by becoming a film...
's gangster film series. Around this time, Wu met superstar Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
at a restaurant opening, and was quickly signed to Chan's JC Group with agent Willie Chan. Wu's breakthrough performance came in 1999 with his role in Benny Chan
Benny Chan
-Filmography as a director:*A Moment of Romance *Son on the Run *What A Hero! *The Magic Crane *A Moment of Romance 2 *Happy Hour *Man Wanted *Fist of Fury *Big Bullet...
's Gen-X Cops. He followed this success with roles in a variety of movies including big-budget thriller Purple Storm, art-house production Peony Pavilion, and the extremely successful Love Undercover. In 2001, Wu received criticism from the Hong Kong media for sexual scenes with Suki Kwan in Cop on a Mission, but Wu says that same criticism attracted the attention of directors and the film represented a turning point in the types of roles he chose in the future.
Wu's first experience in film production came with his starring role in Julian Lee's 2003 film, Night Corridor. Due to budgetary constraints, Wu also participated in the search for funding for, and distribution of, the film, and recruited Jun Kung
Jun Kung
Joventino Couto Remotigue also known as Jun Kung and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Biography :He is known for being “the drummer” in Hong Kong, also a singer songwriter and music producer. Born in Hong Kong, he spent his early years in Macau and went to Drummer's collective NYC and...
to create the soundtrack. Though Night Corridor dealt with "risky" themes, Wu felt he had less reliance on image than many of his pop-star actor peers, and he was nominated for best actor at Taiwan's 40th Golden Horse Film Awards for his effort. During 2003, Wu also took part as producer and creative director on "MTV's Whatever Things!", a "Jackass"-styled program aired in Asia, also featuring Sam Lee, Josie Ho
Josie Ho
Josephine "Josie" Ho Chiu-Yi is a daughter of Macao casino magnate Stanley Ho, and a singer and actress from Hong Kong.-Movie career:She was involved in numerous movies, TV commercials, TV dramas, and singing performances....
, Terence Yin
Terence Yin
Terence Yin Chi Wai is a Chinese film actor, singer, producer and media relations. Yin has starred in over 30 movies, released one solo album and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Early life :...
, and other celebrities. Also during 2003, Wu took part in a stage production of The Happy Prince at the Edward Lam Dance Theater as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Hong Kong Arts Festival , founded in 1973, is a focus programmes for the Culture of Hong Kong, in order to provides a wide range of art programmes from all over the world....
, during which he recited a 16-minute monologue in Cantonese, learned entirely from pinyin
Pinyin
Pinyin is the official system to transcribe Chinese characters into the Roman alphabet in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. It is also often used to teach Mandarin Chinese and spell Chinese names in foreign publications and used as an input method to enter Chinese characters into...
. In 2005, Wu was nominated as best actor at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards
Hong Kong Film Awards
The Hong Kong Film Awards , founded in 1982, are the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in mainland China and Taiwan. Award ceremonies are held annually, typically in April. The Awards recognize achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, such as directing,...
for his role in Derek Yee
Derek Yee
Derek Yee Tung-sing , born in 1957, is a former Shaw Brothers actor from Hong Kong, currently a film director and screenwriter, who has achieved fame and respect in Hong Kong and international film festival circuits for treading carefully commercial viability concerns with artistic integrity...
's One Nite in Mongkok
One Nite in Mongkok
One Nite in Mongkok is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Derek Yee Tung-Shing.-Cast and roles: * Cecilia Cheung - Dandan * Daniel Wu - Lai-fu * Alex Fong - Milo* Anson Leung - Ben* Chin Kar-lok - Brandon...
, and as best supporting actor for New Police Story. At the 41st Golden Horse Film Awards, Wu won the award for best supporting actor for New Police Story. The win came as a surprise to him, because he "didn't think that much" of his performance in the film.
In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin
Terence Yin
Terence Yin Chi Wai is a Chinese film actor, singer, producer and media relations. Yin has starred in over 30 movies, released one solo album and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Early life :...
, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan. Wu and his band mates posted information, updates, personal thoughts (including slamming Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
, for which they were spokespersons), and the band's music, at their official website. In 2006, Wu made his writing and directorial debut with The Heavenly Kings
The Heavenly Kings
The Heavenly Kings is a 2006 Hong Kong film directed by Daniel Wu.-Background:In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Daniel Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan...
, which chronicles Alive's formation and exploits. After the film's release, however, it was revealed that The Heavenly Kings was actually a mockumentary
Mockumentary
A mockumentary , is a type of film or television show in which fictitious events are presented in documentary format. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictitious setting, or to parody the documentary form itself...
of the Hong Kong pop music industry
Cantopop
Cantopop is a colloquialism for "Cantonese popular music". It is sometimes referred to as HK-pop, short for "Hong Kong popular music". It is categorized as a subgenre of Chinese popular music within C-pop...
, and Alive was constructed purely as a vehicle to make the movie; the film's characters represented only 10-15% of their real-life counterparts
Daniel Yin-Cho Wu ' onMouseout='HidePop("21529")' href="/topics/Jyutping">jyutping
Jyutping
Jyutping is a romanization system for Cantonese developed by the Linguistic Society of Hong Kong in 1993. Its formal name is The Linguistic Society of Hong Kong Cantonese Romanization Scheme...
: Ng Yin Jou) (born 30 September 1974) is a Hong Kong
Hong Kong people
Hong Kong people refer to people who originate from Hong Kong. The term has no legal definition in Hong Kong. Rather, terms such as Hong Kong permanent resident and Hong Kong resident are used...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
and producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
. Since his film debut in 1998, he has been featured in over 40 films. Wu has been called "the young Andy Lau
Andy Lau
Andy Lau MH, JP is a Hong Kong Cantopop singer, actor, and film producer. Lau has been one of Hong Kong's most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980s, performing in more than 160 films while maintaining a successful singing career at the same time...
," and is known as a "flexible and distinctive" leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry
Cinema of China
The Chinese-language cinema has three distinct historical threads: Cinema of Hong Kong, Cinema of China, and Cinema of Taiwan. Since 1949 the cinema of mainland China has operated under restrictions imposed by the Communist Party of China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television and...
.
Early life
Wu was born in Berkeley, CaliforniaBerkeley, California
Berkeley is a city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California, United States. Its neighbors to the south are the cities of Oakland and Emeryville. To the north is the city of Albany and the unincorporated community of Kensington...
, and raised in Orinda, California
Orinda, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Orinda had a population of 17,643. The population density was 1,389.5 people per square mile . The racial makeup of Orinda was 14,533 White, 149 African American, 22 Native American, 2,016 Asian, 24 Pacific Islander, 122 from other races, and...
. His parents were immigrants from Shanghai, China. Wu developed an interest in martial arts when he saw Jet Li
Jet Li
The fame gained by his sports winnings led to a career as a martial arts film star, beginning in mainland China and then continuing into Hong Kong. Li acquired his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name was too hard to pronounce...
in The Shaolin Temple, and consequently began studying the form known as wushu
Wushu (sport)
The sport of wushu is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It was created in the People's Republic of China after 1949, in an attempt to nationalize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts...
at age 11. His childhood role model was Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
, a man who now considers Wu "like a son." Wu attended the Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School is a co-educational college-preparatory K-12 school in Oakland, California. The forerunner of Head-Royce was the Anna Head School for Girls in Berkeley, founded in 1887...
in Oakland, California
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
and later majored in architecture at the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
. While there, he founded the University of Oregon Wushu club in 1994 and served as the team's first coach. During this time, Wu also took film classes and frequented local theaters, and came to enjoy the works of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa
Akira Kurosawa
was a Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Kurosawa directed 30 filmsIn 1946, Kurosawa co-directed, with Hideo Sekigawa and Kajiro Yamamoto, the feature Those Who Make Tomorrow ;...
and Luc Besson
Luc Besson
Luc Besson is a French film director, writer, and producer. He is the creator of EuropaCorp film company. He has been involved with over 50 films, spanning 26 years, as writer, director, and/or producer.-Early life:...
, who he describes as "men of vision." Following graduation, Wu traveled in 1997 to Hong Kong to witness the handover of Hong Kong, with no intention of taking on a movie career. At the suggestion of his sister, Wu began modeling. Four months later, film director Yonfan
Yonfan
Yonfan is a Hong Kong film director and photographer.-Biography:...
, after seeing Wu featured in a clothing ad at an MTR station
MTR
Mass Transit Railway is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. Originally opened in 1979, the system now includes 211.6 km of rail with 155 stations, including 86 railway stations and 69 light rail stops...
, approached Wu about starring in an upcoming movie.
Acting career
Despite his inability at the time to speak Hong Kong Cantonese or read Chinese, Wu successfully completed his first movie, Yonfan's Bishonen in 1998. Still today, when he receives a Cantonese script, his assistant reads the entire piece, while he is making notes on the pronunciation. The day after Bishonen wrapped, Wu was offered the leading role in Mabel CheungMabel Cheung
Mabel Cheung is one of the leading film directors in Hong Kong. She was elected "Freshman's Queen" when she was studying undergrad at the University of Hong Kong, and was an avid sportswoman representing Lady Ho Tung Hall and HKU...
's City of Glass (for which Wu was nominated as best new actor at the 18th Hong Kong Film Awards), and later, a supporting part in Young and Dangerous: The Prequel, from Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau
Andrew Lau Wai-Keung is a Hong Kong cinematographer and filmmaker. Lau began his career in the 1980s and 1990s, serving as a cinematographer to filmmakers such as Ringo Lam, Wong Jing and Wong Kar-wai. In the 1990s, Lau decided to have more creative freedom as a cinematographer by becoming a film...
's gangster film series. Around this time, Wu met superstar Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
at a restaurant opening, and was quickly signed to Chan's JC Group with agent Willie Chan. Wu's breakthrough performance came in 1999 with his role in Benny Chan
Benny Chan
-Filmography as a director:*A Moment of Romance *Son on the Run *What A Hero! *The Magic Crane *A Moment of Romance 2 *Happy Hour *Man Wanted *Fist of Fury *Big Bullet...
's Gen-X Cops. He followed this success with roles in a variety of movies including big-budget thriller Purple Storm, art-house production Peony Pavilion, and the extremely successful Love Undercover. In 2001, Wu received criticism from the Hong Kong media for sexual scenes with Suki Kwan in Cop on a Mission, but Wu says that same criticism attracted the attention of directors and the film represented a turning point in the types of roles he chose in the future.
Wu's first experience in film production came with his starring role in Julian Lee's 2003 film, Night Corridor. Due to budgetary constraints, Wu also participated in the search for funding for, and distribution of, the film, and recruited Jun Kung
Jun Kung
Joventino Couto Remotigue also known as Jun Kung and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Biography :He is known for being “the drummer” in Hong Kong, also a singer songwriter and music producer. Born in Hong Kong, he spent his early years in Macau and went to Drummer's collective NYC and...
to create the soundtrack. Though Night Corridor dealt with "risky" themes, Wu felt he had less reliance on image than many of his pop-star actor peers, and he was nominated for best actor at Taiwan's 40th Golden Horse Film Awards for his effort. During 2003, Wu also took part as producer and creative director on "MTV's Whatever Things!", a "Jackass"-styled program aired in Asia, also featuring Sam Lee, Josie Ho
Josie Ho
Josephine "Josie" Ho Chiu-Yi is a daughter of Macao casino magnate Stanley Ho, and a singer and actress from Hong Kong.-Movie career:She was involved in numerous movies, TV commercials, TV dramas, and singing performances....
, Terence Yin
Terence Yin
Terence Yin Chi Wai is a Chinese film actor, singer, producer and media relations. Yin has starred in over 30 movies, released one solo album and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Early life :...
, and other celebrities. Also during 2003, Wu took part in a stage production of The Happy Prince at the Edward Lam Dance Theater as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Hong Kong Arts Festival , founded in 1973, is a focus programmes for the Culture of Hong Kong, in order to provides a wide range of art programmes from all over the world....
, during which he recited a 16-minute monologue in Cantonese, learned entirely from pinyin
Pinyin
Pinyin is the official system to transcribe Chinese characters into the Roman alphabet in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. It is also often used to teach Mandarin Chinese and spell Chinese names in foreign publications and used as an input method to enter Chinese characters into...
. In 2005, Wu was nominated as best actor at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards
Hong Kong Film Awards
The Hong Kong Film Awards , founded in 1982, are the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in mainland China and Taiwan. Award ceremonies are held annually, typically in April. The Awards recognize achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, such as directing,...
for his role in Derek Yee
Derek Yee
Derek Yee Tung-sing , born in 1957, is a former Shaw Brothers actor from Hong Kong, currently a film director and screenwriter, who has achieved fame and respect in Hong Kong and international film festival circuits for treading carefully commercial viability concerns with artistic integrity...
's One Nite in Mongkok
One Nite in Mongkok
One Nite in Mongkok is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Derek Yee Tung-Shing.-Cast and roles: * Cecilia Cheung - Dandan * Daniel Wu - Lai-fu * Alex Fong - Milo* Anson Leung - Ben* Chin Kar-lok - Brandon...
, and as best supporting actor for New Police Story. At the 41st Golden Horse Film Awards, Wu won the award for best supporting actor for New Police Story. The win came as a surprise to him, because he "didn't think that much" of his performance in the film.
In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin
Terence Yin
Terence Yin Chi Wai is a Chinese film actor, singer, producer and media relations. Yin has starred in over 30 movies, released one solo album and is presently residing in Hong Kong.- Early life :...
, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan. Wu and his band mates posted information, updates, personal thoughts (including slamming Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
, for which they were spokespersons), and the band's music, at their official website. In 2006, Wu made his writing and directorial debut with The Heavenly Kings
The Heavenly Kings
The Heavenly Kings is a 2006 Hong Kong film directed by Daniel Wu.-Background:In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Daniel Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan...
, which chronicles Alive's formation and exploits. After the film's release, however, it was revealed that The Heavenly Kings was actually a mockumentary
Mockumentary
A mockumentary , is a type of film or television show in which fictitious events are presented in documentary format. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictitious setting, or to parody the documentary form itself...
of the Hong Kong pop music industry
Cantopop
Cantopop is a colloquialism for "Cantonese popular music". It is sometimes referred to as HK-pop, short for "Hong Kong popular music". It is categorized as a subgenre of Chinese popular music within C-pop...
, and Alive was constructed purely as a vehicle to make the movie; the film's characters represented only 10-15% of their real-life counterparts and much of the footage blurred the line between fiction and reality. Wu admitted his own singing voice "sucked really bad," and the band had their voices digitally enhanced for its music, to prove that "it's easy to fake it." Despite some backlash from the media over being intentionally fed false information in the movie about illegal downloads of the band's music, Wu won the best new director award at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards, an achievement he called "a group effort."
Other projects
In April 2007, Wu re-launched his band's old website, AliveNotDead.com, with Terence Yin and RottenTomatoes.comRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
founders Patrick Lee and Stephen Wang, as a place for filmmakers, musicians, and other artists to collaborate, receive exposure, network, and interact with fans. He continues his modeling career as spokesperson for a variety of products such as Seiko and L'Oréal. Wu posed for the charity photography album SuperStars by Leslie Kee, and performed on rapper Jin
Jin (rapper)
Jin Au-Yeung , who performs under the stage name MC Jin, is a Hong Kong hip hop rapper, songwriter, and actor. Growing up in the Miami, Florida area, and later living in New York City, he decided to reside permanently in his motherland, Hong Kong...
's song, "HK Superstar." Wu is an investor in Racks MDB Shanghai, which opened in 2008.
Personal life
Wu's parents, George (a retired engineer) and Diana (a college professor) are natives of Shanghai, China. His father emigrated to the United States after the communist revolution in China in 1949, and met his mother in New York, where she was a student. After marrying they settled in California. Wu also has two older sisters, Greta and Gloria.He maintains residences in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. He continues to actively train in wushu as well as other martial arts.
On April 6, 2010, Wu married Lisa S.
Lisa S.
Lisa S. is a Channel V veejay and an international model based in Hong Kong.She was born in Monaco to a French-Chinese father who is currently the president of Caesar Palace,Gary and Jewish American mother, but grew up in New York where she was talent-scouted to be a model at age 14.S grew up in...
in South Africa.
Filmography
| Year | English title | Chinese title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Bishonen Bishonen (film) Bishonen... , is a 1998 Hong Kong romantic drama film about an ill-fated gay romance. It is directed by Yonfan and starred Stephen Fung, Daniel Wu and Shu Qi.... |
美少年の恋 | Sam Fai | |
| City of Glass City of Glass (film) City of Glass is a 1998 Hong Kong film, directed by Mabel Cheung.-Cast:* Nicola Cheung - Suzie* Daniel Wu - David* Leon Lai _ Raphael* Audrey Mak - Tiger Sing* Shu Qi - Vivian* Vincent Kok* Pauline Yam* Eason Chan... |
玻璃之城 | Daniel | credited as Daniel Ng; nominated: Hong Kong Film Awards, best new actor |
|
| Young and Dangerous: The Prequel Young and Dangerous: The Prequel Young and Dangerous: The Prequel is a 1998 Hong Kong Triad film directed by Andrew Lau. It is the second prequel in the Young and Dangerous film series.... |
新古惑仔之少年激鬥篇 | Big Head | credited as Daniel Ng | |
| 1999 | Gorgeous | 玻璃樽 | photographer's assistant | |
| Gen-X Cops Gen-X Cops Gen-X Cops is a 1999 Hong Kong action/crime film directed by Benny Chan, starring Nicholas Tse, Stephen Fung and Sam Lee.-Synopsis:Jet fuel is stolen by weapons smugglers. The fuel is reacquired by the Hong Kong police but then once again stolen by a yakuza boss named Akatora who is trying to sell... |
特警新人類 | Daniel | ||
| Purple Storm Purple Storm (film) Purple Storm is a 1999 Hong Kong science-fiction thriller directed by Teddy Chan was released on 25 October, 1999 and was officially released since on 25 November 1999... |
紫雨風暴 | Todd Nguyen | ||
| 2000 | 2000 AD 2000 AD (film) 2000 AD is a 2000 Hong Kong action film directed by Gordon Chan and produced by Hong Kong 's Media Asia Films and Singaporean publisher manufactured company studio distributed holder production house has : Raintree Pictures and United States based from American version regions based in North... |
公元2000 | Benny | |
| Undercover Blues | 刑 「殺之法」 | Joe Wong | ||
| 2001 | Headlines Headlines (film) Headlines is a 2001 Hong Kong comedy-drama film directed by Leo Heung and starring Emil Chau, Maggie Cheung, Daniel Wu, Grace Yip and Wayne Lai... |
頭號人物 | Peter Wong | |
| Hit Team | 重裝警察 | Inspector Chung Chai | ||
| Cop on a Mission | 知法犯法 | Mike | ||
| Born Wild | 野獸之瞳 | Tide Ho | ||
| Beijing Rocks Beijing Rocks Beijing Rocks is a 2001 Hong Kong film directed by award-winning director Mabel Cheung about the rock and roll music scene in Beijing... |
北京樂與路 | Michael Wu | ||
| Peony Pavilion The Peony Pavilion The Peony Pavilion is a play written by Tang Xianzu in the Ming Dynasty and first performed in 1598 at the Pavilion of Prince Teng. One of Tang's "Four Dreams", it has traditionally been performed as a Kunqu opera, but Chuan and Gan opera versions also exist... |
遊園驚夢 | Xing Zhi Gang | ||
| 2002 | Beauty and the Breast Beauty and the Breast Beauty and the Breast is a 2002 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Raymond Yip, and starring Francis Ng, Michelle Reis and Daniel Wu.-Synopsis:... |
豐胸秘Cup | Harper | |
| Love Undercover Love Undercover Love Undercover is a 2002 Hong Kong film directed by Joe Ma Wai-Ho.The film was followed by two sequels, also directed by Joe Ma: Love Undercover 2: Love Mission and Love Undercover 3 .-Cast and roles:... |
新紮師妹 | Au Hoi Man | ||
| Princess D | 想飛 | Joker | ||
| Devil Face, Angel Heart Devil Face, Angel Heart -Plot:The movie begins as Long , born with a disfigured face, and his brother Kwan work as assassins for the notorious Hong Kong triad leader, "Dragon." Dragon is involved in drugs, fire arms, prostitution, human trafficking and many more crimes. Every night he is at his mansion, Wendy , his... |
變臉迷情 | Long | ||
| The Peeping | 偷窺無罪 | Calvin | ||
| Naked Weapon Naked Weapon Naked Weapon is a 2002 Hong Kong action-thriller film directed by action choreographer Tony Ching and starring Maggie Quigley, Anya Wu and Daniel Wu. Written by prolific film producer Wong Jing, Naked Weapon is similar in theme though unrelated to his earlier work Naked Killer... |
赤裸特工 | Jack Chen | ||
| 2003 | Night Corridor | 妖夜迴廊 | Sam Yuen/Hung | also producer; nominated: Golden Horse Film Awards, best actor |
| Love Undercover 2: Love Mission | 新紮師妹2: 美麗任務 | Au Hoi Man | ||
| Hidden Track | 尋找周杰倫 | police officer | ||
| Miss Du Shi Niang | Miss 杜十娘 | Ken Li | ||
| 2004 | Magic Kitchen Magic Kitchen Magic Kitchen is a 2004 Hong Kong film, directed by Lee Chi-Ngai.-Synopsis:Yau is the proprietor of a successful restaurant/cafe. However, her personal life is very sad. During a television show, she meets her ex-lover Chuen, who announces that he is going to marry her best friend... |
魔幻厨房 | Kevin | |
| Chiseen | 黐線 | DVD version of some segments of MTV's Whatever Things | ||
| Enter the Phoenix Enter the Phoenix Enter the Phoenix is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Stephen Fung.-Plot:... |
大佬愛美麗 | Georgie Hung | ||
| One Nite In Mongkok One Nite in Mongkok One Nite in Mongkok is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Derek Yee Tung-Shing.-Cast and roles: * Cecilia Cheung - Dandan * Daniel Wu - Lai-fu * Alex Fong - Milo* Anson Leung - Ben* Chin Kar-lok - Brandon... |
旺角黑夜 | Lai Fu | nominated: Hong Kong Film Awards, best actor | |
| Around the World in 80 Days Around the World in 80 Days (2004 film) Around the World in 80 Days is a 2004 American comedy adventure film based on Jules Verne's novel of the same name. It stars Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan and Cécile de France. The film is set in 19th-century Britain and centers on Phileas Fogg , here reimagined as an eccentric inventor, and his... |
80日環遊世界 | Bak Mei | ||
| The Twins Effect II The Twins Effect II The Twins Effect II is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Corey Yuen and Patrick Leung. The film is a sequel to The Twins Effect , but has a completely different story from the first film. It starred Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung of Cantopop duo Twins in the leading roles... |
千機變II: 花都大戰 | Wei Liao | ||
| Beyond Our Ken Beyond Our Ken (film) Beyond Our Ken is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Pang Ho-Cheung, and starring Gillian Chung, Höng Tao and Daniel Wu.-Synopsis:... |
公主復仇記 | Ken | ||
| New Police Story New Police Story New Police Story is a 2004 Hong Kong action film starring Jackie Chan and directed by Benny Chan.The film is a reboot of the Police Story series. New Police Story relies much more on drama and heavy action than its predecessors.-Plot:... |
新警察故事 | Joe Kwan | winner: Golden Horse Film Awards, best supporting actor nominated: Golden Rooster Film Awards, best supporting actor |
|
| 2005 | DragonBlade DragonBlade: The Legend of Lang DragonBlade: The Legend of Lang is the first 3D-CGI Chinese animated feature film from Hong Kong and directed by Antony szeto. It was produced by "DCDC" and "China Film" company, and is also considered the first 3D rendered martial arts film.... |
龍刀奇緣 | Hung Lang | voiceover |
| House of Fury House of Fury House of Fury is a 2005 Hong Kong martial arts-action film directed by the film's co-star Stephen Fung. Jackie Chan was one of the executive producers .-Plot:... |
精武家庭 | Jason | ||
| Divergence Divergence (film) Divergence is a 2005 Hong Kong action-crime film produced and directed by Benny Chan, from a screenplay by Ivy Ho. The film stars Ekin Cheng, Aaron Kwok and Daniel Wu.-Plot:... |
三岔口 | Coke | ||
| Drink-Drank-Drunk Drink-Drank-Drunk Drink-Drank-Drunk is a 2005 Hong Kong film directed by Derek Yee.-Plot:A romantic comedy, the film is about Siu Min, a Budweiser girl who takes pity on Michael , an ethnic Chinese restaurateur from France drinking away his misfortune because his food is too sophisticated for the working class... |
千杯不醉 | Michael | ||
| Everlasting Regret Everlasting Regret Everlasting Regret is a 2005 Hong Kong film directed by Stanley Kwan, and produced by Jackie Chan. It is based on Changhen Ge, a novel by Wang Anyi, about a woman's turbulent life in 20th century Shanghai, China... |
長恨歌 | Kang Mingxun | ||
| 2006 | Rob-B-Hood Rob-B-Hood Rob-B-Hood is a 2006 action comedy film directed by Benny Chan, and starring Jackie Chan, Louis Koo and Michael Hui. It was produced with a budget of HK$130 million and filmed between December 2005 and January 2006... |
寶貝計劃 | Brokeback Security agent Daniel | |
| McDull, the Alumni McDull, The Alumni McDull, the Alumni is a 2006 Hong Kong live action/animated film directed by Samson Chiu. It is the third film adaptation of the popular McDull comic book series, following My Life as McDull, and McDull, Prince de la Bun... |
春田花花同學會 | hostage-taker | ||
| The Banquet | 夜宴 | Prince Wu Luan | ||
| The Heavenly Kings The Heavenly Kings The Heavenly Kings is a 2006 Hong Kong film directed by Daniel Wu.-Background:In 2005, Chinese media began to report that Daniel Wu had formed a boyband, Alive, with Terence Yin, Andrew Lin, and Conroy Chan... |
四大天王 | Daniel Wu | also writer & director; winner: Hong Kong Film Awards, best new director |
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| 2007 | Protégé Protégé (film) Protégé is a 2007 Singaporean-Hong Kong co-produced crime drama film written and directed by Derek Yee, starring Andy Lau, Daniel Wu, Louis Koo, Anita Yuen and Zhang Jingchu.-Plot:... |
門徒 | Nick | |
| Ming Ming Ming Ming Ming Ming is a 2006 Hong Kong action-romance film directed by Susie Au and starring Zhou Xun, Daniel Wu, Tony Yang and Jeff Chang. A debuttal feature-length film by Au, an experienced music video director, Ming Ming premiered on October 14, 2006 during the Pusan Film Festival and was released in... |
明明 | D | ||
| Blood Brothers Blood Brothers (2007 film) Blood Brothers is a 2007 Chinese film directed by Alexi Tan and starring Daniel Wu, Shu Qi, Liu Ye and Tony Yang.It was co-produced by the Taiwanese production company CMC Entertainment, the mainland Chinese Sil-Metropole Organisation, Terence Chang's Lion Rock Productions and Hong Kong film... |
天堂口 | Ah Fung | ||
| 2009 | Shinjuku Incident Shinjuku Incident Shinjuku Incident is a 2009 Hong Kong action crime drama film written and directed by Derek Yee, and also produced by and starring Jackie Chan... |
新宿事件 | Jie | |
| Overheard Overheard (film) Overheard is a 2009 Hong Kong crime thriller film written and directed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, and produced by Henry Fong and Derek Yee. The film stars Lau Ching-Wan, Louis Koo and Daniel Wu as a trio of police officers conducting surveillance on a public company... |
竊聽風雲 | Max Lam | ||
| Like a Dream | 如夢 | Max | nominated: Golden Horse Film Awards, best actor | |
| Jump Jump (film) Jump is a 2009 Hong Kong comedy-drama film, written and produced by Stephen Chow and directed by Stephen Fung. The film stars Kitty Zhang, Leon Jay Williams and Daniel Wu with action choreography by Yuen Cheung-yan. Edison Chen was originally the male lead but, due to 2008's Edison Chen photo... |
跳出去 | doctor | ||
| 2010 | Hot Summer Days Hot Summer Days Hot Summer Days is a 2010 Hong Kong romantic comedy film featuring an ensemble cast including Nicholas Tse, Jacky Cheung, Daniel Wu, Vivian Hsu, Barbie Hsu, René Liu, Angelababy and William Chan and also featuring a guest appearance by Maggie Cheung... |
全城熱戀 | Sushi master | |
| Triple Tap Triple Tap -Cast:* Louis Koo – Kwan Yau-bok* Daniel Wu – Chong Tze-wai* Charlene Choi – Ting* Li Bingbing – Anna* Alex Fong – Miu Chi-shun* Lam Suet – Fong Chi-wo* Chapman To – Pang To-External links:* at the Hong Kong Cinemagic... |
鎗王之王 | Chong Tze-wai | ||
| 2011 | Don't Go Breaking My Heart Don't Go Breaking My Heart (film) Don't Go Breaking My Heart is a 2011 Hong Kong romantic comedy film directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-Fai, making this the third film they have collaborated on together. The film stars Louis Koo, Daniel Wu and Gao Yuanyuan. The film opened the 35th Hong Kong International Film Festival on 20 March... |
單身男女 | ||
| The Founding of a Party The Founding of a Party The Founding of a Party, alternatively titled in English Beginning of the Great Revival for its international release, is a Chinese film released in 2011 to mark the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party of China... |
建党伟业 | Hu Shih Hu Shih Hu Shih , born Hu Hung-hsing , was a Chinese philosopher, essayist and diplomat. His courtesy name was Shih-chih . Hu is widely recognized today as a key contributor to Chinese liberalism and language reform in his advocacy for the use of written vernacular Chinese... |
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| Overheard 2 Overheard 2 Overheard 2 is a 2011 Hong Kong crime thriller film produced by Derek Yee, written and directed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong and starring Louis Koo, Lau Ching Wan and Daniel Wu... |
竊聽風雲2 | Joe Szema | ||
| 2012 | The Man with the Iron Fists | Poison Dagger | ||
| TBA | Inseparable Inseparable (film) Inseparable is an upcoming black comedy film written and directed by Dayyan Eng. The film stars two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and Chinese stars Daniel Wu and Gong Beibi... |
形影不離 | Li | |
| The Last Supper | 王的盛宴 | Xiang Yu |