Who is Avatar: The Last Airbender star Dallas Liu? The young Asian-American has appeared in Marvel’s Shang-Chi, Hulu’s hit show Pen15 – and the martial arts-trained actor even played Bruce Lee
And with the rise in popular Asian cinema and television in Hollywood, Asian actors are met with more opportunities than even their contemporaries just a decade ago. Netflix’s Asian-led shows, such as Never Have I Ever to the more recent Avatar: The Last Airbender, have redefined film and television for a younger Asian audience.
Starring in the recently launched live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender remake, the martial arts-trained actor Dallas Liu is winning over fans with his exceptional performance. Here’s what we know about the rising star.
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Dallas Liu is 22 years old
Practising the Japanese martial arts of Shotokan, a style of karate, Liu began competing at age five in the North American Sport Karate Association. In 2009, he scored his first on-screen role in the martial arts film Tekken.
The young athlete caught the attention of Nickelodeon and landed a recurring role in the series Legendary Dudas. He also played Bruce Lee in Netflix’s The Who Was? Show, a historical sketch comedy television series.
By 2019, Liu transitioned into comedy with Hulu’s coming-of-age series Pen15, about a group of teenagers in the year 2000. Liu plays the cool older brother Shuji Ishii-Peters, proving that he can handle a range of characters and genres.
He’s already been in a Marvel film
The Chinese Indonesian actor, who grew up in San Gabriel Valley, California, later rubbed shoulders with fellow stars Simu Liu and Awkwafina in Shang-Chi, assuming the role of Awkwafina’s younger brother Ruihua.
Liu’s latest role is in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, playing Prince Zuko. Reports reveal that the show has been picked up for two more seasons, meaning fans can expect to see more of Liu.
In an interview with Variety magazine, Liu expressed excitement about where the plot might take his character, and about more representation. Liu added that with the talented pool of Asian and indigenous actors in the industry, the storyline could go in an endless number of directions.
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He leads an active life
When not on set or travelling the world to promote his work, Liu is still very much an athlete, despite no longer actively competing in karate. He revealed in an interview with Numéro Mag that he loves snowboarding and rock climbing.
As for fans who enjoy his work, you’re in luck. Liu intends to keep making his mark in the industry – he’s expressed interest in writing and directing, according to the same publication, and hopes to release his own film one day.
- The actor stars as Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender, which has reportedly been renewed by Netflix for 2 more seasons; he’s also competed in Shotokan karate
- The Chinese Indonesian actor grew up in San Gabriel Valley, California and was in Marvel’s Shang-Chi alongside fellow stars Simu Liu and Awkwafina