Overview

Daniel Wu, born on September 30, 1974, is a Hong Kong American actor, director, and producer. He was born in Berkeley, California to parents who were immigrants from Shanghai, China. He developed an interest in martial arts at age 11 after watching Jet Li films, leading him to study wushu. Wu attended the University of Oregon where he majored in architecture and founded the University of Oregon Wushu Club in 1994, serving as its first coach. After graduating, he traveled to Hong Kong where he began modeling. His acting career began in 1998 when director Yonfan cast him in “Bishonen”. Since then, Wu has starred in over 60 films, showcasing his talent in martial arts, action, and drama. He gained recognition for his roles in movies like “New Police Story” for which he won Best Supporting Actor. Wu also directed and wrote “The Heavenly Kings” in 2006, winning Best New Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards. He is also known for his role as Sunny in the AMC series “Into the Badlands” and has starred in the Disney+ series “American Born Chinese”. Beyond acting, Daniel Wu is also an accomplished race car driver.

What Is Daniel Wu’s Net Worth?

Daniel Wu, a multifaceted Hong Kong American actor, director, and producer, has amassed a considerable net worth throughout his career. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $20 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his extensive work in the entertainment industry, with over 60 films under his belt, along with his ventures as a director and producer.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Berkeley, California, in September 1974, Daniel Wu’s journey to stardom began with an interest in martial arts at the age of 11, studying wushu. He pursued architecture at the University of Oregon, where he also explored his passion for film through classes and theater attendance. After graduating, Wu traveled to Hong Kong, where he initially started as a model. His break came when film director Yonfan noticed him and offered him a role in a movie. This led to his debut film role in 1998 with “San goo waak chai ji siu nin gik dau pin,” marking the beginning of his prolific acting career.

Acting Career: Films and Television

Daniel Wu has starred in a multitude of films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Some of his notable film credits include “Control” (2013), “Europa Report” (2013), “Chinese Zodiac” (2012), “The Man with the Iron Fists” (2012), “Tai Chi Hero” (2012), “The Last Supper” (2011), “Tai Chi Zero” (2012), “The Great Magician” (2012), “Inseparable” (2011), “Beginning of the Great Revival,” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” He gained recognition in mainland China and Hong Kong, becoming known for his roles in films such as “New Police Story,” “La Légende du scorpion noir,” “Protégé,” and “Shinjuku Incident.” He has also appeared in international films such as Frank Coraci’s “Around the World in 80 Days” (2004), “Blood Brothers” (2007), “Overheard” (2009), and Quentin Tarantino’s presentation of “The Man with the Iron Fists” (2012).

In television, Wu starred as Sunny in the AMC martial arts drama series “Into the Badlands” from 2015 to 2019, where he also served as an executive producer, contributing to his income through production ventures. More recently, he appeared in the Disney+ limited series, “American Born Chinese” (2023), based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang and the HBO series, “Westworld” (2022).

Directing and Producing Ventures

In addition to acting, Daniel Wu has ventured into directing and producing. In 2006, he wrote and directed “The Heavenly Kings,” a film that offered a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the boy band Alive, which was formed solely to promote the film. “The Heavenly Kings” earned him the Best New Director award at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards. He has also produced films such as “Control” (2013) and “Tai Chi Zero” (2012), further augmenting his income through profit sharing from these projects.

Endorsements and Spokesperson Roles

Daniel Wu has also supplemented his income through endorsement deals. He has been a spokesperson for brands like L’Oreal and Seiko. Specific details about the financial terms of these endorsements are not publicly available, but such partnerships typically provide substantial income for celebrities.

In 2023, SAIC Audi collaborated with Daniel Wu, showcasing their Audi Q6 and A7L models, which would have contributed to his income through brand ambassadorship.

Real Estate Investments

In 2020, Daniel Wu purchased a five-bedroom mansion in Oakland’s Upper Rockridge neighborhood for S$5.4 million (approximately $4.1 million USD). The 367sqm house, designed with a modern, minimalist theme, included a garden, swimming pool, barbecue area, lounge area with a bar, a large master bedroom, an indoor gym, and a study room. He sold the house in 2022 for S$5.95 million (approximately $4.5 million USD), earning a profit of S$550,000 (approximately $418,000 USD) on the sale. This real estate transaction demonstrates his ability to make profitable investments outside of the entertainment industry.

Awards and Recognition

Daniel Wu’s talent and hard work have been recognized with several awards throughout his career. He has won a China Film Media Award, a Golden Horse Film Festival Award, and a Hong Kong Film Award. In 2004, he won the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “New Police Story.” His film “The Heavenly Kings” won him Best New Director at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2007. These accolades not only highlight his achievements but also contribute to his marketability and earning potential.

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