This Fresh Air interview focuses on actor Simu Liu, discussing his career trajectory and personal experiences. The conversation begins with his new film, *Last Breath*, detailing the physically demanding role and the real-life diver who inspired it. It then moves to his experiences in *Barbie* and the challenges of the Oscars performance, followed by reflections on his upbringing in China and his difficult relationship with his immigrant parents, as detailed in his memoir, *We Were Dreamers*. The interview concludes with a discussion of his breakout role in *Shang-Chi* and his early career struggles, including working as a stock photo model. Simu Liu's story highlights the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a non-traditional career path while navigating complex family dynamics.
