Nicky Wu has confirmed that he will no longer act in television series or films, pivoting his career toward variety programming and short-video creation after decades in the entertainment industry.
Social Media Announcement Ends Acting Career
The 55-year-old Taiwanese entertainer addressed questions regarding his recent lack of new acting projects by posting a direct response on social media confirming he is done making dramatic series. While interacting with online users, Wu outlined that while he still intends to hold live concert events, his days on scripted production sets have come to an end.
Wu’s recent professional ventures center around mainland China, where he lives in the Shanghai and Beijing areas. In September 2025, he launched a documentary-style travel and culture program titled Long Xing Tian Xia. Alongside unscripted television development, he established a film and television production company focused on the short-drama market.
Athletic Background and 135 Medals Before Entertainment
Before achieving fame in music and television, Wu trained as a competitive athlete specializing in judo and taekwondo. Records from his early career show he accumulated 23 championship titles and 135 medals while representing Taiwan in international competitions.
That athletic trajectory ended in 1985 when he sustained a right-shoulder dislocation during a tournament in Southeast Asia. Coupled with family financial hardships that left him carrying substantial debt, Wu abandoned competitive sports to seek other work.
Rise Through Little Tigers and Scarlet Heart
At age 17, while running a street stall in Taipei, a talent scout discovered Wu, leading to his entry into the entertainment industry. In 1988, he joined the boy band Little Tigers as “Thunderbolt Tiger,” achieving pop music success across the Chinese-speaking world.
Following the group, he established a solo career alongside Takeshi Kaneshiro, Jimmy Lin, and Alec Su, earning designation among the “Four Little Kings” of the Chinese-language film industry. He later expanded his career into the Hong Kong film sector.
In the 2000s, Wu shifted his primary operating base to mainland China. He achieved a major career milestone in 2011 starring as the Yongzheng Emperor in the historical drama Scarlet Heart. The role won him multiple best actor trophies and introduced him to co-star Liu Shishi. The two married in 2015, held a ceremony the following year, and share one son.
Transition to Digital Platforms and Short-Video Creation
Wu recently launched an account on the Douyin short-video platform to share insights from his travels and daily life. Describing himself as a beginner grappling with farsightedness, he noted that learning short-form digital production presents a fresh challenge.
Aside from his media ventures and occasional music work, Wu spends his time exercising, exploring culinary arts, and watching anime. His official schedule focuses on cultural exploration programs and digital content creation rather than returning to dramatic television sets.
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