An accomplished martial artist who has studied it since he was 11, founded the University of Oregon's Wushu Club in 1996 to promote Wushu, a sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.
During a 1997 visit to Hong Kong, he ran short of money, leading his sister to suggest he begin modeling for some extra income.
Was discovered by Hong Kong photographer Yonfan, who spotted Wu's picture in a clothing advertisement.
Cast in Bishonen (1998), despite an inability to speak Hong Kong Cantonese or read Mandarin, which sparked Wu's transition into film and TV.
Received a Best New Actor nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his work in City of a Class.
In 2005, formed the parody boyband Alive with friends Terence Yin, Andrew Lin and Conroy Chan to fuel their 2006 mockumentary The Heavenly Kings, which spoofed the Hong Kong music industry, a project that earned Wu the best new director award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
In 2007, he re-launched his band's website AliveNotDead.com as a platform for filmmakers, musicians and other artists to interact with fans.
Co-founder of the production company Diversion Pictures with Bishonen co-star Stephen Fung.