Hubbry Logo
Shawn DouShawn DouMain
Open search
Shawn Dou
Community hub
Shawn Dou
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Shawn Dou
Shawn Dou
from Wikipedia

Shawn Dou (simplified Chinese: 窦骁; traditional Chinese: 竇驍; pinyin: Dòu Xiāo; born 15 December 1988) is a Chinese Canadian actor best known for his role Laosan in film Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010) and Yan Xun in costume drama Princess Agents (2017).[1] He is married to Laurinda Ho, daughter of Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho.[2]

Key Information

Life and education

[edit]

Dou was born in Xi'an. His parents migrated to Canada when Dou was ten years old. Dou attended David Lloyd George Elementary School in Vancouver. There, Dou learned Karate and won the championship for two years consecutively.[3] After graduating from DLG in 2001, he attended Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver, BC, and graduated from there in 2006. He returned to China and was accepted by the Beijing Film Academy in 2008. When Dou was in his second year of studies, he participated in the auditions for Under the Hawthorn Tree and was subsequently picked as the male lead.[4][5]

In April 2019, Dou was reported dating with Laurinda Ho, daughter of Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho. The couple married in Bali on 18 April 2023.[2]

Career

[edit]

Dou rose to fame for his role in Zhang Yimou's film, Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010).[6] He then starred in the romance drama film, The Seal of Love (2011), directed by Huo Jianqi.[7] Dou starred in films of various genres, most notably, Wolf Totem (2015)[8] and Youth Dinner (2017),[9] which won him the Best Actor award at the 11th Festival Du Cinema Chinois De Paris.[10]

Dou gained mainstream recognition for his role as the antagonistic prince Yan Xun in the highly popular costume drama, Princess Agents.[11][12] Thereafter, he starred in the fantasy epic drama, Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy.[13]

In 2019, Dou starred in the romance dramas See You Again, alongside Tiffany Tang;[14] as well as Ten Years Late.[15][16] The same year, he co-starred in the action thriller Breakout: Sky Fire.[17]

In 2020, Dou reunited with Tiffany Tang in the historical drama, The Legend of Xiao Chuo, portraying Han Derang.[18] In 2022, Dou headlined the republican romance drama Love in Flames of War.[19] From 2022 to 2024, Dou portrayed Dai Wei in TV series Ode to Joy season 3 to 5. In 2025, Dou starred in the costume suspense drama, Kill My Sins, alongside Liu Shishi.[20]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Role Notes/Ref.
2010 Under the Hawthorn Tree 山楂樹之戀 Jian Xin (Laosan) [6]
2011 The Seal of Love 秋之白華 Qu Qiubai [7]
Racing Legends 赛车传奇 Ye Haocheng [21]
The Flowers of War 金陵十三釵 Soldier Cameo[22]
The Allure of Tears 傾城之淚 Chen Yi [23]
2012 Nightfall 大追捕 young Wong Yuen-yeung [24]
Dangerous Liaisons 危險關係 Dai Wenzhou [25]
2014 Urban Games 城市遊戲 Zhang Weibai [26]
2015 Wolf Totem 狼圖騰 Yang Ke [8]
The Queens 我是女王 Ma Ke [27]
To the Fore 破風 Qiu Tian [28]
Time to Love 新步步驚心 14th Prince [29]
Beautiful 2015 失眠笔记 Short film[30]
2016 Everybody's Fine 一切都好 Guan Quan [31]
The Last Race 终极胜利 Xu Niu [32]
2017 Youth Dinner 六人晚餐 Ding Chenggong [9]
2019 Skyfire 天火危情 Zheng Nan [17]
2024 A Legend 傳奇 Huo Qubing [33]
TBA Saga of Light 日月 Houyi [34]

Television series

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Role Network Notes/Ref.
2017 Princess Agents 楚乔传 Yan Xun Hunan TV [11]
Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy 九州·海上牧云记 Muru Hanjiang iQiyi, Tencent, Youku [13]
2019 From Survivor to Healer 爱上你治愈我 Yan Shuren [35]
See You Again 时间都知道 Ye Jiacheng Beijing TV [14]
Ten Years Late 十年三月三十日 Jin Ran iQiyi, Tencent [15]
2020 The Legend of Xiao Chuo 燕云台 Han Derang Tencent, BTV [18]
2021 New Generation: Bomb Disposal Expert 我们的新时代 Liu Xishi Dragon TV, BTV [36]
Tears in Heaven 海上繁花 Lei Yuzheng iQiyi, Tencent, Youku [37]
2022 Love in Flames of War 良辰好景知几何 Xiao Beichen Youku, Zhejiang TV [19]
Ode to Joy 3 欢乐颂3 Dai Wei Tencent Video, Dragon TV [13]
2023 Ode to Joy 4 欢乐颂4 Dai Wei Tencent Video, CCTV
2024 Ode to Joy 5 欢乐颂5 Dai Wei
2025 Kill My Sins 掌心 Yuan Shaocheng Youku [20]
The Litchi Road 长安的荔枝 Lu Huan Tencent Video, CCTV [38]
TBA Chao Gan Mi Gong 超感迷宫 Zhuang Mingcheng Tencent Video [39]
City of Burns 焰火明城 Shen Yan iQiyi [40]
The Protagonist 主角 Liu Hongbing Tencent Video, CCTV [41]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Results Ref.
2010 Tencent Video Star Awards Most Promising Film Actor Under the Hawthorn Tree Won [42]
5th BQ Celebrity Score Awards Film Newcomer of the Year Won [43]
2011 Sina Online Award Ceremony Newcomer of the Year Won [44]
China Screen Ranking Won [45]
1st Harbin Film Festival Most Commercially Valuable New Actor Won [46]
14th Huabiao Awards Outstanding New Actor (Overseas) Nominated [47]
5th FIRST International Film Festival Most Anticipated Newcomer Won [48]
Grand Ceremony of New Forces Most Popular Film Actor Won [49]
Sohu Entertainment Award New Face Award N/a Won [50]
Baidu Fudian Awards Hottest New Actor Won [51]
China Power Fashion Awards Most Beautiful Dazzling Youth Won [52]
6th BQ Celebrity Score Awards Rising Actor Won [53]
2012 2nd China Film Director's Guild Awards Best Actor The Seal of Love Nominated
12th Chinese Film Media Awards Most Anticipated Actor The Allure of Tears Nominated [54]
2016 11th Festival Du Cinema Chinois De Paris Best Actor Youth Dinner Won [10]
2019 Golden Bud - The Fourth Network Film And Television Festival Best Actor From Survivor to Healer, See You Again, Ten Years Late Won [55]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Shawn Dou (born December 15, 1988) is a of Chinese descent recognized for his work in Chinese cinema and television, particularly his breakthrough role in director Zhang Yimou's romantic drama Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010). Born in , province, , Dou relocated with his family to , , at the age of 10, where he grew up. In 2008, at age 19, he returned to after being accepted into the , where he honed his acting skills and fluency in Mandarin. Dou's acting career launched prominently with his debut as the male lead in Under the Hawthorn Tree, a film set during China's that earned critical acclaim and introduced him to international audiences. He followed this with supporting roles in high-profile projects, including a Chinese soldier in Zhang Yimou's (2011), starring . Subsequent film credits include the romantic drama (2012), a Shanghai-set adaptation of the classic novel co-starring . In 2015, he portrayed the protagonist in , a Sino-French co-production about a young man's bond with Mongolian wolves, which premiered at the . Other notable films encompass the sports drama To the Fore (2015), directed by , and the disaster thriller Skyfire (2020), China's first major entry in the genre, which featured volcanic eruptions on a luxury resort island. Transitioning to television, Dou starred in several popular historical and fantasy series, including the wuxia drama Princess Agents (2017), where he played the strategist Yan Xun alongside Zhao Liying, contributing to its status as one of China's highest-rated shows that year. He also led the epic fantasy Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy (2017), a large-scale production exploring ancient dynasties and political intrigue. More recent works include the romantic series From Survivor to Healer (2019), and roles in The Litchi Road (2025) and Kill My Sins (2025). Throughout his career, Dou has received accolades such as the Best Actor award at the 11th Festival Du Cinema Chinois De Paris for his role in Youth Dinner (2017). In his , Dou holds Canadian citizenship and maintains a low-profile existence. On April 18, 2023, he married Laurinda Ho, the daughter of late Macau casino magnate , in a lavish two-day ceremony at Six Senses Uluwatu in , attended by over 200 guests including celebrities and business elites. The event, estimated to cost $6.4 million, highlighted their four-year relationship and blended traditional Chinese elements with luxury resort settings. In October 2025, unfounded divorce rumors surfaced online, which the couple denied in a joint statement on November 1, 2025.

Early life and education

Early years and immigration

Shawn Dou was born on December 15, 1988, in , Province, . He spent his early childhood in , immersed in the cultural and historical surroundings of the ancient city. In 1998, at the age of ten, Dou immigrated to , , along with his parents. The relocation introduced him to a new environment, fostering a bicultural perspective shaped by his Chinese roots and Canadian experiences. This move laid the groundwork for Dou's dual heritage, influencing his later personal and professional identity as a Chinese-Canadian figure in the entertainment industry.

Education

Shawn Dou attended David Lloyd George Elementary School in , , . After graduating from elementary school in 2001, he continued his secondary education at Sir Secondary School in , where he developed an interest in through training, eventually winning youth championships. He completed his studies and graduated in 2006. Following high school, Dou participated in extracurricular activities that exposed him to public performance, notably entering the "Sunshine Boy" talent competition organized by Canadian Chinese Radio in 2007, where he secured first place and gained initial recognition for his charisma and stage presence. In 2008, Dou returned to and was accepted into the prestigious , enrolling in its renowned acting program, which typically spans four years and emphasizes rigorous training in performance techniques, including voice, movement, and character development under the guidance of established faculty. During his time there, particularly in his second year, he began preparing for professional opportunities while honing foundational skills essential for a career in film and television.

Acting career

Debut and early roles

After graduating from the in 2011, Shawn Dou transitioned into acting with minor appearances and modeling opportunities that highlighted his fresh appeal in the Chinese entertainment industry. His early exposure included winning the Sunshine Boy competition in in 2007, which encouraged him to pursue acting upon returning to . Dou made his debut in Zhang Yimou's Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010), portraying the lead role of Jinsheng, a young man from a privileged family who falls in love during the era. The film, adapted from Ai Mi's novel, earned widespread praise for its tender depiction of forbidden romance, with Dou's performance noted for its emotional depth and natural charisma as a newcomer. This role marked his breakthrough into critical notice, establishing him as a promising talent in Chinese cinema. Following his debut, Dou took on supporting and lead roles in several early projects, including the action film Empire of Assassins (2011), where he played a key character in a tale of revenge and intrigue. He also starred as in the historical romance The Seal of Love (2011), directed by Huo Jianqi, depicting the revolutionary's relationship amid early 20th-century turmoil. These roles allowed him to explore diverse genres, from drama to action, while building his on-screen presence. For his work in Under the Hawthorn Tree, Dou received a for Outstanding New at the 2011 Huabiao Awards, recognizing his potential as an emerging performer. As a Chinese-Canadian who had immigrated to at age 10 before returning to study in , Dou navigated the industry with relative ease due to his strong Mandarin fluency compared to many overseas-born peers, though he faced the typical pressures of proving himself in a competitive market.

Breakthrough and major projects

Shawn Dou's career gained significant momentum in , marked by multiple lead roles that elevated his profile in both Chinese and international cinema. This surge included starring as the 14th Prince Yin Ti in the romantic drama Time to Love, a modern adaptation of a popular time-travel narrative, and as Qiu Tian, a competitive cyclist, in the sports film To the Fore opposite , which highlighted his versatility across genres. These projects, alongside growing industry acclaim, positioned Dou as an emerging talent capable of handling demanding ensemble casts and high-stakes productions. A pivotal moment came with his starring role as Yang Ke in Wolf Totem (2015), a Sino-French co-production directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and adapted from Jiang Rong's bestselling novel. In the film, Dou portrayed a Beijing student sent to Inner Mongolia during the Cultural Revolution, where he grapples with nomadic traditions and environmental themes amid stunning 3D wildlife sequences. The international collaboration, announced at Cannes and budgeted at $38 million, introduced Dou to global audiences, with the film earning praise for its visceral visuals and serving as China's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards. This exposure enhanced his visibility beyond mainland China, bridging Eastern and Western filmmaking sensibilities. Dou's breakthrough extended to television with his portrayal of Yan Xun, the ambitious and antagonistic Prince of Northern Yan, in the 2017 historical action drama . The series, adapted from a popular web novel, achieved massive viewership, amassing over 42 billion clicks on Chinese streaming platforms and more than 230 million views on , making it the most-watched Chinese TV drama internationally at the time. His performance in the role, which demanded intense emotional depth and physicality, drew widespread acclaim for capturing the character's tragic arc amid political intrigue and battles. Dou's early training in Shito-Ryu , honed during his high school years in where he won consecutive championships, informed his execution of the show's demanding action sequences, integrating authentic techniques into sword fights and choreography. Further solidifying his reputation, Dou received the award at the 11th Festival du Cinéma Chinois de for his lead role in the youth romance Youth Dinner (), where he played a young man navigating family dynamics and first love in 1990s . This honor, among other recognitions, underscored his ability to convey nuanced emotional performances in intimate, character-driven stories, capping a transformative period in the mid-2010s.

Recent developments

In 2020, Shawn Dou took on the lead role of Han De Rang in the , portraying a Khitan prince in a story spanning the and emphasizing themes of political intrigue and romance. The series marked his return to period pieces after earlier works, highlighting his ability to embody complex historical figures. From 2022 to 2024, Dou demonstrated versatility by portraying Huang Dai Wei, a multifaceted businessman, across multiple seasons of the urban ensemble drama (seasons 3–5), which explores the lives of professional women in modern and his character's evolving relationships within that dynamic. His recurring role in the series, which aired on major platforms like , showcased a shift toward contemporary narratives, contrasting his historical roles and appealing to a broad domestic audience. Dou's film work in the early gained international traction with the 2019 disaster thriller Skyfire, which received North American distribution in December 2020 and featured him as a key supporting character in a high-stakes volcanic eruption plot alongside and . The film's global release, directed by , represented an early step in Dou's exposure to Western markets through co-productions blending Chinese spectacle with Hollywood-style action. In 2024, he appeared in the action fantasy A Legend, directed by and starring , where Dou played a supporting role in a linking ancient artifacts to modern-day , further diversifying his portfolio into fantasy genres with international co-stars. This collaboration underscored his growing involvement in high-profile ensemble projects aimed at global audiences. By 2025, Dou starred as the ambitious official Yuan Shao Cheng opposite in the historical suspense Kill My Sins, a 40-episode series that aired from February to April on platforms like and , delving into mysteries of murder and conspiracy. The project highlighted his pivot toward thriller elements within period settings, earning praise for its intricate plotting and his portrayal of a power-driven antagonist. Additionally, he featured in the 2024 wuxia film and the 2025 The Litchi Road, which aired starting in June, signaling continued momentum in diverse genres. As of November 2025, Dou maintains a strong industry standing through these varied collaborations, including recent public appearances promoting his work amid a busy schedule of suspense and action-oriented projects.

Personal life

Citizenship and residence

Shawn Dou holds , which he acquired through his family's from to when he was 10 years old. Since moving to in 2008 to attend the , Dou has maintained his primary residence in , where he is based for his acting career. He makes occasional trips back to to visit family, such as a month-long stay in 2018. Dou maintains a low-profile focused on and fitness. Dou's bicultural background, shaped by his early years in , , and subsequent upbringing in , has notably influenced his professional opportunities, particularly through his fluency in both Mandarin and English, which exceeds that of many Chinese-Canadian actors raised in . This bilingual proficiency has enabled him to engage in English-language interviews and contribute to projects bridging Chinese and international audiences.

Marriage and family

Shawn Dou married Laurinda Ho on April 18, 2023, in a lavish in , . The couple began in early 2019 after meeting at a fashion event in March of that year, with their relationship publicly confirmed shortly thereafter when they shared photos and details on . Laurinda Ho is a prominent Hong Kong businesswoman and , best known as the daughter of the late casino magnate and his third wife, Ina Chan. She has pursued entrepreneurial ventures in fashion and philanthropy while maintaining a high-profile presence in Asian society. Since their marriage, Dou and Ho have occasionally appeared together at public events and shared glimpses of their life on , including Ho posting about home-cooked meals for her husband. In October 2025, amid online rumors of marital discord, the couple issued a joint statement denying any and reaffirming their strong relationship, with Dou later making public appearances to address the speculation. As of November 2025, they have not publicly announced any children.

Filmography

Films

Shawn Dou made his film debut in 2010 and has since appeared in over 20 feature films, often in leading or supporting roles across genres including drama, action, and historical epics.
  • Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010) as Sun Jianxin (lead), directed by .
  • The Seal of Love (2011) as (lead).
  • Racing Legends (2011) as Ye Haocheng (lead).
  • The Allure of Tears (2011) as (lead).
  • The Flowers of War (2011) as Chinese Soldier (supporting), directed by .
  • Dangerous Liaisons (2012) as Dai Wenzhou (supporting).
  • Nightfall (2012) as Wong Yuen Yeung (young) (supporting).
  • Urban Games (2014) as Web (lead).
  • Time to Love (2015) as Yin Ti (14th Prince) (lead).
  • To the Fore (2015) as Qiu Tian (lead).
  • Wolf Totem (2015) as Yang Ke (lead).
  • The Queens (2015) as Mark (supporting).
  • Beautiful 2015 (2015) as Liang (supporting).
  • Everybody's Fine (2016) as Guan Quan (lead).
  • On Wings of Eagles (2016) as Xu Niu (lead).
  • Youth Dinner (2017) as Ding Chenggong (lead).
  • Skyfire (2019) as Zhengnan (lead).
  • Knock Knock (2021) as Ma Mingliang (lead).
  • 1921 (2021) as Chen Tanqiu (supporting).
  • A Legend (2024) as (supporting).
  • Heroes of Dunhuang (2024) as Cao Guangzong (lead).

Television series

Shawn Dou began his prominent television career in 2017 and has since starred in numerous Chinese dramas, primarily long-form historical, romance, and urban series spanning 30 to 75 episodes each.
YearTitleRoleEpisodes/SeasonsNotes
2017Princess AgentsYan Xun [Yan Emperor]67 episodesMain role in historical wuxia drama.
2017Tribes and Empires: Storm of ProphecyMuru Han Jiang75 episodesMain role in historical fantasy series.
2019From Survivor to HealerYan Shu Ren40 episodesMain role in medical drama.
2019See You AgainYe Jia Cheng45 episodesMain role in romance drama.
2019Ten Years LateJin Ran39 episodesMain role in urban romance.
2020The Legend of Xiao ChuoHan De Rang48 episodesLead role in historical political drama.
2021Tears in HeavenLei Yu Zheng41 episodesMain role in urban business romance.
2021New Generation: Bomb Disposal ExpertLiu Xi ShiEpisodes 9–16 (of 48)Support role in anthology series segment.
2022Ode to Joy 3Huang Dai Wei33 episodesRecurring support role in urban life drama (Season 3).
2022Love in Flames of WarXiao Bei Chen43 episodesMain role in wartime romance drama.
2023Ode to Joy 4Huang Dai Wei / Dai Mei Zuo / Yan Zheng Yi37 episodesRecurring support role in urban life drama (Season 4).
2024Ode to Joy 5Dai Wei34 episodesRecurring support role in urban life drama (Season 5).
2025The Litchi RoadLu Huan [Security Bureau's deputy director]35 episodesSupport role in historical drama.
2025Kill My SinsYuan Shao Cheng30 episodesLead role alongside Liu Shishi in historical thriller mini-series.

Awards and nominations

Film awards

Shawn Dou's film performances have garnered recognition through various awards and nominations, particularly following his breakout role in Under the Hawthorn Tree. These accolades highlight his early promise and subsequent versatility in Chinese cinema.
YearAwardCategoryFilmResult
2011Huabiao Film AwardsOutstanding Abroad ActorUnder the Hawthorn TreeNominated
2011Weibo Awards CeremonyNew Actor of the YearUnder the Hawthorn TreeWon
2012Chinese Film Media AwardsBest ActorThe Allure of TearsNominated
2012Audience AwardFavorite ActorThe Allure of TearsNominated
2016Changchun Film Festival (Golden Deer Awards)Best Supporting ActorTo the ForeNominated
2016Festival du Cinéma Chinois de ParisBest ActorYouth DinnerWon

Television awards

Shawn Dou received a at the 35th in 2022 for in a Near-Modern for his role as Xiao Beichen in the historical drama Love in Flames of War, which aired on Hunan TV and . The , often regarded as one of China's most prestigious honors for television and film, recognize outstanding achievements in Chinese-language productions, with this category highlighting lead performances in modern or period dramas. His portrayal of a principled navigating romance and wartime intrigue during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression contributed to the series' acclaim for its blend of historical accuracy and emotional depth. Despite the , the award went to another actor, underscoring Dou's growing prominence in television following his earlier film successes.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.