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Shawn Dou
View on WikipediaShawn 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]- ^ Zhou Ziyu (周子榆); Juan Juan (卷卷) (2022). 窦骁:站的越高,看的越往里 [Dou Xiao: the higher you stand, the more you look in]. Modern Youth (in Chinese). 467. Haikou, Hainan: Modern Youth Press: 23–26. ISSN 1004-2555.
- ^ a b "Love jackpot? Inside Hong Kong casino heiress Laurinda Ho's lavish lifestyle". 8 May 2023.
- ^ 窦骁综艺首秀登《奔跑吧兄弟》 阳光男孩爱紧张. Netease (in Chinese). October 13, 2014. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ "Success story: Shawn Dou". China Daily. September 27, 2012. Archived from the original on June 18, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
- ^ 《山楂树之恋》选角过程曝光 窦骁非张艺谋亲戚. Tencent (in Chinese). August 23, 2011. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ a b "Story of an age of innocence simply told". China Daily. September 7, 2010. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
- ^ a b "'Hawthorn Tree' Actor Grabs New Role". China Radio International. October 27, 2010. Archived from the original on October 29, 2010.
- ^ a b "Cannes: French Co-Production 'Wolf Totem' Casts Chinese Stars in Lead Roles". The Hollywood Reporter. May 7, 2013. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
- ^ a b 青春爱情片《六人晚餐》定档5.11上映 窦骁张钧甯领衔主演 先导海报预告双发. Mtime (in Chinese). March 23, 2017. Archived from the original on February 28, 2018.
- ^ a b 窦骁封帝 《六人晚餐》巴黎连中两奖. NetEase (in Chinese). December 10, 2016. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
- ^ a b 电视剧首秀《楚乔传》开播 窦骁喜欢射箭练定性. Sina (in Chinese). June 8, 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-06-08. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ "A crown jewel". China Daily. August 17, 2017. Archived from the original on November 29, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
- ^ a b c 窦骁《海上牧云记》神还原寒江 演技在线广获赞. Sina (in Chinese). December 5, 2017. Archived from the original on 2019-02-09. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ a b 《时间都知道》曝海报 唐嫣与窦骁杨烁共谱恋歌. Sina (in Chinese). May 18, 2017. Archived from the original on 2018-02-28. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ a b 《十年三月三十日》曝主演阵容 窦骁娜扎为爱重逢. Sina (in Chinese). November 14, 2017. Archived from the original on 2018-01-01. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ "Online TV series focuses on love stories of 6 young Chinese". China Daily. September 23, 2019. Archived from the original on November 8, 2019. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
- ^ a b "古墓丽影"导演华语新片《天火危情》杀青 电影首发工作照 “少年派”视效团队保驾护航. Mtime (in Chinese). October 22, 2018. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- ^ a b 《燕云台》掀神秘面纱 唐嫣窦骁演绎磅礴传奇. Netease (in Chinese). October 30, 2019. Archived from the original on October 30, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
- ^ a b 《良辰好景知几何》窦骁陈都灵谱写乱世霸宠绝恋. Netease (in Chinese). June 19, 2020. Archived from the original on July 19, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
- ^ a b "#电视剧掌心开播#". weibo.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
- ^ 《赛车传奇》12月2日公映 窦骁张钧甯演绎赛道纯爱. Mtime (in Chinese). November 29, 2011. Archived from the original on February 28, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ 《金陵十三钗》传秘密换角 窦骁出演抗日军人. Sina (in Chinese). February 14, 2011. Archived from the original on 2018-02-28. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ "'Hawthorn Tree' lovebirds take on new project". China.org.cn. July 22, 2011. Archived from the original on July 27, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ 《大追捕》3月15日上映 窦骁饰年轻版张家辉. Sina (in Chinese). February 29, 2012. Archived from the original on 2017-12-15. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ 《危险关系》新制作特辑曝光 窦骁民国小清新. Mtime (in Chinese). September 18, 2012. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ "China Film Group, Martini play 'Urban Games'". Variety. September 27, 2012. Archived from the original on February 28, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ "BUSAN: Song Hye-kyo to Reign in Desen Media's 'Queens'". Variety. October 4, 2014. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ "Shawn Dou to replace Ethan Ruan in "To the Fore"". Yahoo News. June 21, 2014. Archived from the original on February 28, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ ""Bu Bu Jing Xin" Movie Premieres in Beijing". China Radio International. August 5, 2015. Archived from the original on February 28, 2018.
- ^ "'Beautiful 2015': Review". Screen Daily. March 24, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
- ^ 《一切都好》姚晨窦骁陈赫叶一云为爱撒谎. Sina (in Chinese). November 19, 2015. Archived from the original on 2018-02-28. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ "Joseph Fiennes Leads Cast in 'Chariots of Fire' 'Sequel'". Variety. June 25, 2015. Archived from the original on June 23, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ "A LEGEND (传说) (2024)". www.moviexclusive.com. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- ^ 造型时尚!迪丽热巴&窦骁新片演嫦娥后羿. Mtime (in Chinese). June 6, 2018. Archived from the original on June 17, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
- ^ 《爱上你治愈我》首曝演员阵容 窦骁苗苗上演都市治愈大戏. Netease (in Chinese). July 24, 2017. Archived from the original on February 28, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ 顾馨. "New TV series highlights ordinance disposal soldiers". www.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
- ^ 《海上繁花》曝片花 窦骁李沁携手谱写椎心恋曲. Sina (in Chinese). May 23, 2017. Archived from the original on 2020-01-27. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ "Sina Visitor System". #长安的荔枝全阵容官宣#. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
- ^ "《超感迷宫》预告". weibo.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
- ^ "#焰火明城杀青#". weibo.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
- ^ "#主角官宣阵容#". weibo.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
- ^ 视频:星光颁奖现场 周冬雨窦骁获奖. Tencent (in Chinese). October 29, 2010. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 窦骁周冬雨获年度电影新人奖 称将更努力. Sina (in Chinese). December 21, 2010. Archived from the original on 2019-09-28. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
- ^ 新浪2010网络盛典揭晓 微博元年微力无穷(组图). Sina (in Chinese). January 19, 2011. Archived from the original on 2019-09-28. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
- ^ 2010年度“《中国银幕》风云榜”揭晓. Sohu (in Chinese). January 31, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 首届华语电影产业盛典颁奖 《大地震》成赢家. Sohu (in Chinese). January 17, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 华表奖公布提名 《建党伟业》角逐最佳故事片. 1905.com (in Chinese). August 19, 2011. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ FIRST青年电影展完全获奖名单. Sina (in Chinese). September 29, 2011. Archived from the original on 2019-02-09. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
- ^ 新势力盛典颁奖 杨幂窦骁获最受欢迎奖. People's Daily (in Chinese). October 26, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 窦骁周冬雨等获封搜狐娱乐盛典年度New Face. Sohu (in Chinese). January 24, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 周冬雨窦骁证实上央视春晚 演出与"山楂树"无关. ifeng (in Chinese). January 18, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 周冬雨窦骁获最美年度炫目青春大奖. Sina (in Chinese). January 9, 2011. Archived from the original on August 25, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 2011BQ红人榜颁奖盛典辉煌落幕 盛耀京城. Qianlong (in Chinese). December 28, 2011. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 华语电影传媒大奖提名出炉 《夺命金》八项领跑. Sohu (in Chinese). April 11, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ 金骨朵网络影视盛典提名揭晓 王一博肖战杨紫等入围. Ynet (in Chinese). November 25, 2019. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
External links
[edit]- Shawn Dou on Sina Weibo
- Shawn Dou on IMDb
Shawn Dou
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Early years and immigration
Shawn Dou was born on December 15, 1988, in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.[11] He spent his early childhood in Xi'an, immersed in the cultural and historical surroundings of the ancient city.[3] In 1998, at the age of ten, Dou immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, along with his parents.[2] The relocation introduced him to a new environment, fostering a bicultural perspective shaped by his Chinese roots and Canadian experiences.[3] 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.[2]Education
Shawn Dou attended David Lloyd George Elementary School in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[12] After graduating from elementary school in 2001, he continued his secondary education at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver, where he developed an interest in martial arts through karate training, eventually winning youth championships. He completed his studies and graduated in 2006.[12][13] 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.[14] In 2008, Dou returned to China and was accepted into the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, 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.[12][15] 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.[12]Acting career
Debut and early roles
After graduating from the Beijing Film Academy in 2011, Shawn Dou transitioned into acting with minor appearances and modeling opportunities that highlighted his fresh appeal in the Chinese entertainment industry.[15] His early exposure included winning the Sunshine Boy competition in Canada in 2007, which encouraged him to pursue acting upon returning to China.[14] Dou made his feature film 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 Cultural Revolution era.[3] 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.[16] This role marked his breakthrough into critical notice, establishing him as a promising talent in Chinese cinema.[4] 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 martial arts intrigue.[17] He also starred as Qu Qiubai in the historical romance The Seal of Love (2011), directed by Huo Jianqi, depicting the revolutionary's relationship amid early 20th-century turmoil.[18] These roles allowed him to explore diverse genres, from drama to action, while building his on-screen presence.[19] For his work in Under the Hawthorn Tree, Dou received a nomination for Outstanding New Actor at the 2011 Huabiao Awards, recognizing his potential as an emerging performer.[20] As a Chinese-Canadian who had immigrated to Vancouver at age 10 before returning to study in China, 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.[3]Breakthrough and major projects
Shawn Dou's career gained significant momentum in 2015, marked by multiple lead roles that elevated his profile in both Chinese and international cinema.[2] 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 Eddie Peng, which highlighted his versatility across genres.[15] These projects, alongside growing industry acclaim, positioned Dou as an emerging talent capable of handling demanding ensemble casts and high-stakes productions.[2] 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.[21] 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.[6] 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.[21][6][22] 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 Princess Agents.[23] 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 YouTube, making it the most-watched Chinese TV drama internationally at the time.[24] 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 karate, honed during his high school years in Vancouver where he won consecutive championships, informed his execution of the show's demanding action sequences, integrating authentic martial arts techniques into sword fights and combat choreography.[12] Further solidifying his reputation, Dou received the Best Actor award at the 11th Festival du Cinéma Chinois de Paris for his lead role in the youth romance Youth Dinner (2017), where he played a young man navigating family dynamics and first love in 1990s Yunnan.[12] 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.[12]Recent developments
In 2020, Shawn Dou took on the lead role of Han De Rang in the historical drama The Legend of Xiao Chuo, portraying a Khitan prince in a story spanning the Liao Dynasty 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 Ode to Joy (seasons 3–5), which explores the lives of professional women in modern Shanghai and his character's evolving relationships within that dynamic.[25] His recurring role in the series, which aired on major platforms like iQiyi, showcased a shift toward contemporary narratives, contrasting his historical roles and appealing to a broad domestic audience.[26] Dou's film work in the early 2020s 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 Hannah Quinlivan and Jason Isaacs.[27] The film's global release, directed by Simon West, represented an early step in Dou's exposure to Western markets through co-productions blending Chinese spectacle with Hollywood-style action.[28] In 2024, he appeared in the action fantasy A Legend, directed by Stanley Tong and starring Jackie Chan, where Dou played a supporting role in a narrative linking ancient artifacts to modern-day adventure, 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.[29] By 2025, Dou starred as the ambitious official Yuan Shao Cheng opposite Liu Shishi in the historical suspense drama Kill My Sins, a 40-episode series that aired from February to April on platforms like Youku and Netflix, delving into Tang Dynasty mysteries of murder and conspiracy.[30] 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.[31] Additionally, he featured in the 2024 wuxia film Dunhuang Hero and the 2025 drama The Litchi Road, which aired starting in June, signaling continued momentum in diverse genres.[15] 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.[32]Personal life
Citizenship and residence
Shawn Dou holds Canadian citizenship, which he acquired through his family's immigration from China to Vancouver when he was 10 years old.[14][33] Since moving to China in 2008 to attend the Beijing Film Academy, Dou has maintained his primary residence in Beijing, where he is based for his acting career. He makes occasional trips back to Vancouver to visit family, such as a month-long stay in 2018.[2][3][34] Dou maintains a low-profile personal life focused on philanthropy and fitness.[9] Dou's bicultural background, shaped by his early years in Xi'an, China, and subsequent upbringing in Canada, 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 North America. This bilingual proficiency has enabled him to engage in English-language interviews and contribute to projects bridging Chinese and international audiences.[3][35][36]Marriage and family
Shawn Dou married Laurinda Ho on April 18, 2023, in a lavish destination wedding in Bali, Indonesia.[37] The couple began dating 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 social media.[38] Laurinda Ho is a prominent Hong Kong businesswoman and socialite, best known as the daughter of the late casino magnate Stanley Ho and his third wife, Ina Chan.[9] She has pursued entrepreneurial ventures in fashion and philanthropy while maintaining a high-profile presence in Asian society.[39] Since their marriage, Dou and Ho have occasionally appeared together at public events and shared glimpses of their life on social media, including Ho posting about home-cooked meals for her husband.[40] In October 2025, amid online rumors of marital discord, the couple issued a joint statement denying any divorce and reaffirming their strong relationship, with Dou later making public appearances to address the speculation.[10][32] 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.[15]- Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010) as Sun Jianxin (lead), directed by Zhang Yimou.[4]
- The Seal of Love (2011) as Qu Qiubai (lead).[41]
- Racing Legends (2011) as Ye Haocheng (lead).[15]
- The Allure of Tears (2011) as Chen Sheng (lead).[41]
- The Flowers of War (2011) as Chinese Soldier (supporting), directed by Zhang Yimou.[42]
- Dangerous Liaisons (2012) as Dai Wenzhou (supporting).[43]
- Nightfall (2012) as Wong Yuen Yeung (young) (supporting).[15]
- 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).[44]
- 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 Huo Qubing (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.[12]| Year | Title | Role | Episodes/Seasons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Princess Agents | Yan Xun [Yan Emperor] | 67 episodes | Main role in historical wuxia drama. |
| 2017 | Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy | Muru Han Jiang | 75 episodes | Main role in historical fantasy series. |
| 2019 | From Survivor to Healer | Yan Shu Ren | 40 episodes | Main role in medical drama. |
| 2019 | See You Again | Ye Jia Cheng | 45 episodes | Main role in romance drama. |
| 2019 | Ten Years Late | Jin Ran | 39 episodes | Main role in urban romance. |
| 2020 | The Legend of Xiao Chuo | Han De Rang | 48 episodes | Lead role in historical political drama. |
| 2021 | Tears in Heaven | Lei Yu Zheng | 41 episodes | Main role in urban business romance. |
| 2021 | New Generation: Bomb Disposal Expert | Liu Xi Shi | Episodes 9–16 (of 48) | Support role in anthology series segment. |
| 2022 | Ode to Joy 3 | Huang Dai Wei | 33 episodes | Recurring support role in urban life drama (Season 3). |
| 2022 | Love in Flames of War | Xiao Bei Chen | 43 episodes | Main role in wartime romance drama. |
| 2023 | Ode to Joy 4 | Huang Dai Wei / Dai Mei Zuo / Yan Zheng Yi | 37 episodes | Recurring support role in urban life drama (Season 4). |
| 2024 | Ode to Joy 5 | Dai Wei | 34 episodes | Recurring support role in urban life drama (Season 5). |
| 2025 | The Litchi Road | Lu Huan [Security Bureau's deputy director] | 35 episodes | Support role in historical drama. |
| 2025 | Kill My Sins | Yuan Shao Cheng | 30 episodes | Lead 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.| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Huabiao Film Awards | Outstanding Abroad Actor | Under the Hawthorn Tree | Nominated[20] |
| 2011 | Weibo Awards Ceremony | New Actor of the Year | Under the Hawthorn Tree | Won[20] |
| 2012 | Chinese Film Media Awards | Best Actor | The Allure of Tears | Nominated[45] |
| 2012 | Audience Award | Favorite Actor | The Allure of Tears | Nominated[20] |
| 2016 | Changchun Film Festival (Golden Deer Awards) | Best Supporting Actor | To the Fore | Nominated[46] |
| 2016 | Festival du Cinéma Chinois de Paris | Best Actor | Youth Dinner | Won[47] |
