Constance Wu at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
- Net Worth: $6 Million
- Birthdate: Mar 22, 1982 (42 years old)
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
Constance Wu: Net Worth, Career, Early Life, and More
Constance Wu is a prominent American actress celebrated for her roles in both television and film. Best known for her breakthrough performance in the sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat” and her leading role in the blockbuster “Crazy Rich Asians,” Wu has garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. This article delves into Constance Wu’s net worth, career trajectory, early life, and personal endeavors, providing a comprehensive overview of her journey in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
- Constance Wu’s Net Worth and Salary
- Early Life and Education
- Television Career
- Film Career
- Activism and Advocacy
- Cyberbullying and Mental Health
- Personal Life
- Conclusion
Constance Wu’s Net Worth and Salary
As of late 2023, Constance Wu’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million. This figure reflects her earnings from her successful acting career, encompassing television, film, and voice acting projects. While specific salary details for individual roles are often confidential, her consistent presence in high-profile projects like “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Crazy Rich Asians” has undoubtedly contributed significantly to her financial success. Wu’s financial standing is a testament to her talent and the impact she has made in Hollywood.
Early Life and Education
Constance Tianming Wu was born on March 22, 1982, in Richmond, Virginia. She is the third of four daughters born to Taiwanese immigrant parents. Her mother was a computer programmer, and her father a biology and genetics professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, instilling in her a strong work ethic and value for education. Wu attended Douglas S. Freeman High School, where she participated in a six-month program at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, an early indication of her passion for acting. She further honed her craft at the State University of New York at Purchase, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2005. While she initially considered pursuing a graduate degree in speech pathology, her dedication to acting ultimately led her to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Television Career
Wu’s television career began in 2006 with a guest appearance on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She followed this with a recurring role on the soap opera “One Life to Live” in 2007. Subsequent appearances included an episode of “Torchwood: Miracle Day” in 2011. Her first main role arrived in the comedy web series “EastSiders,” where she played Kathy for three seasons. During her time on “EastSiders,” she made guest appearances on “Covert Affairs,” “Franklin & Bash,” and “Children’s Hospital,” and starred in a pair of unsold television pilots, further building her resume. In 2015, Wu secured her breakthrough role as Jessica Huang in the ABC sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat.” The series, based on the memoir of chef Eddie Huang, was a critical and commercial success, running for six seasons and earning her widespread recognition. In 2017, she appeared in Hulu’s anthology series “Dimension 404,” and in 2021 she starred in an episode of “Solos.” Her next main role was as war correspondent Katie Buranek in the Amazon Prime Video series “The Terminal List” (2022). In 2023, she began voicing Daphne Blake in the adult animated series “Velma.”
Film Career
Wu’s film debut was in the 2006 film “Stephanie Daley.” She also appeared in “The Architect” that year and lent her voice to the 2007 animated film “Year of the Fish.” After a hiatus from film, she returned in 2011 with a role in “Sound of My Voice.” Wu subsequently appeared in short films like “Ties” and “Taylor Manifest.” Her filmography expanded in 2015 with “Parallels” and the indie comedy “Low Budget Ethnic Movie.” She continued to take on diverse roles, including the lesbian dramedy “The Feels” and the animated film “The Lego Ninjago Movie.” Wu delivered a standout performance in 2018, starring as Rachel Chu in the romantic comedy-drama “Crazy Rich Asians.” This role earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination and propelled her to international fame. In the same year, she voiced a character in the Netflix animated film “Next Gen.” Her more recent film roles include the crime drama “Hustlers,” the animated “Wish Dragon,” the family drama “I Was a Simple Man,” and the musical comedy “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” (2022).

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Activism and Advocacy
Wu has been an advocate for increased representation of Asian Americans in the media. In 2016, she used social media to bring awareness to the lack of Asian actors in Hollywood film promotional materials. She also supports Miry’s List, an organization that provides resources to newly arrived immigrants and refugee families in Southern California, demonstrating her commitment to social causes.
Cyberbullying and Mental Health
Wu has been candid about her struggles with cyberbullying. After expressing frustration about the renewal of “Fresh Off the Boat” in 2019, she faced online backlash, leading to a period of mental health challenges, including a suicide attempt in 2022. Wu has since discussed the impact of the online criticism and sought therapy, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. She has also mentioned being sexually harassed by a producer on “Fresh Off the Boat.”
Personal Life
From 2011 to 2018, Wu was in a relationship with actor Ben Hethcoat. Following their breakup, she began dating Ryan Kattner, the frontman of the band Man Man. They have two children together. In 2022, Wu released her first book, “Making a Scene,” which offers a collection of essays about her life and experiences. She continues to balance her acting career with her personal life and advocacy work.
Conclusion
Constance Wu’s career exemplifies perseverance, talent, and advocacy. From her early roles to her leading roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” she has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Her work has not only entertained audiences but has also contributed to greater representation and awareness. Wu’s continued involvement in acting, her openness about her struggles, and her support for social causes reflect her multifaceted personality and commitment to making a difference.