Yu Shi (actor)
Yu 'Shi, born Yu Zhi, also known as Yosh or Ashan Yu', is a Chinese actor and singer-songwriter, who rose to fame after starring in the 2023 Chinese epic fantasy film Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms.
Early life and education
Yu was born on 22 December 1996 in Lingyuan, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, of Mongolian descent. At 13, he left Chaoyang for a basketball youth training program at the Fuxin Basketball School for 5 years; he was recommended for admission to the basketball major at Liaoning Technical University.Career
Yu Shi took part in the second season of singing competition Chinese Idol in 2014 under the name Yu Zhi. With the recommendation of the Chinese Idol judge, Han Hong, who was also then general agent of SM Entertainment in China, Yu became a trainee at SM Entertainment in South Korea, but failed to debut as an NCT member after multiple rumors surfaced, including allegations of him sending unwanted nudes.After returning to China, in 2017, he was invited to audition for a training camp for the film series Creation of the Gods on the strength of his advertisement for Jordan Brand titled Victory Is Decided by Me: The Day of Decision. Yu and 20 other young actors were admitted to the camp from over 10,000 people. In the camp, Yu became proficient in equestrianism and horseback archery. He was confirmed to play the key role of Ji Fa two weeks before the start of filming.
After completing filming of Creation of the Gods I, Yu didn't take on any acting roles for two years. Instead, he devoted his time to studying horse training. Later, he was cast in the TV series, My Altay, where Yu also served as an equestrian advisor for the production team. In April 2023, at the 3rd Guangdong Provincial Equestrian Festival, Yu won an award in the Riding and Shooting Championship Invitational.
His debut film, Born to Fly, co-starring Wang Yibo, Hu Jun, and Zhou Dongyu, was released on April 28, 2023. He gained significant attention after the release of Creation of the Gods I in July 2023, three years after the shooting. On June 9, he won the "New Emerging Actor of the Year" award at the Douyin Movie Awards. On September 14, he joined the program The Most Beautiful Show. In November, he provided the voice for the character Valentino, a little goat, in the Disney film Wish. On 22 November, his song "Long Xiangyi" was released. On December 22nd, he hosted the closing ceremony and awards ceremony of the fifth Hainan Island International Film Festival. On December 31, he joined the 2024 Jiangsu Satellite TV New Year's Eve Concert, performing the song "The Fox". On the same day, his solo single "Dream Bubble" was released.
Endorsements
In November 2023, Yu was appointed as a brand ambassador for the French luxury fashion house Dior. In January 2024, French high-end beauty brand Guerlain announced that Yu as its brand ambassador. In April 2024, he was selected to become the brand ambassador for Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot. On April 20, 2024, Yu was selected to become the Chinese brand ambassador for French luxury jewellery house Chaumet.Filmography
Social
On March 28, 2024, Yu served as a judge for the short film section of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival's "ReelFocus New Blood Imaging Program." On June 10, 2024, he participated in the special program "Walking with the People: Original Action to Support Regional Coordinated Development," organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Literary and Art Volunteers Association, where he served as the narrator for Chapter 4, "Chasing Dreams Together." In December 2023, Yu and Jerry Lamb co-hosted the closing ceremony of the 5th Hainan International Film Festival.On September 2, 2024, Yu was appointed as the "Cultural Ambassador for the Daozhonghua Cultural Communication Platform."
In September 2024, with the approval of the China Ethnic Minority Sports Association, Yu was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Archery and Equestrian Sports Center of the China Ethnic Minority Sports Association.
In December 2024, he represented the Guangdong Team in the first National Equestrian Archery Championship.
On January 8, 2025, Yu donated funds for earthquake relief efforts in Shigatse, Tibet.