Nicky Wu
Nicky Wu (born October 31, 1970) is a Taiwanese singer, actor, and producer known for his extensive career in Mandopop music and Chinese-language television dramas.[1] Rising to fame in 1988 as a member of the boy band Little Tigers Team, Wu transitioned to a successful solo career in the 1990s, releasing albums and starring in popular series such as At the Threshold of an Era (1999).[2] His acting portfolio includes leading roles in critically acclaimed productions like Scarlet Heart (2011), where he portrayed the 4th Prince Yinzhen, and The Bride with White Hair (2012).[3] Wu has also ventured into production and maintains a prominent presence in the entertainment industry across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.[2] In his personal life, Wu registered his marriage to actress Liu Shishi on January 20, 2015, after meeting on the set of Scarlet Heart, with their wedding ceremony held on March 20, 2016; the couple welcomed a son on April 27, 2019, though as of 2025 they have faced unconfirmed divorce rumors.[3] Earlier, he was married to Ma Yashu from 2006 to 2009.[3] With ancestral roots in Fujian province, Wu was born in Xinzhuang District, Taipei, and began his entertainment journey after being scouted as a teenager.[3] His multifaceted contributions have earned him recognition as one of Taiwan's most influential entertainers over three decades.[2]Early years
Family and childhood
Nicky Wu was born on October 31, 1970, in Taipei, Taiwan, in the Xinzhuang district, to parents of Fujianese ancestry.[4][3][5] He grew up in an ordinary family environment amid modest circumstances, as the middle child with an older brother, Wu Qizhan, and a younger brother, Wu Qilin.[6] To help support his family, Wu began working odd jobs as early as age 13, including as a trash collector and car washer.[7] The family faced significant financial hardships due to his father's unsuccessful business ventures, which resulted in a debt of approximately 80 million New Taiwan Dollars.[8][6] His father, a strict businessman, bore the brunt of these failures, creating a challenging home dynamic that emphasized responsibility and perseverance.[6] As a sickly child during his early years in Xinzhuang, Wu turned to martial arts to build his strength and health, developing a strong interest in judo, karate, and taekwondo.[6][5] He demonstrated exceptional talent in taekwondo, amassing 23 championships and 135 medals—including three consecutive provincial championships and a Southeast Asian title in Thailand in 1985—along with a second-degree black belt in judo and a fifth-degree black belt in taekwondo, skills that later informed his physical discipline and suitability for action-oriented roles.[3][6][5][9]Entry into entertainment
In 1988, at the age of 18, Nicky Wu was discovered by representatives from Flying Disk Records and Kaili Creative Group while he was working at a street stall to support his family.[3] This chance encounter led to an audition, after which he was selected to join the newly formed Taiwanese boy band Little Tigers (known as Xiao Hu Dui in Chinese), alongside fellow members Alec Su and Julian Chen.[10] The group was assembled through open auditions aimed at creating the first major idol boy band in Taiwan, drawing inspiration from Japanese pop acts and emphasizing youthful energy and synchronized performances.[10] Little Tigers debuted later that year, quickly gaining traction with their fresh image and catchy pop sound. From 1988 to 1991, the group engaged in a series of high-profile activities, including the release of multiple albums that captured the teen idol market across Asia. Notable releases included their 1989 debut album 逍遙遊 (Roaming Freely), which featured upbeat tracks blending pop and dance elements, followed by 紅蜻蜓 (Red Dragonfly) in 1990 and 愛 (Love) in 1991.[11] They also made frequent television appearances on popular Taiwanese variety shows, performing songs and dances that solidified their status as cultural icons for a generation of young fans, and embarked on concert tours throughout Taiwan and other parts of Asia to promote their music.[3] The group's momentum halted in 1991 when they took an indefinite break, primarily due to Julian Chen's mandatory military service, effectively marking the end of their initial phase.[3] In the immediate aftermath, Wu, at 21, shifted focus toward individual opportunities, laying the groundwork for his transition to a solo career the following year while reflecting on the intense but formative experience of band life.[3]Career
Music career
Nicky Wu began his solo music career in 1992 with the release of his debut album Chase the Wind Boy (Zhui Feng Shao Nian), issued by UFO Records in Taiwan. The album featured a mix of Mandopop tracks blending upbeat synth-pop and ballads, marking his transition from group performances to individual artistry. Building on the popularity gained from his time with the Little Tigers, which provided a strong foundation for his solo pursuits, the record quickly gained traction among fans in Taiwan. In 1993, Wu followed up with two notable albums: Suddenly Looking Back (Mòrán Huí Shǒu) and Chase after the Dreams (Zhui Meng), both under UFO Records. These releases showcased his evolving style, incorporating romantic themes and pop-rock elements that resonated widely. The year 1994 saw further output with albums such as A Future Out of Love (Ài Chū Gè Wèi Lái), featuring Cantonese tracks, and Double Fly (Shuāng Fēi), which included hits like the title song and "Wildfire." His early solo work achieved commercial success, with several albums topping sales charts in Taiwan and gaining popularity across Asia, contributing to his status as a leading Mandopop artist during the mid-1990s.[12][13][14] As Wu increasingly focused on acting opportunities in the mid-1990s, his music releases tapered off, with his last major album of the decade being Hero in 1997 under Go East Entertainment. This shift prioritized his on-screen career, though he occasionally contributed to soundtracks. In the 2010s, Wu staged a music comeback with the 2016 album Journey (Lǚ Chéng), produced by Sun Entertainment Culture and featuring ten new tracks, including the duet "Hand in Hand" with his wife Liu Shishi. The album reflected a more mature, introspective sound tied to his personal life and received positive reception in Taiwan and mainland China.[15][16]Acting career
Nicky Wu transitioned from his early music career with the Little Tigers boyband to acting in the late 1980s, capitalizing on his established fame to gain entry into television dramas. His acting debut occurred in 1988 with the Hong Kong television series Destined to Rebel, where he played a supporting role that showcased his youthful charisma alongside established actors.[17] During the 1990s, Wu primarily took on supporting roles in films and TV series, such as in the romantic drama The Lovers (1994), directed by Tsui Hark, and To Miss with Love (1992), gradually building his on-screen presence while honing his performance skills.[1] These early roles often highlighted his boyish appeal and limited his opportunities to lead characters, as he balanced acting with his solo music endeavors.[3] Wu's breakthrough as a leading actor arrived in 1999 with the TVB epic series At the Threshold of an Era, where he portrayed Yip Wing Hang in a 51-episode narrative spanning Hong Kong's economic boom, earning critical praise for his mature depiction of ambition and family dynamics.[6] This role marked a resurgence in the 2000s, following a hiatus for military service, as he starred in high-profile projects like Treasure Raiders (2002), a historical adventure that demonstrated his versatility in action-oriented narratives.[13] By mid-decade, Wu expanded into mainland Chinese productions, solidifying his status through roles that blended romance and drama, such as in The Fairies of Liaozhai (2007).[3] The 2010s represented the peak of Wu's acting career, particularly through his association with major studios like Huayi Brothers, where he led blockbuster period dramas that captivated audiences across Asia. In 2011, he played the brooding Fourth Prince Yinzhen in the time-travel romance Scarlet Heart, a role that earned him widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and propelled the series to over 35 episodes of intense palace intrigue.[18] He followed with the wuxia remake The Bride with White Hair (2012), portraying the tragic hero Zhuo Yihang in a 42-episode adaptation emphasizing loyalty and forbidden love, which he also produced to showcase his genre expertise.[19] Wu's prominence continued with the fantasy epic The Legend of Zu (2015), where as Shangguan Jiwu, he integrated dynamic martial arts sequences across 56 episodes, drawing on his foundational training in performance arts from the Little Tigers era to execute fluid action choreography.[20] Throughout this decade, Wu's style evolved to favor historical and wuxia genres, where his refined portrayal of complex, introspective heroes—often involving swordplay and emotional restraint—distinguished him from contemporaries.[13] In recent years, Wu has maintained a selective acting schedule, focusing on diverse roles that blend modern and historical elements while managing his production company. Notable projects include the romantic comedy My Bargain Queen (2021), where he led as the shrewd businessman Qin Hebo in 40 episodes exploring consumer culture and relationships. He also made guest appearances in TV shows such as Countryside on the Tip of the Tongue (2023, 10 episodes) and Tenday (2024, 20 episodes), alongside a guest role in the island mystery This Is My Island (Zhe Shi Wo De Dao) (2024, episodes 1-3 and 9-10). As of November 2025, Wu is set to star in the lead role of Olive in the upcoming 45-episode drama Farewell, Las Vegas, continuing his influence in the industry through selective, character-driven engagements.[3]Producing and other ventures
Nicky Wu entered the field of production in 2011 with the historical drama Startling by Each Step (also known as The Palace), where he served as a producer alongside his acting role.[1] This project marked his initial foray into behind-the-scenes work, leveraging his extensive experience in the entertainment industry to oversee creative and logistical aspects of the production. The series, which explored themes of time travel and palace intrigue, achieved significant viewership success in China, helping to reestablish Wu's prominence after a period of lower-profile activities following his military service. In 2003, Wu founded Beijing Straw Bear Film and Television Culture Co., Ltd., a production company focused on developing dramas, films, and talent management.[3] Under this banner, he expanded his producing efforts, notably with The Bride with White Hair in 2012, a wuxia adaptation that incorporated modern visual effects to update the classic story, though it received mixed reviews for its stylistic choices.[19] The company's most prominent project came in 2015 with The Legend of Zu, a xianxia series entirely produced by Straw Bear, which drew on mythological elements from the Shushan novel series and featured elaborate special effects to appeal to fantasy audiences.[21] This production not only showcased Wu's vision for high-budget genre storytelling but also solidified Straw Bear's role in the burgeoning Chinese drama market. The company later went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018, reflecting Wu's entrepreneurial growth and the venture's commercial viability.[22] Beyond producing, Wu diversified into other business areas, including a substantial investment of over NT$80 million (approximately US$2.5 million) in a Taiwanese gaming company around 2016, signaling his interest in the interactive entertainment sector as a complement to traditional media.[23] This move aligned with his broader strategy to build a multifaceted career, transitioning from performer to industry influencer. In philanthropy, Wu has served as a spokesperson for the "100 Bigger Worlds" charity initiative, promoting educational travel opportunities for underprivileged children in China.[24] He has also made notable donations, such as contributions to earthquake relief efforts in Tibet, demonstrating his commitment to social causes.[25] Wu's producing ventures played a pivotal role in reviving his career trajectory, allowing him to shift from on-screen challenges to creative control and business leadership in the competitive C-entertainment landscape. By focusing on fantasy and historical genres, his projects contributed to the trend of high-production-value series that blended traditional Chinese elements with contemporary effects, influencing subsequent investments in IP adaptations across the industry.[26]Personal life
Relationships and marriage
Nicky Wu had several notable relationships in his early career. He dated Taiwanese singer Vivian Hsu from 1991 to 1993, a period during which both were rising stars in the entertainment industry.[3] Later, from 1999 to 2002, he was in a three-year relationship with Hong Kong actress Ada Choi, which began while they co-starred in the TVB drama At the Threshold of an Era.[27][3] In December 2006, Wu married Chinese actress Ma Yashu after meeting her on the set of the 2001 television series Treasure Raiders.[28] The couple divorced in August 2009, with Wu confirming the separation amid reports of irreconcilable differences.[29][28] Due to a legal technicality—their original marriage was not registered in Taiwan—Wu remarried Ma Yashu in late 2014 solely to formalize and then dissolve the union under Taiwanese law, allowing him to proceed with his subsequent marriage.[8] Wu met Chinese actress Liu Shishi on the set of the 2011 television series Scarlet Heart, where their on-screen chemistry sparked initial interest.[30] The pair began dating in 2013, publicly confirming their relationship that November through social media posts.[31] They registered their marriage on January 20, 2015, in Beijing.[31] Their wedding ceremony took place on March 20, 2016, in Bali, Indonesia, featuring traditional Chinese elements and attended by close friends and family from the entertainment industry.[32] Since their marriage, Wu and Liu Shishi have made joint public appearances at events and award shows, often emphasizing their supportive partnership.[33] They have collaborated professionally, including in promotional activities for shared projects, blending their personal and career lives.[33] Prior to 2025, their relationship was generally portrayed as stable, though it occasionally faced media speculation about minor tensions, which the couple addressed by affirming their commitment.[34]Family and recent developments
Nicky Wu and his wife, Liu Shishi, welcomed their first child, a son nicknamed Bubu, on April 27, 2019.[35] The couple has maintained a low public profile regarding their son's upbringing, rarely sharing details or photos to protect his privacy.[36] The family resides primarily in Beijing, where Wu and Liu Shishi have focused on creating a stable home environment away from intense media scrutiny. They occasionally participate in joint family activities, such as public outings or variety show appearances, which highlight their commitment to co-parenting. For instance, in 2020, Wu took a career hiatus to prioritize fatherhood shortly after their son's birth.[37] These efforts underscore their approach to balanced family life amid demanding professional schedules.[36] In 2025, persistent divorce rumors surrounding Wu and Liu Shishi intensified, peaking between May and June. Reports emerged claiming the couple had secretly finalized their divorce, including an alleged asset division valued at approximately $110 million, with no remaining business ties between them.[38] However, on June 30, 2025, the pair was spotted together in public with their son, which quelled some speculation and suggested ongoing family unity.[39] As of November 2025, rumors continued with social media speculation on November 18 about the couple possibly being in the process of divorce based on clues, though neither party has confirmed or denied the rumors, and they continue to emphasize their preference for privacy in personal matters.[40][41]Filmography
Films
Nicky Wu's film career spans action, romance, and historical genres, beginning with his debut lead role in 1994 and featuring key appearances in major productions through the 2020s.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | The Lovers | Chang Chi | Lead role in romantic action film directed by Clarence Fok. |
| 1995 | Love in the Time of Twilight | Lau Yat | Supporting role in romantic drama.[42] |
| 1997 | The Kid vs. The Cop | John | Lead in action comedy.[43] |
| 1997 | Jail in Burning Island | Lin Jian'er | Role in prison action drama. |
| 1999 | Deja Vu | Andy | Lead role in romantic drama.[1] |
| 2000 | A Matter of Time | Ye Shaolong | Lead in action drama.[42] |
| 2001 | Never Say Goodbye | Ah Fu | Lead in romantic drama.[42] |
| 2001 | Devoted to You | Steven | Supporting role in romantic comedy.[1] |
| 2006 | A Battle of Wits (Battle of the Warriors) | Yi Yue (Archer Zi Tuan) | Key supporting role in historical war epic directed by Jacob Cheung.[42] |
| 2008 | Ticket | Zhi-Xuan | Lead in drama film.[42] |
| 2020 | The Prequel of Gold Convoyers: An Urgent Letter | Wang Zhaoxing | Lead in adventure film.[42] |
Television series
Nicky Wu's television career began in the early 1990s with supporting roles in Taiwanese dramas, marking his transition from music idol to actor. His debut came in the 1991 series Little Hero, Dragon Whirlwind (小俠龍旋風), where he portrayed a youthful martial artist in this action-oriented production. By the mid-1990s, he appeared in youth-focused stories like First-Rate Idol (1996), playing a aspiring performer, which aligned with his real-life background as a former boy band member. These early roles established him in the Taiwanese entertainment scene, though widespread recognition came later through Hong Kong productions. A significant milestone arrived in 1999 with At the Threshold of an Era (創世紀), a landmark TVB epic drama spanning 45 episodes, in which Wu played the ambitious businessman Ding Kiu, contributing to the series' portrayal of Hong Kong's economic rise. The show achieved peak viewership of over 60% in Hong Kong and remains one of TVB's highest-rated series. This role showcased Wu's ability to handle multifaceted characters in contemporary settings, earning him praise for his depth and screen presence. Wu's breakthrough in mainland China occurred with the 2011 historical romance Startling by Each Step (步步驚心, also known as Scarlet Heart), where he starred as Yinsi, the Fourth Prince and future Emperor Yongzheng, in a time-travel narrative. The series, which aired on Hunan TV, garnered average ratings of 1.67% nationally and became a cultural phenomenon, with Wu's portrayal of the brooding, strategic prince central to its success and leading to his "Best Actor" wins at multiple awards. This performance revitalized his career at age 41, shifting focus to high-profile costume dramas. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Wu frequently embodied archetypal roles such as cunning emperors, valiant warriors, and enigmatic leaders in xianxia and historical genres, leveraging his charismatic intensity and martial arts proficiency. In the 2002 adventure series Treasure Raiders (精武門), he depicted Chen Zhen, a martial artist fighting injustice, in a 30-episode wuxia tale that emphasized action sequences. He revisited imperial intrigue in The Palace (2013), playing the scholarly yet ruthless Emperor Kangxi opposite Yang Mi. Key works in the mid-2010s include The Legend of Zu (蜀山戰紀之劍俠傳奇, 2015), a 50-episode xianxia fantasy where Wu portrayed the immortal swordsman Lu Pao (Shangguan Jing Wo), battling demonic forces in a visually lavish production aired on Tencent Video. The series highlighted his warrior archetype, blending swordplay with emotional depth, and spawned a 2017 sequel, The Legend of Zu 2, in which he reprised the role amid escalating immortal conflicts. Another standout was The Mystic Nine (老九門, 2016), a 42-episode prequel to the The Grave Robbers Chronicles, featuring Wu as the formidable warlord Zhang Qishan in 1930s China; the drama, broadcast on Dragon TV and iQIYI, averaged 1.2% ratings and was lauded for its intricate plotting and Wu's authoritative presence. In more recent years, Wu has diversified into modern and comedic roles while maintaining his costume drama roots. He starred as the overprotective father in the 2018 family comedy Mr. Nanny (寶貝大人), a 38-episode series on Tencent Video that explored generational clashes with lighthearted humor. The 2020 romantic drama Marry Me (愛情上線) saw him as a tech CEO navigating love and career, airing on iQIYI. In 2021, My Bargain Queen (愛情開關) featured him as the shrewd businessman Qin Hebo in a 40-episode rom-com on Youku. His 2023 workplace drama Never Give Up (奮鬥吧！中年人) portrayed a middle-aged executive fighting corporate intrigue, premiering on iQIYI and reflecting themes of resilience in professional life.[44] As of 2024, Wu appeared in the mystery thriller Zhe Shi Wo De Dao (這是我道), a 20-episode series on Tencent Video where he played a mentor figure in a tale of personal redemption and martial pursuits.[45] In 2015, he led Severe Winter (嚴冬), a historical spy drama on iQIYI, portraying underground agent Deng Zihua during wartime resistance, emphasizing his enduring appeal in intense, archetype-driven narratives.[46]Other media
Nicky Wu has actively participated in various Chinese variety shows, leveraging his celebrity status to engage audiences through games, challenges, and nostalgic performances. In 2015, he made a guest appearance in episode 5 of Keep Running season 2, joining the cast for comedic tasks and physical competitions that highlighted his agility and humor.[47] His involvement in such programs bridged his acting career with lighter entertainment formats, keeping him relevant amid a busy schedule of dramas. Wu continued to appear on popular variety platforms, including a 2021 episode of Day Day Up where he danced to classic Little Tigers songs, evoking fond memories for longtime fans and introducing his early music roots to younger viewers.[48] More recently, he served as a regular member on Star Chaser in 2021, mentoring aspiring performers in a music competition-style format, and returned for seasons 2 and 3 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, sharing insights from his idol group days.[3] These roles emphasized his mentorship skills and sustained his visibility in the competitive entertainment landscape. From 2020 onward, Wu embraced reality TV elements in shows like The Irresistible and its 2021 season 2, where he competed as part of the "older brother" team in team-based challenges that blended adventure and camaraderie.[3] In 2023, he featured as a regular on Countryside on the Tip of the Tongue, exploring rural Chinese life and cuisine in a family-friendly documentary-style series.[3] His 2024 appearances included regular membership on the iQIYI survival variety show Tenday, involving 39 celebrities in a 10-day wilderness challenge that tested endurance and teamwork, and guest spots on episodes 1-3 and 9-10 of This Is My Island, an outdoor reality program focused on island exploration.[49][3] Additionally, he hosted Wonderful Little Forest in 2020, guiding viewers through nature-themed adventures suitable for family audiences.[3] Beyond television, Wu has featured in music videos, including duets with wife Liu Shishi such as "Deng Ni De Ji Jie" in 2012, which promoted their joint projects and showcased their on-screen chemistry.[50] On stage, he reunited with Little Tigers bandmates for performances, notably at the 2012 Hunan TV New Year's Countdown concert and in Call Me by Fire in 2021, where he displayed dance routines and vocals from his boyband era.[51] These live outings, including a 2025 concert highlight performing "Butterfly Lovers" with Charlie Young, reinforced his musical legacy.[52] Wu has also engaged in commercial endorsements, attending promotional events for brands like Crown beer in 2019, where he interacted with fans to boost product visibility.[53] Such ventures, alongside his variety work, have effectively maintained his public profile during gaps between major acting roles, allowing him to connect personally with audiences and diversify his career.Discography
Albums and EPs
Nicky Wu launched his solo music career in 1992, releasing a series of albums that blended pop, rock, and ballad elements, achieving substantial commercial success in the Asian market during the 1990s. His debut album Chase the Wind Boy (追風少年), issued by Fei Disc Records, sold over 1 million units in Taiwan within one month, earning multi-platinum certification. Subsequent releases like Chasing Dreams (追夢) in 1993 also sold over 1 million units within one month, achieving multi-platinum status and contributing to his reputation as one of Taiwan's top idols. Over time, Wu's discography evolved toward more reflective ballads, with later works exploring mature themes of love and introspection, while maintaining popularity across Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking regions. The following table lists his primary solo studio albums and EPs, focusing on key releases with available details on labels and languages.| Year | Title (English/Chinese) | Label | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Chase the Wind Boy / 追風少年 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 1993 | Chasing Dreams / 追夢 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 1993 | Suddenly Looking Back / 驀然回首 | Fei Disc | Mandarin/Cantonese |
| 1994 | Love Creates a Future / 愛出個未來 | Warner Music Hong Kong | Cantonese |
| 1994 | Want to Find a Place / 想找一個地方 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 1994 | My Summer Dream / My Summer Dream | Warner Music Hong Kong | Cantonese |
| 1994 | Double Flight / 雙飛 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 1995 | Persistence / 堅持 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 1995 | Lone Star 119 / 孤星119 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 1996 | Find Me / 找我 | Emperor Entertainment Group | Cantonese |
| 1996 | Sound and Vision / 有聲有影 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 1997 | Hero / 英雄 | Fei Disc | Mandarin |
| 2003 | 2003 Mandarin Audio-Visual Complete Record / 2003國語影音全紀錄 (EP) | Nanjing Audio-Visual | Mandarin |
| 2016 | Journey / 旅程 | Sun Entertainment Culture | Mandarin |
| 2017 | Different World / 異世界 | Sun Entertainment Culture | Mandarin |
| 2025 | Chase the Wind Boy (2025 Remastered) / 追風少年(2025 Remastered) | Fei Disc (remaster) | Mandarin |
Singles and soundtracks
Nicky Wu's contributions to singles and soundtracks span his career, often intertwining his singing with his prominent acting roles in television dramas. Early standalone releases marked his transition from boyband member to solo artist, while later works predominantly feature original soundtrack (OST) pieces for historical and fantasy series, reflecting a shift toward promotional digital singles in the streaming era. These tracks typically emphasize themes of love, longing, and separation, aligning with the emotional narratives of his projects.[55] One of his earliest notable singles, "祝你一路順風" (Wish You a Smooth Journey), was released as a promotional CD single in 1993 by Fei Disc Records / WEA, capturing the youthful pop style of his initial solo endeavors.[56] In 2003, Wu released several soundtrack contributions tied to his acting, including "隱痛" (Hidden Pain) as an insert song for the drama Xiao Shiyi Lang, and "最想你的時候" (When I Miss You the Most), both featured on his EP 2003 Guo Yu Ying Yin Quan Ji Lu. These tracks highlighted his vocal maturity and were distributed via traditional labels like Virgin Records. "隱痛," in particular, explores themes of emotional turmoil, resonating with the series' wuxia intrigue. The 2010s saw Wu embrace digital platforms for OST releases, with many singles produced specifically for his starring roles. For the 2012 drama Bu Bu Jing Qing (sequel to Scarlet Heart), he performed the solo version of "如果緣只到遇見" (If Fate Only Lasts Until We Meet), a poignant ballad about fleeting romance that became a fan favorite. In 2014, alongside Ivyan, he contributed "寒冬" (Cold Winter) as the promotional theme and "雪夜" (Snowy Night) as the opening theme for the series Han Dong, marking one of his collaborative efforts in winter-themed soundtracks.[57] Further collaborations and standalone digital singles followed, including the 2016 duet "手牽手" (Hand in Hand) with Liu Shishi, his wife, released via Universal Music, which gained traction on streaming services for its romantic duet style. In 2018, "主宰" (Dominator), the opening theme for Shu Shan Zhan Ji 2: Ta Huo Xing Ge, was issued as a single, showcasing Wu's continued involvement in fantasy drama music.[55] Into the 2020s, Wu's releases remained OST-focused amid the dominance of digital streaming. The 2022 single "天淨沙" (Tian Jing Sha), a reflective piece, exemplified his adaptation to online platforms, while 2023's "心向你飛" (Heart Flies to You), a duet with Chiang Yu-Heng, continued this trend as a digital single release. These later works underscore the impact of streaming on his output, prioritizing targeted drama promotions over full albums.[58][59]| Year | Title | Type/Association | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 祝你一路順風 | Standalone single | Promotional release; pop ballad.[56] |
| 2003 | 隱痛 | OST insert (Xiao Shiyi Lang) | Emotional wuxia theme. |
| 2003 | 最想你的時候 | Standalone/EP track | Longing-themed single. |
| 2012 | 如果緣只到遇見 (solo ver.) | OST insert (Bu Bu Jing Qing) | Romantic duet adaptation.[57] |
| 2014 | 寒冬 (with Ivyan) | OST promo (Han Dong) | Collaborative winter ballad.[60] |
| 2014 | 雪夜 | OST opening (Han Dong) | Atmospheric drama theme.[57] |
| 2016 | 手牽手 (with Liu Shishi) | Standalone single | Duet highlighting personal collaboration.[55] |
| 2018 | 主宰 | OST opening (Shu Shan Zhan Ji 2) | Fantasy action theme.[55] |
| 2022 | 天淨沙 | Standalone single | Digital release on streaming platforms.[58] |
| 2023 | 心向你飛 (with Chiang Yu-Heng) | Standalone single | Duet; modern pop single.[59] |
Awards and nominations
Nicky Wu has received numerous awards for his work in music, television, and film. The following table lists select wins (nominations not comprehensively documented in available sources).| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Seoul International Drama Awards | People's Choice Award (China) | Three Kingdoms | Won[61] |
| 2012 | Huading Awards | Best Actor in a Television Series | Scarlet Heart | Won[62] |
| 2012 | Seoul International Drama Awards | People's Choice Award | Scarlet Heart | Won[63] |
| 2012 | Sohu TV Drama Awards | Best On-Screen Couple (with Liu Shishi) | Scarlet Heart | Won[61] |
| 2013 | Seoul International Drama Awards | People's Choice Award | Chinese Detective | Won[64] |
| 2013 | Weibo Awards Ceremony | Weibo King | The Bride with White Hair | Won[65] |
| 2014 | Weibo Awards Ceremony | Weibo God | — | Won[65] |
| 2014 | Chinese Opera Festival | The Most Influential Actor | — | Won[66] |
| 2017 | Shanghai Television Festival | Most Popular Actor | — | Won[66] |