Liu Shishi, also known as Cecilia Liu, is a celebrated Chinese actress who rose to international prominence through her captivating performances in historical and fantasy dramas. Born on March 10, 1987, in Beijing, China, she initially trained in ballet at the Beijing Dance Academy, a discipline that would later lend her an elegant and poised screen presence. Her transition into acting began when she was discovered by a talent agent, leading to her debut in the entertainment industry in the mid-2000s.
Liu Shishi first gained widespread attention for her role as Long Kui in the fantasy action drama Chinese Paladin 3 in 2009, a performance that showcased her ability to embody complex, emotionally charged characters. This role established her as a rising star in the Chinese television landscape. She further solidified her reputation with a supporting part in the wuxia series The Legend of the Condor Heroes in 2008, where she played Mu Nianci, demonstrating her versatility in period pieces.
Her career reached a defining peak with the 2011 time-travel drama Scarlet Heart, in which she portrayed the lead character, Ruoxi. The series became a massive cultural phenomenon across Asia, earning Liu Shishi critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Her nuanced portrayal of a modern woman navigating the intrigues of the Qing dynasty court remains one of her most iconic roles. Following this success, she took on the titular role in the historical medical drama The Imperial Doctress in 2016, playing the pioneering physician Tan Yunxian, which further highlighted her range as an actress.
In her personal life, Liu Shishi married fellow actor Nick Wu Qilong in 2015, a relationship that began on the set of Scarlet Heart and has been a subject of public interest. The couple welcomed a son in 2019. After taking a brief hiatus to focus on her family, Liu Shishi returned to the screen with renewed vigor. In 2023, she starred in the espionage drama A Journey to Love, a project that reaffirmed her status as a leading figure in Chinese television. Throughout her career, Liu Shishi has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Most Popular Actress award at the China TV Golden Eagle Awards, underscoring her enduring appeal and talent in the competitive world of Chinese entertainment.