Lewis Tan is a British-American actor, model, and martial artist widely recognized for his compelling screen presence and exceptional combat skills. He has carved a unique place in the entertainment industry by blending his acting talent with authentic martial arts expertise.
Over the years, he has taken on a variety of roles across television and film, and he gained recognition for his charisma, discipline, and on-screen intensity.
Stay with us as we take a closer look into his remarkable journey and shine a light on the defining moments that have shaped both his personal life and his professional accomplishments across film, television, and martial arts.
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Who is Lewis Tan?
Lewis Tan is a British-American actor, model, and martial artist best known for his roles in action films and television shows. He has built a strong reputation for combining acting talent with real martial arts skills, often performing his own stunts and fight scenes.
This unique combination sets him apart in the world of action entertainment. His performances are not only physically intense but also emotionally engaging, which allows him to connect with audiences in a powerful way.
He rose to international fame with his lead role as Cole Young in the 2021 film Mortal Kombat, where his martial arts background played a key part in shaping the character. Before that, he played Lu Xin Lee in Netflix’s Wu Assassins, a show that focused heavily on action and martial arts.
He also appeared as Gaius Chau in AMC’s Into the Badlands, a series known for its stylized combat scenes. In addition, Lewis took on the role of Shatterstar in the hit Marvel film Deadpool 2.
Lewis Tan is more than just an action star. He actively supports better representation of Asian and mixed-race actors in film and television. He continues to use his growing platform to speak out for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
Early Life of Lewis Tan
Lewis Tan was born on February 4, 1987, in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. He came from a mixed and creative family. His father, Philip Tan, is a Chinese-Singaporean who works as a martial artist, actor, and stunt expert.
He worked on big Hollywood movies like Batman, Inception, and Pirates of the Caribbean. His mother, Joanne Cassidy, used to be a fashion model from Britain. When Lewis was about one year old, his family moved to Los Angeles, California.
His father got a job as a fight coordinator for the 1989 film Batman by Tim Burton. Since then, Lewis grew up around movie sets and people working in films. This helped him enjoy both action and creative work.
Lewis is the oldest of four brothers. His younger brothers are Sam, Ben, and Evan. Sam became an actor, Ben works as a director, and Evan takes photos and has worked with music artists.
Lewis spent most of his childhood in Los Angeles, but he also lived in other countries like China, France, Thailand, and Spain. These moves helped him learn about different cultures. From a young age, his father trained him in martial arts. He learned Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and taekwondo.
While training in martial arts, Lewis also went to a local high school in Los Angeles. He managed both school and acting lessons at the same time. In his teen years, he began acting and joined theater classes. He trained under well-known acting teacher John Kirby.
After finishing high school in 2005, Lewis chose to follow his acting dream. He did not go to college and focused fully on his career. This marked the start of his journey in the film world, where he combined his fighting skills and acting talent to grow as a strong action performer.
Lewis Tan Nationality and Ethnicity
Lewis Tan holds dual nationality as both British and American. He was in Salford, Greater Manchester, England, which makes him a British citizen by birth.
However, having spent a significant portion of his life in the United States particularly in Los Angeles, California where he pursued and established his acting career, he has developed deep personal and professional ties to America as well.
His upbringing in the U.S., combined with his international background, has shaped his identity as a global actor capable of navigating both Eastern and Western entertainment industries. In terms of ethnicity, Lewis Tan is of mixed heritage.
His father, Philip Tan, is Chinese-Singaporean, while his mother, Joanne Cassidy, is of British descent. This unique blend of Asian and European roots has not only defined his personal identity but has also significantly influenced his career in film and television.
His multicultural background allows him to authentically portray various characters and narratives, particularly those that bridge Eastern and Western cultures.
This versatility has contributed to his success in landing roles that require both physical intensity, thanks to his martial arts training, and cultural nuance, thanks to his diverse heritage.
Lewis Tan Age
Lewis Tan is 38 years old as of 2025 and was born on February 4, 1987. Despite being in his late 30s, Tan has maintained a highly active and physically demanding career, thanks to his lifelong training in martial arts and dedication to fitness.
His age reflects not only his experience and maturity in the entertainment industry but also the discipline he has cultivated over the years as both an actor and stunt performer.
Known for doing many of his own stunts, Tan continues to impress audiences with his agility, strength, and presence on-screen qualities that defy the typical expectations associated with age in action-heavy roles.
Lewis Tan Height and Weight
Lewis Tan is 6 feet 2 inches tall, which is equivalent to 188 centimeters or 1.88 meters, and weighs around 85 kilograms or 187 pounds. With a commanding presence, Tan is known for his tall, athletic build, a result of years of intense martial arts training and physical conditioning.
He has a chiseled physique, often highlighted in his action-packed roles on screen. Lewis has striking features that add to his charismatic and intense screen presence. His appearance reflects both his mixed Asian-European heritage and his dedication to fitness.
Whether he is performing stunts, walking red carpets, or starring in leading roles, Tan brings a blend of strength, elegance, and versatility to everything he does.
Does Lewis Tan have an Accent?
Lewis Tan speaks with a distinct accent that reflects his multicultural background. His natural accent is a blend of British and American influences, shaped by his early years in the UK and his formative years in the United States.
While his everyday speech leans more toward a standard American accent, subtle British undertones are often noticeable, especially in casual settings or interviews. This hybrid accent gives Tan a unique vocal presence that complements his diverse on-screen roles.
As an actor, Tan is highly skilled at adapting his voice to suit his characters. For example, when preparing for a role as a Texan football player, he fully immersed himself in the environment to perfect a Southern accent. He shared:
I spent many weekends hanging around the Walmart in Texas just listening to people talk and trying to create the accent that I wanted, studying their behavior and mannerisms.
This level of dedication highlights his commitment to authenticity in performance. Whether switching between British, American, or regional dialects, Lewis Tan vocal versatility is just one of the many tools he uses to bring his characters to life.
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Lewis Tan Career Journey
Lewis Tan has carved out a unique place for himself in the world of film and television. With his commanding screen presence, martial arts mastery, and a growing portfolio of diverse roles, Tan is more than just an action star he is a dynamic performer who brings both intensity and heart to his characters.
Born into a family rooted in the entertainment industry and martial arts, he has seamlessly blended these influences into a career that continues to gain momentum across genres and platforms.
Entry into Film and Television
Tan began his career with small acting roles and behind-the-scenes stunt work in major film productions. He worked on popular titles such as The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World End (2007), Olympus Has Fallen (2013), and The Hangover Part III (2013).
His early television appearances included guest roles in shows like CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Hawaii Five-0. During this period, he also gained experience as a fight choreographer and stunt double, and he was able to hone both his physical skills and on-screen presence.
Rise to Prominence
Tan breakthrough came in 2017 with his role as Zhou Cheng in Marvel’s Iron Fist, where his brief yet compelling performance earned significant praise from fans.
His momentum continued with a role in the superhero blockbuster Deadpool 2 (2018), where he portrayed Shatterstar and was introduced to a global audience.
That same year, he took on the role of Gaius Chau in AMC’s martial arts series Into the Badlands, which highlighted his ability to merge complex fight choreography with dramatic acting.
Leading Roles and Mainstream Success
In 2019, Lewis Tan landed his first major leading role as Lu Xin Lee in the Netflix series Wu Assassins, a blend of martial arts, supernatural elements, and crime drama.
His performance received positive reviews, and he reprised the role in the 2022 standalone sequel film Fistful of Vengeance. His biggest opportunity came in 2021 when he was cast as Cole Young, the central character in the Mortal Kombat reboot.
The film commercial success and his commitment to doing his own stunts further solidified his place in the action film world.
Expanding into New Genres
Though widely known for his action roles, Tan has also explored other genres. In 2022, he appeared in the romantic comedy About Fate, demonstrating his range as an actor.
In 2023, he joined the cast of the Netflix fantasy series Shadow and Bone for its second season, where he portrayed Tolya Yul-Bataar, a philosophical warrior-poet.
These roles marked a turning point in his career as he moved beyond purely physical roles to characters with more emotional depth and narrative complexity.
Recent Work and Future Projects
In 2024, Tan expanded his television presence by joining the sixth season of Cobra Kai as Sensei Wolf. He is also set to reprise his role as Shatterstar in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine and return as Cole Young in Mortal Kombat 2, which is currently in post-production.
With a growing portfolio of leading roles, Tan continues to be a prominent figure in the martial arts and action genres.
Legacy and Influence
Beyond his screen work, Lewis Tan is known for his advocacy for greater representation of Asian actors in Hollywood. He has spoken openly about breaking stereotypes and creating space for more nuanced portrayals of Asian characters in Western media.
Combining striking physical talent, cultural awareness, and artistic ambition, Tan stands out as one of the most compelling action stars of his generation and continues to be a driving force in modern action cinema.
Lewis Tan Movies and TV Shows
Lewis Tan has built an impressive career blending martial arts prowess with action-packed performances in both film and television. From major Hollywood blockbusters to Netflix originals, he continues to showcase his versatility across genres. Below is a list of his work in movies and TV shows.
Movies
- Mortal Kombat (2021)
- Deadpool 2 (2018)
- Fistful of Vengeance (2022)
- About Fate (2022)
- The Hangover Part III (2013)
- Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
- Deadpool & Wolverine (2024, upcoming)
- Mortal Kombat 2 (TBA)
- Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (TBA)
- Criminal (2016)
- The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)
- Sacrifice (2015)
TV Shows
- Into the Badlands (2018–2019)
- Wu Assassins (2019)
- Shadow and Bone (Season 2, 2023)
- Iron Fist (2017)
- The Defenders (2017)
- S.W.A.T. (2017)
- Rush Hour (2016)
- Hawaii Five-0 (2015, 2016)
- CSI: NY (2006, 2011)
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2011, 2013)
- The Last Ship (2016)
- Cobra Kai (Season 6, 2024, upcoming)
What Martial Arts does Lewis Tan Do?
Lewis Tan is a highly skilled martial artist whose expertise spans a wide range of disciplines. From a young age, he was immersed in martial arts under the guidance of his father, Philip Tan, a veteran stunt coordinator and martial artist.
His early foundation was built on traditional Chinese martial arts, particularly Kung Fu and Wushu, which helped him develop grace, speed, and precision.
Tan expanded his repertoire to include Muay Thai, a striking art from Thailand known for its powerful use of elbows, knees, kicks, and clinch techniques.
He has spoken about his love for Muay Thai and how it plays a major role in his fighting style. Alongside it, he trained in Western boxing and kickboxing to refine his striking combinations and footwork.
His versatility also extends to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he learned ground fighting and submissions, as well as traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, which add throws and self-defense techniques to his skill set.
To enhance his flexibility and high-impact kicking ability, he trained in Taekwondo, while also mastering a wide variety of weapons.
His weapons training includes proficiency with the Japanese katana, bo staff, nunchaku, and bladed weapons used in Filipino martial arts such as Kali and Escrima.
For his performance in Wu Assassins, he even studied Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art known for its joint manipulation and aggressive striking.
His ability to merge multiple martial arts disciplines has elevated his performances and made him one of the most exciting action stars in the industry today.
Lewis Tan Net Worth
Lewis Tan has an estimated net worth of $10 million of 2025. His financial success is the result of a multifaceted career that includes acting, martial arts, modeling, and stunt performance.
Known for his physical prowess and striking on-screen presence, Tan has secured numerous roles that showcase his martial arts abilities, which in turn have significantly boosted his income.
Beyond acting, he has built a strong presence in the modeling industry. His work as a stunt performer has also added to his earnings, especially early in his career when he contributed to major productions behind the scenes.
In addition to these main sources of income, Tan has partnered with brands and participated in endorsement deals that align with his image as a modern action star.
Although he earns a small amount from his YouTube channel, the majority of his wealth comes from his work in entertainment and fashion. His diverse skills and growing global recognition continue to open new financial opportunities.
Lewis Tan Wife
Lewis Tan is not married and does not have a wife. He has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship. The artist has kept his personal life largely private, though a few relationships and rumors have surfaced over the years.
From 2013 to 2017, he was in a relationship with Brazilian model and fitness coach Emi Renata Sakamoto. The two reportedly met while working on a commercial and occasionally shared moments from their relationship on social media during that time.
In more recent years, Tan has been linked to Chinese model and actress Lucy Qiu. They have been seen together at public events such as the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride in 2023 and the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
However, neither Tan nor Qiu has confirmed the nature of their relationship. There have also been unconfirmed rumors connecting him to actresses like Li Jun Li and Kim Lee, but no details have ever been verified.
Tan has previously acknowledged that the demands of his career make maintaining a serious relationship challenging. He continues to keep his romantic life out of the spotlight, and there are no current reports of him being engaged or married.
Lewis Tan and Lucy Qiu
Lewis Tan has been linked to Chinese model and actress Lucy Qiu in recent years.
The two have been seen together at several public events, such as the 15th Annual Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Media event in September 2023, the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, and the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine in New York City in July 2024.
These appearances have sparked speculation among fans about a possible romantic relationship. Lucy Qiu, born on September 21, 1999, in England, is 25 years old as of 2024 and has made a name for herself in the fashion world, collaborating with brands like Calvin Klein, Charlotte Tilbury, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss.
She has also been featured in publications such as Vogue Korea and Numero Netherlands. Despite the public interest and growing rumors, neither Lewis Tan nor Lucy Qiu has officially confirmed the nature of their relationship. Tan continues to maintain a private personal life.
Lewis Tan Social Media
Lewis Tan maintains an active presence on social media. He uses various platforms to connect with his audience and share aspects of his life and work. On Instagram, he often posts behind-the-scenes content, personal moments, and updates about his ongoing projects.
His Facebook page features news about his latest endeavors, film promotions, and occasional interactions with fans. On X (formerly Twitter), he shares insights into his martial arts training, and acting career, and engages in conversations with followers.
Lewis Tan maintains an active presence on social media. He uses various platforms to connect with his audience and share aspects of his life and work. Through these platforms, Lewis provides a well-rounded view of both his professional activities and personal passions.
Conclusion
Lewis Tan has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry by blending his talents as an actor, martial artist, and performer. Known for his physical agility, intense screen presence, and dedication to his craft, he continues to push boundaries in both Western and Asian cinema.
With a strong background in martial arts and a passion for storytelling, Tan has become a dynamic force in action films and television. As he takes on more challenging roles and explores diverse creative opportunities, his influence and popularity are steadily growing.
With his commitment to authenticity and representation, Lewis Tan stands as an inspiring figure for a new generation of global talent.
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