Naturally, when you place actors and comedians in a room together you're bound to have moments of laughter. However, if you take a couple of skilled entertainers and have them play Celebrity Jeopardy!, well, that's exactly what fans got to see this past week.
In ABC's newest run of the hit show, actor Simu Liu competed against comedians Ike Barinholtz and Iliza Shlesinger. Midway through their game, Barinholtz and Liu shared a hysterical moment that is almost assured to make this season's highlights.
As many may already know, on Jeopardy! contestants are required to pose their answers in the form of a question. However, this rule placed Barinholtz in a bit of a quandary, which the well humored Shang-Chi star adeptly capitalized on.
Barinholtz was given the question "October is the history month for this Asian-American ethnic group that includes Olivia Rodrigo and Jo Koy."
Without hesitation Barinholtz buzzed in and answered:
"What are Filipinos?"
After a beat, this prompted Liu to facetiously respond:
"What do you mean, what are Filipinos?"
Immediately realizing his predicament, Barinholtz broke down on his podium while pleading his case, exclaiming:
"Oh my god, that's not what I meant! You have to answer in the form of a question!"
Liu, however, wasn't letting up and proceeded to poke fun at the comedian, noting:
"Okay...(pointing to the crowd). Did you hear him? I heard him."
Watch the clip of the hilarious exchange below:
\u201clmao i appreciate you @SimuLiu\n\nhttps://t.co/gsAsBeBggC\u201d— Mark (@Mark) 1665965454
It's rare to see a "gotcha" moment aimed at a professional comedian, but Liu's quick-witted delivery proves that he's fit to hang with the best of them.
The actor also made an impressive run on the show, making it all the way to the semifinals.
\u201cNot me WINNING CELEBRITY JEOPARDY and realizing I could no longer make my dinner plans later that day because I had to compete in semis \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\u201d— Simu Liu (@Simu Liu) 1664159928
While he eventually lost in the semifinal round, Liu was able to raise $50,000 on behalf of Stop AAPI.
The anti-hate charity focuses on the prevention of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a cause which Liu has taken up personally.
\u201cSpent an afternoon in NYC meeting some INCREDIBLE AAPI small businesses owners! Their resilience and motivation to succeed is an inspiration. \n\nThrilled that @UPS is partnering with @NationalACE to deliver grants to AAPI-owned businesses to ensure that they remain UNSTOPPABLE <3\u201d— Simu Liu (@Simu Liu) 1666144057
\u201cPledging to donate $25,000 to AAPI-focused charities and non-profits, and families of victims of the Atlanta shootings.\n\nA huge heartfelt THANK YOU to the grassroots organizers and on-the-ground reporters who are shining a spotlight during these dark times. \n\n#StopAsianHate\u201d— Simu Liu (@Simu Liu) 1616557948
\u201c"It wasn't racially motivated," said the killer, after murdering six Asian women at targeted Asian-owned businesses, one of which is literally called Young's Asian Massage. \n\nWe need to re-examine our legal definition of a hate crime because IT IS NOT WORKING FOR US.\u201d— Simu Liu (@Simu Liu) 1616043870
One positive byproduct of Liu's relatable sense of humor is that it allowed him to connect with viewers and spread awareness for the important cause.
In turn, fans can't seem to get enough of his hilarious exchange with Barinholtz.
\u201c@tole_cover @SimuLiu HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!\u201d— Mark (@Mark) 1665965454
\u201c@tole_cover @SimuLiu LOL man @SimuLiu was quick on the trigger on this one \ud83d\ude04\u201d— Mark (@Mark) 1665965454
\u201c@tole_cover @SimuLiu that\u2019s actually really funny\u201d— Mark (@Mark) 1665965454
Some have pointed out that the proper way to answer would have been "Who are Filipinos?"
\u201c@tole_cover @SimuLiu Isn't the more appropriate question "Who are Filipinos?"\u201d— Mark (@Mark) 1665965454
\u201c@tole_cover @SimuLiu but seriously, it should be Who?\u201d— Mark (@Mark) 1665965454
One user amusingly shared that technically 'Filipinos' is also a name of a brand of cookies.
\u201c@tole_cover @SimuLiu What are Filipinos? Filipinos are delicious, first and foremost.\u201d— Mark (@Mark) 1665965454
Aside from gameshow appearances, Liu recently made his major acting breakthrough after taking on the main role in the 2021 Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings.
\u201cshang chi and the legend of the ten rings edit fancam shang chi wenwu xialing death dealer razor fist michelle yeoh simu liu tony leung #shangchi\u201d— CINETERNALS/FILMTERNALS (@CINETERNALS/FILMTERNALS) 1629096665
He's expected to reprise this role with rumors swirling over several franchise sequels to come.
For now, the actor is set to star alongside Mark Wahlberg in the upcoming movie Arthur the King.
\u201cMark Wahlberg and Simu Liu on the set of \u2018Arthur the King\u2019\u201d— Film Updates (@Film Updates) 1641195459
Liu will also appear in the upcoming blockbuster Barbie, which stars Margot Robbie alongside A-listers Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell and is set to hit theaters in 2023.
\u201cGreta Gerwig and the cast of \u2018Barbie\u2019 \ud83d\udc96\n\nScott Evans, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Greta, Ryan Gosling, Alexandra Shipp, Ariana Greenblatt, Margot Robbie, America Ferrera and Ana Kayne!\u201d— Cinema Solace (@Cinema Solace) 1658079758
If his appearance on Celebrity Jeopardy! is any indication, Simu Liu is plenty entertaining. And as far as entertaining personalities go, it's safe to say he has a long career ahead of him.
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