Simu Liu recently shared his experience of dancing through the pain during Ryan Gosling's I'm Just Ken performance at the 2024 Oscars. Despite his torn Achilles tendon that had not completely healed, Liu was determined not to miss the Kens reunion on the Academy Awards stage. The actor, known for his role in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, revealed that he was in the midst of recovering from Achilles surgery but felt compelled to be part of what he believed would be a historic moment.
Reflecting on his decision, Liu admitted to questioning whether he should proceed with the performance, especially considering his physical condition. However, he ultimately decided to power through the discomfort, driven by the significance of the occasion. He acknowledged the rapid pace at which the performance came together, crediting Ryan Gosling's specific vision for the seamless execution.
Back in October, Liu had disclosed on Instagram that he sustained the Achilles tendon injury during a sports weekend with friends, necessitating the use of crutches at the time. The recovery process for such an injury can be lengthy, with the Mayo Clinic indicating a potential six-month timeline for returning to normal activities.
Detailing the incident that led to his injury, Liu recounted a friendly sports tournament in Miami with close friends that took an unexpected turn during a basketball game. The sudden onset of intense pain signaled the severity of the injury, prompting him to seek immediate medical attention.
Throughout the award season, Liu was frequently seen sporting a leg brace, a visible reminder of his ongoing recovery. Despite the challenges posed by his injury, he expressed no regrets about participating in the I'm Just Ken Oscars performance, describing it as a fulfilling conclusion to the entire experience.
