A chance suggestion, a salon start, and a father’s lessons launched Henry Golding to stardom

Henry Golding’s journey to stardom is marked by a series of diverse and unconventional career choices before he became a Hollywood icon. At just 14, Golding worked as a hair salon cleaner in England, earning a modest $32 a day. This early job sparked his passion for hairdressing, which led him to skip traditional education in favor of an apprenticeship in the trade. After five years at high-end salons in London, including Richard Ward in Sloane Square, Golding made a career pivot by moving to Malaysia at 22 to pursue travel television. His experience as a presenter for BBC’s The Travel Show and co-hosting segments on ESPN eventually brought him to the attention of Hollywood. It was a Facebook message from director John Chu that led to his casting in Crazy Rich Asians, the 2018 film that grossed $240 million worldwide and launched his acting career [1].

Golding’s transition to acting was not immediate. He was initially hesitant to audition for the film, believing it was a role for a more seasoned actor. However, Chu convinced him to read the script, which ultimately changed the course of his career. Golding credits his curiosity and adaptability—traits he attributes to his upbringing in Malaysia—to his success in navigating the entertainment industry. His early experiences in hairdressing and travel presenting gave him the confidence and creativity to embrace acting, and his natural charisma helped him stand out in the industry [1].

An unexpected but pivotal moment in Golding’s casting came through an accountant named Lisa-Kim Kuan, who recommended him for the role of Nick Young. Kuan, working at the Malaysian production office of Crazy Rich Asians, had previously met Golding at an event in Kuala Lumpur and immediately thought of him upon reading Kevin Kwan’s novel. She passed his name to the production team, which led to Golding’s involvement in the film. Kuan described the suggestion as a “bridge” that helped Golding “get to the other side,” emphasizing how chance connections often play a role in career breakthroughs [2].

Golding’s personal life and values have also contributed to his success. His father, Clive Golding, played a foundational role in shaping his character and work ethic. Clive, a British expatriate who raised Henry in Malaysia, instilled in him a strong sense of integrity, curiosity, and resilience. Golding’s upbringing in a culturally rich environment helped him remain grounded despite his rising fame. His father’s influence is evident in his professional demeanor and commitment to his family, including his marriage to model Liv Lo. Golding’s ability to maintain a balance between his personal and professional life reflects the values passed down from his father, which have been critical to his enduring success in the entertainment industry [3].

Beyond acting, Golding has expanded his presence into business and finance. He is an investor in fintech company Chocolate Finance and a partner in a travel rewards credit card initiative with Citi. These ventures demonstrate his continued drive to explore new opportunities and his adaptability in different industries. Golding’s career path—from a hair salon cleaner to a Hollywood leading man—illustrates a trajectory defined by perseverance, curiosity, and the willingness to take calculated risks. His story is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the power of mentorship, chance connections, and a supportive upbringing [1].

Source: [1] Before 'Crazy Rich Asians,' Henry Golding swept salon floors at 14 for $32 a day and worked as a travel host on his way to stardom (https://fortune.com/2025/08/24/hollywood-actor-henry-golding-crazy-rich-asians-career-hair-dressing-travel-host/) [2] 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Henry Golding was discovered thanks to an accountant's suggestion (https://mashable.com/article/accountant-henry-golding-discover) [3] Unveiling Henry Golding's Father: The Man Behind The Star (https://onlineadmission.bmsce.in/blog/unveiling-henry-goldings-father-the-175****629171)