Renee Li-Yen Lim was born in Perth, Australia to Chinese-Malaysian parents. Though interested in performing from an early age, Lim's first bona fide occupational pursuit was in the field of medicine; after graduating from the University of New South Wales, Lim worked as a physician and clinical lecturer. Ultimately, however, Lim chose to devote herself to an acting career, which she kicked off with roles on television shows like "White Collar Blue" (Network Ten 2002-03) and in short films like ""The Suitor" (2005). Although an unknown at the time, Lim landed a costarring role on the acclaimed drama series "East West 101" (SBS One 2007-2011), playing a constable within a team of contentious detectives. Meanwhile, Lim put her medical expertise to good use upon joining the hospital drama "All Saints" (Seven Network 1998-2009) for a two-year span as the character Suzi Lao. The next few years would see Lim focusing on feature films, with the fantasy movies "Dead Moon Circus" (2012) and "Dead Moon Circus Part 2" (2013) and the black comedy "Ad Nauseum" (2014) working into the mix. Lim returned to television with the comedy series "Please Like Me" (Pivot/Hulu 2013-16), on which she played Mae, the girlfriend of David Roberts' character Alan.