Harry Shum Jr. Biography

Harry Shum Jr. is an American actor, dancer, choreographer, and singer. He initially earned fame as a talented dancer appearing in music videos and dance films before achieving global recognition for his portrayal of Mike Chang on the hit television series Glee.

Throughout his career, he has seamlessly moved between television, film, and dance choreography. His performances in major motion pictures and critically acclaimed television series have established him as an influential Asian American actor in Hollywood.

Harry Shum Jr. Early Life

Harry Shum Jr. was born on April 28, 1982, in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. Born to Chinese parents who had relocated to Costa Rica, he learned Spanish as his first language. At age six, his family moved to San Francisco, California, where he learned English and adapted to American culture.

He attended high school in California and briefly enrolled at San Francisco State University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue professional dance full time. His Costa Rican birthplace and Chinese cultural background give him a rich multicultural background.

Harry Shum Jr. Career

Professional Dance and Television Breakout

Harry Shum Jr. began his professional entertainment career as a male dancer on BET’s Comic View in 2002. He danced alongside top music artists and landed roles in dance movies including You Got Served, Stomp the Yard, Step Up 2: The Streets, and Step Up 3D. In 2009, he was cast as Mike Chang on Fox’s musical series Glee, remaining on the show for six seasons across 90 episodes.

Lead Roles and Hollywood Blockbusters

Following Glee, Harry Shum Jr. played Magnus Bane on the fantasy series Shadowhunters from 2016 to 2019. He went on to star in major films including Crazy Rich Asians, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, and the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once. In 2022, he joined the cast of ABC’s long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Benson Kwan.

Featured Filmography and Television Roles

• Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

  BookMyShow

• Step Up 3D (2010)

  Famous Birthdays

• Glee (2009–2015)

  Fandango

• Shadowhunters (2016–2019)

• Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

  Famous Birthdays

• Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

• Grey’s Anatomy (2022–present)

Harry Shum Jr. Awards and Recognitions

Harry Shum Jr. won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for Glee. He later won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Everything Everywhere All at Once in 2023. Additionally, he won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Star in 2018 for Shadowhunters.

Harry Shum Jr. Personal Life

Harry Shum Jr. married actress and dancer Shelby Rabara in November 2015. The couple welcomed their daughter, Xia, in 2019. He actively supports charitable causes, including organizations raising awareness for children’s rights.

Conclusion

Harry Shum Jr. has maintained an exceptional career path spanning professional choreography, television drama, and feature films. His landmark roles continue to inspire audiences across generations worldwide.

FAQs

What languages does Harry Shum Jr. speak?

Harry Shum Jr. speaks English, Spanish, and Cantonese.

What major awards has Harry Shum Jr. won?

He has won Screen Actors Guild Awards for both Glee and Everything Everywhere All at Once, as well as a People’s Choice Award.