Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr. is a multi-talented performer who has made a name for himself in Hollywood through his acting, dancing, and singing abilities. Born in Costa Rica on April 28, 1982, to Chinese parents, Shum spent his early years moving between several different countries before eventually settling in the United States. Over the course of his career, Shum has become known for his roles in popular TV shows and films, as well as his impressive dance moves and his advocacy work for Asian representation in media.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into Harry Shum Jr.’s life, examining his early years, education, career highlights, and personal life, as well as some of the challenges he has faced along the way.
Early Life and Education
Harry Shum Jr. was born in Limón, Costa Rica, and spent much of his childhood moving between several different countries. His family eventually settled in San Francisco when Shum was six years old, and it was there that he began to develop an interest in the performing arts.
Shum attended Arroyo Grande High School in California, where he was active in the school’s dance program. After graduating, he enrolled at San Francisco State University to study civil engineering, but he soon found that his passion lay elsewhere. Shum began taking dance classes and performing with a local dance company, and it wasn’t long before he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in the arts.
Career Highlights
Dance
Harry Shum Jr. began his professional dance career as a backup dancer for the likes of Beyoncé and Mariah Carey. In 2003, he landed a spot as a dancer on the hit TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which helped to launch his career in the entertainment industry. Shum went on to become a regular dancer on the TV show “Glee,” where he was also given the opportunity to showcase his acting and singing abilities.
Acting
In addition to his work as a dancer, Harry Shum Jr. has also made a name for himself as an actor. He has appeared in a variety of TV shows and films, including “Step Up 2: The Streets,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” and “Shadowhunters.” Shum has also been a recurring guest star on the TV show “The L Word,” and he played the role of Magnus Bane on the popular show “Shadowhunters.”
Advocacy Work
Throughout his career, Harry Shum Jr. has been a vocal advocate for Asian representation in media. He has spoken out about the lack of opportunities for Asian actors and has worked to increase visibility and representation for Asian performers in Hollywood. In 2018, Shum was named as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, where he focuses on issues related to sustainability and gender equality.
Personal Life
Harry Shum Jr. has been married to his wife, Shelby Rabara, since 2015. The couple met on the set of “Glee,” where Rabara was also a dancer. They have one child together, a daughter named Xia.
Tragedy
In 2019, Harry Shum Jr. and his wife, Shelby Rabara, experienced a devastating loss when Rabara suffered a miscarriage. Shum later spoke out about the experience, saying that it had been “heartbreaking” but that he was grateful for the support of his family and friends during that difficult time.
Social Media Presence
Harry Shum Jr. is active on several social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. He frequently posts updates about his personal life and his work in the entertainment industry, as well as sharing his thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics. Shum has a large following on both platforms, with over 2 million