Harry Shum Jr. is a Costa Rican-born Chinese-American actor, dancer, choreographer, producer and author. He rose to prominence as Mike Chang on Glee, later portraying Magnus Bane on Shadowhunters, Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan on Grey’s Anatomy and Charlie Wu in Crazy Rich Asians.
As of November 11, 2026, Shum is 44, remains married to actress and dancer Shelby Rabara, and is competing alongside professional partner Jenna Johnson on season 35 of Dancing with the Stars. He is also continuing his role as Blue Kwan in season 23 of Grey’s Anatomy.
This updated biography covers Harry Shum Jr.’s ethnicity, family background, birthplace, age, wife, daughter, education, career, current television roles, Dancing with the Stars run and publicly reported net-worth estimate.
Who Is Harry Shum Jr.?
Harry Shum Jr. is a versatile performer who began his career in dance before branching into acting, choreography, voice work, producing and children’s publishing. His energetic and athletic style first led to opportunities in music videos, commercials and dance films, eventually helping him become a familiar face on television.
He gained worldwide recognition as Mike Chang on Fox’s musical comedy-drama Glee. Shum later took on the role of the powerful warlock Magnus Bane in Freeform’s fantasy series Shadowhunters, earning the 2018 People’s Choice Award for Male TV Star.
In the years since, Shum has moved between network television, feature films, audio projects and books for young readers. His credits include Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Love Hard, All My Life, Kung Fu Panda 4 and Voicemails for Isabelle.
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What Is Harry Shum Jr.’s Ethnicity?
Harry Shum Jr. is of Chinese heritage and was born in Costa Rica. His mother is from Hong Kong, while his father’s family originated in mainland China, including the Guangzhou region. Shum has publicly described himself as Chinese, Costa Rican-born and raised in the United States.
He spent part of his childhood in Costa Rica, growing up amid Chinese and Caribbean cultural influences. Spanish played an important role in his early life, and he has also discussed his connection to Cantonese and Chinese family traditions.
For that reason, descriptions such as “Chinese-Costa Rican” or “Costa Rican-born Chinese-American” more fully reflect his background than “Chinese-American” alone. His identity encompasses his birthplace, his parents’ heritage and his upbringing in California.
Who Are Harry Shum Jr.’s Parents and Siblings?
Harry Shum Jr.’s parents are Chinese immigrants who first built their family life in Costa Rica before relocating to the United States. Public interviews identify his mother as being from Hong Kong and his father as having roots in mainland China.
His family moved to the U.S. when he was young. Shum spent most of his school years in California and has spoken about navigating cultural differences while adapting to American life. He has also said that his parents’ expectations and experiences influenced his portrayal of Mike Chang on Glee.
Shum has two sisters. They have largely remained outside the entertainment industry and public spotlight, leaving few details about their personal lives publicly available.
Where Was Harry Shum Jr. Born and How Old Is He?
Harry Shum Jr. was born on April 28, 1982, in Costa Rica. Public biographies have variously listed San José and Limón, but Shum has said he was born in Limón, a city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. His connection to Limón remains an important part of his public story.
He turned 44 on April 28, 2026. His zodiac sign is Taurus. After spending his early childhood in Costa Rica, Shum moved with his family to California, where he developed an interest in dance during high school.
Shum graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in California in 2000. He later enrolled at San Francisco State University but left after a relatively short time to pursue professional dance opportunities.
| Full name | Harry Shum Jr. |
| Date of birth | April 28, 1982 |
| Age as of November 11, 2026 | 44 |
| Birthplace | Costa Rica; commonly identified as Limón or Puerto Limón |
| Nationality | Costa Rican-born American |
| Ethnicity | Chinese heritage |
| Profession | Actor, dancer, choreographer, producer and author |
| Education | Arroyo Grande High School; San Francisco State University |
| Spouse | Shelby Rabara |
| Children | One daughter |
Who Is Harry Shum Jr.’s Wife?
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Harry Shum Jr. is married to Shelby Rabara, an actress, dancer and voice performer known in part for her work on Steven Universe. The couple began dating in the late 2000s, announced their engagement in October 2013 and married on November 22, 2015, in Costa Rica.
Shum and Rabara have kept their family life mostly private, although they occasionally attend public events together. In June 2026, they appeared at the Los Angeles premiere of Toy Story 5, for which Rabara was part of the voice cast.
The couple also collaborated in 2024 on the children’s book Martee Dares to Dance. The story centers on dance, confidence and inclusion—subjects that closely reflect both authors’ professional experiences.
Does Harry Shum Jr. Have Children?
Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara have one daughter, Xia, born on March 28, 2019. The couple generally shields her from public attention and does not regularly include her in public appearances.
Shum has discussed the challenge of balancing a demanding career with family life. His work on television series, films and competition programs often involves travel and lengthy rehearsals, making time with his family especially valuable.
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Harry Shum Jr.’s Career Timeline and Major Roles
Dance and early screen work
Shum initially made his name as a professional dancer. Before becoming widely recognized as an actor, he appeared in music videos, commercials and live performances associated with major recording artists. His early film credits included dance-focused projects such as You Got Served, Stomp the Yard and entries in the Step Up franchise.
Glee and Mike Chang
In 2009, Shum joined Glee as Mike Chang, a gifted dancer and football player at William McKinley High School. Initially a recurring character, Mike became more prominent as the series explored his ambitions, family expectations and relationship with Tina Cohen-Chang.
The role established Shum as both a dramatic performer and a dancer. Glee ran from 2009 through 2015 and became one of the era’s most recognizable television series.
Shadowhunters and Magnus Bane
Shum portrayed Magnus Bane on Shadowhunters from 2016 to 2019. The character became one of his signature roles, while Magnus’s relationship with Alec Lightwood helped make the fantasy series a favorite among viewers.
His performance earned the 2018 People’s Choice Award for Male TV Star. Playing Magnus also introduced Shum to a broader audience beyond musical television and showcased his ability to lead a fantasy drama.
Film, voice acting and producing
In 2018, Shum played Charlie Wu in the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. He later appeared in the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once, portrayed Owen Lin in Netflix’s Love Hard and served as an executive producer on the thriller Broadcast Signal Intrusion.
His voice credits include Brainiac 5 in DC animated projects, a role in Kung Fu Panda 4 and appearances in several animated television productions. He has also explored audio storytelling, including the scripted thriller podcast Echo Park.
What Is Harry Shum Jr. Doing in 2026?
As of November 11, 2026, Harry Shum Jr. is appearing as Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan in season 23 of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Blue is a first-year surgical intern at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, and Shum remains part of the show’s current ensemble.
Shum also appeared as Andy in Netflix’s 2026 film Voicemails for Isabelle, alongside Nick Robinson and Zoey Deutch. The contemporary romantic drama is among his latest screen projects.
His most prominent current television appearance is on season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, where he is partnered with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. During the November 10, 2026, Grammy Night episode, the pair earned 29 out of 30 points for their salsa to “Die With a Smile.” They remain in the competition.
Despite his extensive dance background, Dancing with the Stars has challenged Shum to master ballroom technique while performing under live pressure and facing audience votes. His professional experience has made him one of the season’s most closely followed contestants.
What Is Harry Shum Jr.’s Net Worth?
Celebrity-wealth publications commonly place Harry Shum Jr.’s net worth at approximately $14 million. That figure is an estimate, however, and has not been confirmed through a statement from Shum, his representatives or a public financial filing.
His reported income sources likely include acting, dance, choreography, producing, voice performances, podcast work, publishing and television appearances. No verified public record details his compensation for Grey’s Anatomy or Dancing with the Stars, so specific salary claims should be viewed cautiously.
Harry Shum Jr. on Social Media
Harry Shum Jr. has publicly used the Instagram handle @harryshumjr and maintains a social-media presence under his name. His posts have included professional announcements, family glimpses, promotional material and behind-the-scenes content from his film, television and dance projects.
Those looking for updates about his marriage, family or Dancing with the Stars performances should distinguish verified or long-established public accounts from unofficial fan pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harry Shum Jr.’s ethnicity?
Harry Shum Jr. is of Chinese heritage and was born in Costa Rica. His mother is from Hong Kong, while his father’s family originated in mainland China.
How old is Harry Shum Jr. in 2026?
Harry Shum Jr. is 44 years old as of November 11, 2026. He was born on April 28, 1982.
Who is Harry Shum Jr.’s wife?
His wife is Shelby Rabara, an actress, dancer and voice performer. They married in Costa Rica on November 22, 2015.
How many children does Harry Shum Jr. have?
Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara have one daughter, Xia, who was born on March 28, 2019.
What is Harry Shum Jr. doing now?
In 2026, he plays Blue Kwan on Grey’s Anatomy, appears in Voicemails for Isabelle and competes with Jenna Johnson on season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.
What is Harry Shum Jr.’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is frequently estimated at about $14 million, although no official financial disclosure has verified that figure.
Harry Shum Jr. Quick Facts
- Full name: Harry Shum Jr.
- Born: April 28, 1982
- Age: 44 as of November 11, 2026
- Birthplace: Costa Rica, commonly identified as Limón or Puerto Limón
- Ethnicity: Chinese heritage
- Wife: Shelby Rabara
- Wedding date: November 22, 2015
- Child: Daughter named Xia
- Best-known roles: Mike Chang, Magnus Bane, Charlie Wu and Blue Kwan
- Current projects: Grey’s Anatomy, Voicemails for Isabelle and Dancing with the Stars
- Estimated net worth: Approximately $14 million, not officially confirmed
