Harry Shum Jr. Age, Height, Partner, Biography & More

Harry Shum Jr. brought genuine dance pedigree to Dancing with the Stars season 35, and it showed immediately. Known to millions as Mike Chang on Glee, he is a trained dancer who began his career in dance before acting took over. Partnered with Jenna Johnson, he delivered the season’s first perfect score, a 40 for a contemporary routine on Horror Movie Night, and by late October 2026 he was among the clear frontrunners for the season 35 trophy.

Who Is Harry Shum Jr.?

Harry Shum Jr. is an American actor and dancer best known for playing Mike Chang in the musical series Glee, Magnus Bane in Shadowhunters, and Charlie Woo in Crazy Rich Asians. He has also appeared in Grey’s Anatomy and in films including Everything Everywhere All at Once. Unlike many celebrity contestants, Shum came to Dancing with the Stars with professional dance experience: he worked as a dancer and choreographer before his acting career, and his Glee role was built around that talent. That background made his 2026 casting one of the most anticipated of the season.

Early Life & Background

Harry Shum Jr. was born in Limón, Costa Rica, on April 28, 1982, to Chinese parents, and moved with his family to San Francisco as a child. He discovered dance as a teenager and, after graduating from high school, began working professionally in dance, including touring and performing with recording artists. He later moved to Los Angeles, where dance work led to acting auditions and eventually to Glee. His background spans cultures and disciplines: Costa Rican birth, Chinese heritage, American upbringing, and a career that moved from dance studios to television sets.

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Journey

Shum joined Dancing with the Stars season 35, which premiered on ABC and Disney+ on September 15, 2026, partnered with Jenna Johnson. He opened with a jive scoring 22, then earned 24 for a tango and 25 for a quickstep. On Mariah Carey Night his rumba scored 25, and on Super Bowl Night his foxtrot earned 35. His breakthrough came on Horror Movie Night, when his contemporary routine earned the season’s first perfect score of 40. As of October 31, 2026, he was still competing, with a tango from Hamilton planned for Disney Night.

Career

Shum’s career began in dance, with work including performances for Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, before he moved into acting. His breakthrough was Glee, where he played Mike Chang from 2009 to 2015. He went on to star as Magnus Bane in Shadowhunters, appeared as Charlie Woo in Crazy Rich Asians, and joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as Benson Kwan. He also appeared in the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once. Across those roles, dance has remained part of his identity, and his Dancing with the Stars run gave audiences a chance to see that original talent in a competitive setting.

Facts About Harry Shum Jr.

• Harry Shum Jr. was born in Limón, Costa Rica, on April 28, 1982.
• He played Mike Chang in Glee.
• He played Magnus Bane in Shadowhunters.
• He appeared as Charlie Woo in Crazy Rich Asians.
• On Dancing with the Stars season 35 he earned the season’s first perfect 40.

Frequently Asked Questions

See the full Dancing with the Stars 2026 Cast hub.