Crazy Rich Asians actor Harry Shum Jr on speaking Cantonese and Spanish growing up, still getting star-struck, and why he was in Hong Kong recently

Hollywood star Harry Shum Jr has captivated audiences around the world with his performances in the hit film Crazy Rich Asians, the sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once, and his breakout role as Mike Chang in the beloved TV series Glee.

When he’s in Hong Kong, he often seeks out the comfort of a hot bowl of wonton soup – a classic local dish.

The actor is gearing up for a new chapter in his career as he prepares to take on the highly anticipated sequel to Crazy Rich Asians. Shum’s character, Charlie Wu, has been revealed to be a leading character in the coming instalment, adding to the excitement surrounding the movie.

Shum, whose mother is from Hong Kong and father from Guangzhou, in mainland China’s Guangdong province, was recently in Hong Kong to attend the annual charity gala organised by The Hub Hong Kong as the guest of honour. The non-profit provides free programmes – from homework guidance to extracurricular activities like music, art and sports – to children living in poverty.

Shum at The Hub charity gala dinner in Wan Chai. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

The Post caught up with the charismatic 41-year-old actor and father of a four-year-old daughter to talk about his connection with Hong Kong.

What made you interested in coming to this event?

When I heard about this wonderful organisation, I just felt this was such an important cause to come and support. Seeing [founder of The Hub] David Boehm’s passion for kids is really wonderful.

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Why are extracurricular activities like arts and crafts important for kids?

Kids need to play, they need to expand their minds and I think that … physical movement, learning the steps in a dance, painting and sports help them … pick up social skills and learn how to play with other people, which is incredibly important.

I grew up speaking Cantonese with my parents. I was born in Costa Rica, so Spanish was my first language

Harry Shum Jr

When were you last in Hong Kong?

We just came back this last summer. My mother last visited Hong Kong maybe in the 1980s. She came back wide-eyed at how much had changed – she loved it. She loved walking around, and it’s really neat to bring another generation here and kind of see it through their eyes.

What is your favourite Hong Kong food?

It would have to be … wonton noodles!

Shum at The Hub charity gala dinner in Hong Kong. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Did you learn Cantonese as a child?

Yes, I grew up speaking Cantonese with my parents. I was born in Costa Rica, so Spanish was my first language, but it got to the point where my parents were thinking, “We have to speak to him in Cantonese.”

What Hong Kong films did you love watching growing up?

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World [directed by Clifton Ko Chi-sum] and, of course, all the Stephen Chow and Jackie Chan films. I grew up in San Francisco and it was very hard to get Hong Kong cinema – but we had this guy who could get you these Hong Kong films. I remember he would have cartons of tapes and every Tuesday it would be Hong Kong movie night.
From left: Shum, Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan with the best picture award for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards. Photo: Reuters
I’ve had to pinch myself during the times I got to work with certain Hong Kong actors – but for my parents they were even more giddy and star-struck. I’ve worked with some great, great people, but for my parents, meeting the people they grew up watching, like Andy Lau, was another thing.

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