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.
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.
Parasite, Broker star Song Kang-ho on why his films ‘transcend boundaries’
Parasite, Broker star Song Kang-ho on why his films ‘transcend boundaries’
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
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!
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?
