Harry Shum, Jr. Quotes

Powerful Harry Shum, Jr. for Daily Growth

About Harry Shum, Jr.

Harry Shum, Jr., born on April 28, 1982, in Bellevue, Washington, is a versatile actor, singer, and dancer of Chinese-American descent, widely recognized for his role as Mike Chang in the television series 'Glee' and for his dance performances with the Seattle-based hip hop crew 'The Jabbawockeez.' Shum's passion for dance was ignited at a young age, training in various styles like breakdancing, popping, and locking. His talent led him to become a member of The Jabbawockeez, winning the first season of America's Best Dance Crew in 2008. This victory marked his professional dance debut and paved the way for his acting career. In 2009, Shum joined the cast of 'Glee,' playing the ambitious and talented football player Mike Chang. His character became one of the series' most significant Asian-American roles. Simultaneously, he continued to perform with The Jabbawockeez, even appearing on stage during their residency in Las Vegas. In addition to his work on 'Glee,' Shum has made appearances in various TV shows and films, including 'Every Witch Way' and the Marvel Cinematic Universe's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' He also voiced the character of Gideon Hightower in Disney's animated series 'Tangled: The Series.' Quotes by Harry Shum, Jr., emphasize his belief in hard work and perseverance. He once said, "Never lose sight of your dreams because you can achieve them if you stay focused and disciplined." Another quote highlights his gratitude for the opportunities he's had: "I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love every day, and to have the chance to inspire others through my work is an added bonus." Shum continues to inspire audiences with his talent and determination.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dream big, work harder."

The quote by Harry Shum, Jr., "Dream big, work harder," is a call to action that encourages individuals to set ambitious goals for themselves (dream big) while also emphasizing the importance of putting in the necessary effort and hard work to achieve those dreams. This statement highlights the balance between having lofty aspirations and taking the steps required to make them a reality, which are both crucial components of personal growth and success.


"Never stop working on your craft, but remember to enjoy the journey along the way."

This quote emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and improvement in one's field or skill (the "craft"), while also encouraging appreciation and enjoyment of the process ("the journey"). It suggests that personal development should be a lifelong pursuit, but one should not forget to find joy and contentment in the learning experience itself. In essence, the quote encourages a balanced approach towards mastery and fulfillment, where growth and happiness coexist.


"Success doesn't come from just being talented; it comes from being talented and disciplined."

The quote emphasizes that while natural talent is important, it alone does not guarantee success. Discipline - the consistent application of effort towards skill development and goal attainment - plays a crucial role in achieving success. In other words, having raw ability without the commitment to hone that talent through diligent practice may lead to potential unrealized or limited accomplishments. The quote serves as a reminder that talent needs to be nurtured and combined with discipline for one to truly flourish and succeed.


"Believe in yourself because if you don't, then who will?"

This quote highlights the importance of self-belief in one's journey through life. It suggests that individuals should trust their own abilities and judgment, as a lack of faith in oneself may hinder personal growth and success. Essentially, if an individual does not believe in themselves, it can be challenging to inspire others to do so, making self-confidence a crucial aspect of personal development and achieving one's goals.


"It's okay to not know where you're going or what you want to do with your life, but have the courage to start somewhere."

This quote encourages individuals to embrace uncertainty about their future, recognizing that everyone begins their journey without a clear destination. It emphasizes the importance of taking action, even when unsure, as this is the first step towards self-discovery and personal growth. Courage, in this context, means being willing to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward on one's unique path in life.


I'm heavily involved in the creative with choreographer Christopher Scott. I go to rehearsals with 'Glee' and then practice with LXD till about midnight.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Practice, Midnight, Till, Rehearsals

I was asked to do a test commercial shoot for an Apple product which didn't mean much to me at the time. Some music player that holds all your songs. Sounded cool to me and I never gave up an opportunity to work, especially with the possibility of it turning into a national commercial. Coolest job I did in that time.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Some, Commercial, Your, Coolest

I actually got dared to audition for the dance team. All my track-and-field buddies dared me to audition, and I was one of the few guys who did it.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Team, Audition, Got, Dared

The tour life definitely puts strains on your body, not just because of the dancing but because of the fact that you are traveling into the wee hours of the day, getting up early, going to sound check - just the grueling process of it all.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Dancing, Fact, Sound, Strains

Any Michael Jackson song will make any dancer go nuts.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Song, Michael, Dancer, None

When I came into the industry I started with acting and I did drama during junior high and high school. I fell into dancing as a hobby, but whenever you need work, you try out different things. So I booked a lot of jobs for dancing and it kept rolling and rolling.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Dancing, Industry, Booked, Different Things

When I was younger, I was very scared to talk to people. To the point where my parents took me to a therapist because they thought something was wrong with me.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Thought, Very, Took, Scared

I was always an actor, starting in middle school. I was in all the plays and all that. But dancing didn't come into my life until late into high school.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Dancing, My Life, Always, Middle School

I know what my talents are, and at the end of the day I'm an actor who can dance.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

End Of The Day, Know, Actor, Talents

Everyone has different talents, different styles and talents.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Everyone, Different Styles, Talents

I was born in Costa Rica and we moved to America where it was a whole new world for me.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

New, I Was Born, Costa Rica, New World

I remember the first time I felt that I was sharing the stage with someone spectacular was dancing with Beyonce. It was the dancers, the band, Beyonce and me in front of thousands of people. That was sick. It was pretty amazing that I got to travel the world with someone like her.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Dancing, I Remember, Dancers, Spectacular

Obviously anything that accessorizes or enhances the iPhone is always pretty cool.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Pretty, Always, Enhances, iPhone

My parents weren't stereotypical and pressuring me to go to college. They mentioned it a lot and constantly, but it wasn't a do or die thing, like, 'You have to do this or you're done.'

- Harry Shum, Jr.

College, Die, Like, Mentioned

Right before I jumped out of a plane, I knew what Superman felt like.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Like, Before, Plane, Superman

I'm really into football, gadgets, adventurous activities, and cooking new, creative recipes right now - but you'll never catch me being boring.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

New, Recipes, Adventurous, Catch

I would be in a room full of people being loud and running around, and I'd be in the corner just playing with the wall. So I was very, very quiet, but when I really got into the arts, that opened me up.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Got, Very, Around, Wall

When I'm off the clock, I usually play video games - or do something nature-y so I can contribute to Mother Nature.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Nature, Play, Contribute, Clock

I'd rather dance in a corner than dance in a circle.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Corner, Rather, Than, Circle

It was a big step, to go from not talking to people to stepping on to a stage. That's when I felt the most comfortable, because I could do anything I wanted to and say anything I wanted to, even if people didn't laugh.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Big, Not Talking, Could, Stepping

I'm actually really shy.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Actually, Really, Shy

I have the most respect for Zach Woodlee. He is one of my favorite - and one of the most capable - choreographers out there right now.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Respect, Right, Out, Capable

When it comes to acting, you really have to create movement which in some ways is dancing. And dancing, I feel is very important to act as well. I wouldn't put one over the other.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Some, Over, Which, Dancing

I've always been a person with patience, and I don't like to force things.

- Harry Shum, Jr.

Always, Like, Been, Patience

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