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Harry Shum Jr. is putting his love story with Shelby Rabara in the spotlight. During the October 20, 2026, episode of Dancing With the Stars, the actor will dedicate a special foxtrot to his wife as part of the show’s emotional Dedication Night.
Shum will perform alongside professional dancer Jenna Johnson, with Rabara expected to join them on stage. The performance offers fans a closer look at the couple’s enduring relationship, which has remained largely private despite both stars’ successful careers in entertainment.
Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara’s Powerful Love Story
Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara have been together for years, building a relationship rooted in shared interests, family and creative collaboration. The pair first connected through their work in the entertainment industry, but Shum has said that their first date helped establish a deeper bond.
During an October 2022 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Shum recalled that the couple’s first date was a trip to the theater to see Dreamgirls. The film made a lasting impression on both of them.
“We both cried,” Shum told Jennifer Hudson, explaining that the movie opened the door to meaningful conversations. He described the evening as a beautiful experience that allowed the pair to share personal thoughts and connect on a deeper level.
A Costa Rica Wedding and Growing Family
After several years together, Shum and Rabara married in Costa Rica on November 21, 2015. Their wedding was attended by several of Shum’s former Glee costars, including Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Xia, in March 2019. Since becoming parents, they have continued to balance family life with demanding acting, dancing and voice-over careers.
Their approach to parenthood has also inspired their creative work. In 2024, Shum and Rabara released their first children’s book, Martee Dares to Dance. The story follows a young Filipino boy who loves dancing but becomes nervous about performing after an embarrassing moment.
According to comments shared with Gold House, the couple created the book to remind children that dancing and being true to themselves requires courage. The project reflects their shared interest in encouraging confidence, self-expression and representation for young readers.
Who Is Shelby Rabara?
Rabara is an accomplished actor, dancer and voice performer in her own right. She has appeared in projects including 17 Again, 2 Broke Girls and Goliath. She also appeared in the pilot episode of Glee in an uncredited role and later returned as the character Shoshandra.
Many fans know Rabara best for voicing Peridot in Cartoon Network’s acclaimed Steven Universe franchise. Her voice acting work has continued with the role of Snappy in Toy Story 5.
Before expanding her acting career, Rabara was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleading squad, the Laker Girls. She performed with the team from 2004 through 2006, adding professional dance experience to her already diverse entertainment background.
- Acting credits: 17 Again, 2 Broke Girls and Goliath
- Voice roles: Peridot in Steven Universe and Snappy in Toy Story 5
- Dance experience: Former Laker Girl from 2004 to 2006
- Family: Married to Harry Shum Jr. and mother to their daughter, Xia
Why Harry Shum Jr.’s DWTS Dedication Matters
Shum’s Dedication Night performance is expected to be one of the most personal moments of his Dancing With the Stars journey. Rabara and Johnson have already teased the appearance on social media by lip-syncing to Glee’s version of “I Say a Little Prayer.”
The tribute also brings together several important parts of Shum’s life: his marriage, his family and his connection to dance. While viewers may know him from Glee, Grey’s Anatomy and other major projects, the performance will focus on the person who has supported him away from the spotlight.
For longtime fans, the moment is more than a romantic television gesture. It highlights a partnership that has lasted through career changes, parenthood and collaborative creative projects. It also gives Rabara an opportunity to share the stage with her husband as audiences celebrate their relationship.
FAQs About Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara
Who is Harry Shum Jr.’s wife?
Harry Shum Jr.’s wife is Shelby Rabara, an actor, dancer and voice performer known for roles in Steven Universe, 17 Again and other projects.
When did Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara get married?
The couple married in Costa Rica on November 21, 2015, surrounded by family, friends and several of Shum’s former Glee costars.
Do Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara have children?
Yes. They welcomed their daughter, Xia, in March 2019.
What is Harry Shum Jr. doing on Dancing With the Stars?
Shum is competing on Dancing With the Stars with professional partner Jenna Johnson. He is dedicating a foxtrot to Shelby Rabara during the show’s October 20, 2026, Dedication Night episode.
