Ian Chen Bio
Ian Chen (born September 7, 2006) is an American actor known for his roles as Evan Huang in the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat and Eugene Choi in the DC Extended Universe films Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Born in Los Angeles to a Taiwanese American immigrant family, Ian has showcased his talent in various performances and is recognized as one of Hollywood’s promising young stars.
Early Life and Background
Ian Chen was born in Los Angeles, California, to a Taiwanese American immigrant family. He grew up in a culturally rich environment that nurtured his artistic inclinations. Ian has a younger brother named Max, and both siblings are fluent in Mandarin, reflecting their family’s heritage.
From a young age, Ian displayed a passion for performance arts. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 2024, where he likely honed his acting skills and participated in various school productions. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Harvard University, balancing his studies with his burgeoning acting career.
Path to Hollywood
Ian Chen began his acting career in 2013, taking on various roles that would eventually lead him to more prominent projects. His early exposure to the craft included performances in local theatre and television, where he developed his skills and gained valuable experience. Ian’s breakthrough came when he was cast as Evan Huang in the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, which premiered in 2015 and ran until 2020.
His portrayal of Evan Huang earned him recognition and opened doors to further opportunities in the film industry. Ian transitioned smoothly into film, landing the role of Eugene Choi in the DC Extended Universe films, starting with Shazam! in 2019 and continuing with Shazam! Fury of the Gods in 2023. These roles have solidified his place as a rising star in Hollywood.
Ian Chen Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Ian Chen’s career began in 2013, and he quickly gained attention for his talent. His role in Fresh Off the Boat marked his first significant work, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through comedy and drama. During these early years, he received accolades that highlighted his potential, including being named one of Hollywood’s Top 30 Stars Under Age 18 by The Hollywood Reporter in both 2018 and 2019.
Breakthrough (2015–2023)
Fresh Off the Boat was a pivotal moment in Ian Chen’s career, as it allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and acting skills over six seasons. His character, Evan Huang, resonated with viewers and contributed to the show’s success. Following this, Ian made his film debut in Shazam!, where he portrayed Eugene Choi, a character that further established his presence in the film industry.
In 2023, Ian reprised his role in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, continuing to build on his success in the DC Extended Universe. His performances in these films have been well-received, and he is regarded as one of the promising young talents in Hollywood.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ian Chen’s signature works include his role in Fresh Off the Boat and his performances in the Shazam! films. He has received several accolades, including being ranked #1 in Ranker’s list of The Best Asian Actors Under 25 in 2022 and being recognized in Entertainment Weekly’s 12 Under 12: The Best Child Actors in 2015.
Ian Chen Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ian Chen has received various nominations that highlight his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. His recognition as one of Hollywood’s top young stars reflects his impact in a relatively short time.
Ian Chen Awards Won
Ian Chen has been honored with several awards and recognitions, including being ranked #1 in Ranker’s The Best Asian Actors Under 25 in 2022 and being named in The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 30 Stars Under Age 18 in both 2018 and 2019. Additionally, he was ranked #3 in Entertainment Weekly’s 12 Under 12: The Best Child Actors in 2015.
Ian Chen Family
Ian Chen comes from a Taiwanese American family. He has a younger brother named Max, and both siblings share a close bond. Details about their parents are not publicly available, but Ian’s upbringing in a supportive family environment has contributed to his success.
Personal Life
Ian Chen has shown enthusiasm for various hobbies outside of acting, including video games and music. He sings and plays guitar in a band, showcasing his diverse talents. Ian is also an aviation enthusiast, reflecting his varied interests beyond the entertainment industry.
