Harry Shum Jr. Opens Up About ‘Glee’ and the Legacy of Loss
“Glee” was a pop culture phenomenon that launched in 2009, and its legacy is a bittersweet one, especially for those once part of its spirited ensemble. Harry Shum Jr., who stole hearts as Mike Chang, recently unpacked how he copes with the profound loss of his former castmates during an appearance on the *Call It What It Is* podcast. You might want to grab a tissue for this one, folks!
Shum emphasized that while the grief of losing beloved actors like Cory Monteith, Naya Rivera, and Mark Salling is undeniable, he finds solace in celebrating their lives and work. He stated, “I look at like Naya, Cory, and Mark, and look at the beautiful work that they put in,” highlighting the joy they brought to countless fans. Though these losses cast a shadow over the show, Shum encourages us to remember the impact and happiness “Glee” delivered to its audience and to honor the talent and vibrancy that these actors shared.
This reflection comes amidst a larger narrative; “Glee” encountered tragedy with the untimely passing of Monteith due to an overdose in 2013, Rivera’s accidental drowning in 2020, and Salling’s suicide in 2018, following troubling legal issues. Such profound loss can make rewatching the series a complex experience. But Shum advocates for a balance between mourning and celebrating their legacies, saying, “Part of the grieving process is to celebrate them as well.”
Besides the emotional rollercoaster, Shum also cherishes the innovative covers and renditions of popular songs that “Glee” introduced. He insisted that it’s not about whether a cover surpasses the original, but the memories and emotions tied to those performances that make them special. Spoiler alert: if you haven’t been bopping along to the New Directions’ version of “Don’t Stop Believin’” lately, what are you even doing?
In this light, the heartbreak of loss becomes a ticket to appreciating the joy and music that unite us. The shows we love shape our lives, even when the journey gets rocky. Grab some popcorn for your next “Glee” binge; it’s going to be a mix of laughs and heartfelt moments as we remember the stars who made it shine.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Entertainment Weekly, Deadline, Us Weekly
