You probably know Ian Chen as the kid who was too smart for his own good. Whether he was correcting his TV mom's grammar or geeking out over video games while literally transforming into a superhero, Chen became a staple of 2010s pop culture. He wasn't just another child actor. He was the one who managed to be the "perfect" kid without being annoying—a feat that’s honestly pretty hard to pull off in Hollywood.
His career is a weirdly perfect arc of being the "smartest guy in the room," even when the room is full of adults.
The Fresh Off the Boat Legacy
If we're talking about Ian Chen movies and tv shows, we have to start with the Huang family. From 2015 to 2020, Chen played Evan Huang on Fresh Off the Boat. He was the youngest son, the rule-follower, the one who actually enjoyed Homeowners Association meetings.
Basically, he was Jessica Huang’s dream child.
The show was a massive deal. It was the first Asian American sitcom on network primetime in twenty years. Chen's portrayal of Evan was nuanced—he wasn't just a nerd caricature. He had this specific, dry delivery that made him a fan favorite. You’ve probably seen the memes. The "Doctor/President" expectation from his mother wasn't just a joke; it felt like the actual life path for the character.
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What’s wild is how life ended up imitating art. In the series finale, Evan graduates from Harvard. In real life? Ian Chen actually got into Harvard in 2024. He posted about it on Instagram, basically confirming that he is, in fact, as overachieving as his character.
Jumping Into the DC Universe
While he was still filming Fresh Off the Boat, Chen made the jump to the big screen. He landed the role of Eugene Choi in the DC Extended Universe film Shazam! in 2019.
Eugene is the tech-obsessed foster brother of Billy Batson. It was a pivot from the "perfect student" vibe of Evan Huang to a "gaming nerd" energy.
- He’s the one who tracks down the villains using data.
- He eventually gets his own superhero form (played by Ross Butler).
- He brings a sense of logic to a group of kids who suddenly have the powers of gods.
Chen returned for the sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, in 2023. Even as he grew up on screen, he kept that same spark. It’s rare to see a child actor transition into those awkward teen years while filming a major franchise and still keep the character's core intact.
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Beyond the Sitcom: Voice Acting and Shorts
Most people don't realize how much voice work Chen has done. It’s a huge part of his filmography that often gets overlooked by casual fans.
- Wish Dragon (2021): He voiced Young Din in this animated hit. It’s a sweet story, and his voice carries that wide-eyed optimism perfectly.
- Fancy Nancy: He voiced Jonathan for several years.
- The Rocketeer: He had a recurring voice role as Logan.
- Yasuke: He voiced Ichiro in this Netflix anime series.
He also did a short film called Fish Boy in 2023, playing Patrick. It’s a much more grounded, indie vibe compared to the CGI-heavy world of DC or the brightly lit sets of a network sitcom. It shows a range that suggests he’s not just coasting on his childhood fame.
Where is Ian Chen Now?
Honestly, he’s kind of low-key right now. As of 2026, he is primarily focused on his studies at Harvard. He’s living the "normal student" life, which is a choice more child stars probably should have made.
But he hasn't totally quit. He’s set to voice Junn in the upcoming Pixar series Win or Lose. This is a big deal. Pixar is the gold standard for storytelling, and having a recurring role in one of their first long-form series is a major win for his "adult" career.
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Quick Breakdown of Key Appearances
| Project | Role | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Family | Lily's Friend | 2013 |
| Grey's Anatomy | Luca | 2014 |
| Fresh Off the Boat | Evan Huang | 2015–2020 |
| Shazam! | Eugene Choi | 2019 |
| A Dog's Journey | Young Trent | 2019 |
| Wish Dragon | Young Din (Voice) | 2021 |
| Shazam! Fury of the Gods | Eugene Choi | 2023 |
| Win or Lose | Junn (Voice) | 2025/2026 |
People often ask if he’s going to go back to live-action soon. It's hard to say. Between the Ivy League education and his voice-over success, he has options. He isn't stuck in the "former child star" trap.
If you want to keep up with his career, your best bet is to watch the credits of major animated features or keep an eye on his rare social media updates. He seems to be choosing projects based on quality rather than quantity.
If you're looking for a binge-watch, go back to the early seasons of Fresh Off the Boat. Seeing a 9-year-old Ian Chen out-maneuver grown adults in a debate about property taxes is still some of the best television from that era. Or, check out his voice work in Wish Dragon—it's a hidden gem that deserves more love than it got during its initial release.