Gracie Abrams
A young actor who broke ground as part of a landmark Asian American sitcom family and later joined the superhero ranks of the DC Universe.
Born 1999 (age 27)·American singer·Birthday: September 7·Generation Z
Biography
Ian Chen entered the spotlight as a child, landing the role of the mischievous youngest son, Evan Huang, on ABC's groundbreaking 'Fresh Off the Boat.' For six seasons, he grew up on screen, bringing a natural comedic timing and charm to a character that helped normalize an Asian American family's story for a mainstream network television audience. While still on the sitcom, he seamlessly pivoted to blockbuster films, joining the DC Extended Universe as the young, wizard-aspirant Eugene Choi in 'Shazam!' and its sequel. Chen has balanced these high-profile projects with voice work and studies, navigating a childhood in the public eye. His career represents a new era for Asian American actors, where opportunities span network TV, major film franchises, and beyond, all before reaching adulthood.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Gracie was born in 1999, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Gracie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1999
#1 Movie
Star Wars: Episode I
Best Picture
American Beauty
#1 TV Show
ER
Gracie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1999Born
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2004Started school
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2012Became a teenager
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Could drive
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2017Could vote
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2020Turned 21
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 27 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Evan Huang for the entire six-season run of the landmark ABC sitcom 'Fresh Off the Boat' (2015-2020).
- Played the young Eugene Choi in the DC superhero films 'Shazam!' (2019) and 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' (2023).
- Voiced characters in animated series such as 'The Boondocks' and 'Chicago Party Aunt.'
Did You Know?
He was born in Los Angeles, California, to Taiwanese immigrant parents.
Chen began acting in community theater productions before his television debut.
He is a trained violinist.
“I write songs about the parts of myself I'm not proud of.”
