31 TV Characters Trumps America Needs Right Now

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18. Magnus- Shadowhunters

Magnus Bane (Harry Shum Jr.) was born in Indonesia and developed a warlock mark at a young age. His parents feared him so he was sent to live with churchmen. His life hasn’t been easy but he eventually meets and falls madly in love with Alex Lightwood. This Asian-American bisexual character is proving that neither the color of your skin or your sexuality influences your strength and resilience.

Shum describes Magnus as, “He’s basically a rock star. Very David Bowie, very Perry Farrell, a little bit of Prince. He has the glitter, the makeup, the hair that reaches high to the heavens.  He wants to enjoy life, but at the same time, he’s very compassionate.” His character has no problem with being himself- eccentric, colorful, and a bit odd.

He talks about playing a person of color on televise in an interview with Asia Society, “From those experiences, I learned not to be afraid of anything that was foreign to me. The hardship of always being the “different” one in the room shaped me into being comfortable with being uncomfortable. I apply that to my personal and professional life.”