Shaun So is a Chinese-American military veteran, entrepreneur, and businessman who is best known as the husband of actress Anna Chlumsky. While Anna became a household name through the 1991 film My Girl, Shaun has quietly built a remarkable life of his own, away from Hollywood’s spotlight. His journey from the son of immigrant parents to a decorated Army officer and successful company founder is truly inspiring.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shaun So |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Maine, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Chinese-American |
| Religion | Not publicly known |
| Education | BA in Political Science, University of Chicago (2003); MBA, Zicklin School of Business, City University of New York |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Former U.S. Army Officer |
| Military Service | U.S. Army, counterintelligence special agent (approx. 10 years) |
| Company | The So Company (Founder and CEO) |
| Spouse | Anna Chlumsky (married March 8, 2008) |
| Children | Penelope Joan So (born July 11, 2013), Clara Elizabeth So (born July 28, 2016) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 million to $4 million |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
Early Life and Family Background
Shaun So was born on January 1, 1980, in Maine, United States. He grew up in a Chinese-American family, as his parents were immigrants from China who moved to America in search of a better life. Shaun was raised alongside five siblings, and his upbringing was shaped by strong values of hard work, discipline, and family. His father worked as a culinary instructor at the Kendall College of Culinary Arts in Chicago, which gives a glimpse into the family’s dedication to their craft and community.
Not much is publicly known about Shaun’s early childhood, as he has always preferred to keep his personal life private. However, his background as the child of immigrant parents clearly played a big role in shaping the man he became. The values he learned at home guided him through every stage of his life, from his education to his military career and his role as a father.
Education
Shaun So pursued his higher education at the University of Chicago, where he enrolled in 1999 and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with Honours. It was during his time at the University of Chicago that he crossed paths with the woman who would later become his wife. He also studied Mandarin at the prestigious Tsinghua University in China, showing a strong commitment to expanding his language skills and global understanding.
After his military service, Shaun furthered his academic journey by earning an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Zicklin School of Business at the City University of New York. This advanced degree helped him prepare for his transition from military life to the world of business and technology consulting.
Military Career
Shaun So served in the United States Army for approximately ten years, working as a counterintelligence special agent. He also worked as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency from June 2003 to April 2006. His service included a deployment to Afghanistan, where he took part in demanding and high-risk missions as part of America’s counterterrorism efforts.
Following his government role, Shaun worked as a defense contractor for McNeil Technologies from July 2006 to March 2009. He also completed Mandarin language immersion training, which added a valuable layer to his intelligence work. Shaun retired from active military life in 2011, but his time in the Army left a lasting mark on his character and professional approach.
Business Career and Entrepreneurship
After leaving the military, Shaun So stepped confidently into the world of entrepreneurship. In 2011, he co-founded Cubby, an urban logistics startup that offered short-term storage solutions for travellers in cities. The idea reportedly came from watching his wife, Anna, struggle with heavy bags during work commitments. Although Cubby closed within a year, it planted the seed for bigger ventures to come.
In April 2012, Shaun founded The So Company, a consulting firm that provides software development and digital services to both government agencies and private sector clients. The company has worked with notable bodies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Shaun also co-founded the Digital Services Coalition, a non-profit organisation focused on improving government digital services for veterans and civilians alike. Between May 2012 and December 2014, he also contributed articles to Forbes magazine, writing on topics such as entrepreneurship and veteran affairs.
Relationship with Anna Chlumsky
Shaun So and Anna Chlumsky first met in 2000 at a Spring Fling dance party while both were students at the University of Chicago. The two connected instantly and met again the very next day at a concert featuring Eminem and The Roots. Their relationship grew steadily, and even when Shaun was deployed to Afghanistan and the couple had to manage a long-distance relationship, their bond only grew stronger.
After nearly eight years together, Shaun proposed to Anna in October 2007, and the couple married on March 8, 2008, in Brooklyn, New York. Their relationship is widely admired as a genuine, enduring love story. The couple has welcomed two daughters together: Penelope Joan So, born on July 11, 2013, and Clara Elizabeth So, born on July 28, 2016. The family lives in New York City, and both Shaun and Anna are known for keeping their children’s lives out of the public eye.
Net Worth
Shaun So has built steady financial success through his military career, his consulting business, and various entrepreneurial ventures. His estimated net worth sits between $3 million and $4 million. His income comes primarily from The So Company, his work as a Forbes contributor, and his years of service in the U.S. Army. Meanwhile, his wife Anna Chlumsky holds an estimated net worth of around $5 million, built through her successful acting career.
Conclusion
Shaun So is far more than a celebrity’s husband. He is a dedicated Army veteran, a smart entrepreneur, and a loving father who has lived a life full of purpose and quiet achievement. From growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants in Maine to serving his country in Afghanistan and building successful companies in New York, Shaun’s story is one of real grit and determination. His life reminds us that true success does not always come with fame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Shaun So?
Shaun So is an American entrepreneur and former U.S. Army counterintelligence officer. He is best known as the husband of actress Anna Chlumsky.
2. When did Shaun So and Anna Chlumsky get married?
The couple married on March 8, 2008, in Brooklyn, New York, after dating for nearly eight years.
3. What does Shaun So do for a living?
Shaun is the founder and CEO of The So Company, a consulting firm offering software development and digital services to government and private sector clients.
4. How many children do Shaun So and Anna Chlumsky have?
They have two daughters: Penelope Joan So, born in 2013, and Clara Elizabeth So, born in 2016.
5. What is Shaun So’s net worth?
Shaun So’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $4 million, earned through his military service and business ventures.
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