Who Is Shaun So? Meet Anna Chlumsky’s Husband with a Secret Military Past

You’ve probably seen Anna Chlumsky in My Girl or Veep and wondered about her life off-screen. She’s a talented actress, no doubt. But many people are now asking: Who is Anna Chlumsky’s husband? His name is Shaun So, and he has a life story that might surprise you.

Shaun isn’t a Hollywood star. He doesn’t act, model, or show up in the spotlight much. But behind the scenes, he has lived a very interesting life. He has worked in the military, served his country overseas, and now runs his own business. This article will tell you everything about Shaun So — from his early life to his love story with Anna. Let’s start with the basics.

Shaun So Quick Bio

Who is Shaun So?

Shaun So is many things — a military veteran, a businessman, and a proud husband and dad. He was born in 1980, which makes him 45 years old in 2025. He is Chinese-American and grew up in the United States.

Today, Shaun lives in New York City with Anna and their two daughters. He is the founder and CEO of a company that works with the U.S. government. While he keeps his life private, people are very curious about him because of his cool background — especially his time in the military.

Shaun So’s Early Life and Family

Shaun So was born and raised in Maine, USA. His parents were Chinese immigrants who moved to America for a better future. His father owned a Chinese restaurant called Chinatown in Topsham, a small town in Maine.

Shaun grew up with five siblings in a big, busy household. Life wasn’t always easy, but his parents worked hard and taught their children to value school and discipline. Shaun learned early on that success comes from hard work, family support, and staying focused.

Shaun So’s Education Story

Shaun always took his education seriously. In 1999, he started college at the University of Chicago, where he studied Political Science. He graduated in 2003, but that wasn’t the end of his learning.

In 2001, during college, Shaun spent time at Tsinghua University in China. There, he studied Mandarin and learned more about his family roots. This showed his interest in both language and culture. Later, he also earned his MBA from the City University of New York (CUNY). This business degree helped him start his own company years later.

Shaun So’s Military Career

This is where things get really interesting. Right after college, in 2003, Shaun started working as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. At the same time, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a counterintelligence officer.

Shaun was deployed to Afghanistan, where he worked during dangerous and stressful times. He helped gather information, protect soldiers, and keep important missions safe. He served in the military for over eight years, and people close to him say he took his job very seriously.

Anna Chlumsky even wrote about this time in her life. She called it one of the hardest but most meaningful things she went through — waiting at home, supporting Shaun from afar.

Life After the Army

When Shaun left the military in 2011, he didn’t slow down. He had already seen tough situations and made big decisions. Now, he was ready to try something new.

He moved into the business world, where he used the same skills he learned in the army — leadership, planning, and staying calm under pressure. While many people struggle to find direction after the military, Shaun used his experience to start building a new kind of career.

Shaun So’s Business Life

In 2011, Shaun founded his first startup called Cubby. It was a smart idea — offering short-term storage services for travelers in big cities. Even though the business didn’t last long, it taught Shaun a lot about being a business owner.

Soon after, in 2012, he launched a new company: The So Company. This one focused on helping the government improve digital services, like websites and online tools for people. His company worked with big departments like Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Shaun also co-founded a group called the Digital Services Coalition, which brings together companies trying to make public services better and more modern. On top of that, he wrote articles for Forbes, where he shared his thoughts on veterans, leadership, and business.

How Shaun So Met Anna Chlumsky

So, how did Shaun So meet a Hollywood actress like Anna Chlumsky? It didn’t happen on a movie set or at a red carpet event. Instead, it happened somewhere totally normal — college.

Back in the year 2000, Shaun and Anna were both students at the University of Chicago. They met at a fun event called the Spring Fling dance party, which was part of their school’s Memorial Day weekend celebration. The very next day, they saw each other again at a concert featuring Eminem and The Roots. That’s when the connection became real.

Their love story started in a simple and sweet way — two students meeting at a party, dancing, talking, and realizing they liked each other. That moment would lead to something much bigger.

Shaun So and Anna Chlumsky’s Love Story

Shaun and Anna began dating soon after that concert. But their relationship wasn’t always easy. When Anna graduated, she moved to New York City for work. Shaun stayed in school to finish his degree. They started a long-distance relationship, which is already tough — but it got even harder when Shaun joined the military.

When Shaun was deployed to Afghanistan, Anna had to stay strong back home. She once shared how she emailed her friends, telling them she was “building a fortress” around herself to support her soldier. That shows just how deep their love was.

In 2007, Shaun returned from overseas and proposed to Anna. The couple got married in March 2008 in a private wedding in Brooklyn. It wasn’t flashy or filled with celebrities — just close family, close friends, and two people deeply in love.

Their Life as a Family

After marriage, Shaun and Anna focused on building a calm and happy life. They now live in New York City and try to stay away from too much public attention. In July 2013, they had their first daughter, Penelope Joan So. Three years later, in July 2016, they welcomed their second daughter, Clara Elizabeth So.

Anna once said that Penelope’s name was inspired by the famous character in The Odyssey, who waited years for her husband to return from war. That says a lot about their love and what they went through.

Shaun and Anna keep their family life private. They don’t post their kids on social media, and they don’t push them into the spotlight. Anna also said she wants her daughters to just enjoy being kids, without the pressure of acting or fame.

Shaun So’s Net Worth and Career Success

So, how is Shaun So doing today? Very well. According to trusted sources, Shaun So’s net worth is between $3 million and $4 million. That number comes from his military service, his business career, and the companies he has founded.

His company, The So Company, works with big government agencies like Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He helps these agencies make their websites and services easier for people to use. His work may not be famous, but it’s very helpful.

Shaun has also been a Forbes contributor, writing about business, leadership, and how veterans can start new careers. He’s turned his military experience into something powerful — and useful for others, too.

Final Thoughts

Many people know celebrity husbands for being in the spotlight, but Shaun So is different. He doesn’t want fame. He’s happy building things quietly, supporting his wife, and raising his kids.

Shaun is a great example of someone who balances everything — his love life, his past in the military, and his life as a businessman and dad. He proves that you don’t need to be loud to be strong. Sometimes, the quietest people have the most powerful stories.

(FAQs)

How many kids does Shaun So have?

Shaun So has two daughters with Anna Chlumsky — but they’ve kept their children almost completely out of the spotlight, which is rare for a celebrity family.

How old is Shaun So, and when is his birthday?

Shaun So was born on January 1, 1980, which means he’s now 45 years old — and yes, he’s a New Year’s Day baby!

Are Shaun So’s kids in the public eye?

No, even though their mom is a famous actress, Shaun So’s kids have never been shown publicly. The couple has made it clear: no fame for the children until they’re adults.

Was Shaun So really in the military?

Yes, and not just any role. Shaun So served as a counterintelligence officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan. He kept it all very private, even while dating a Hollywood star.

What is Shaun So’s ethnicity?

Shaun So is Chinese-American, born in Maine to immigrant parents. His father owned a Chinese restaurant, and Shaun later studied Mandarin in China — a proud blend of heritage and hard work.