Shane Steven Harper (born February 14, 1993) is an American actor, singer-songwriter, and dancer. He is known for playing as Josh Wheaton in the independent Christian film God's Not Dead, as well as Spencer on Good Luck Charlie. His self-titled debut album was released on February 14, 2012.
Early life
Harper was born in La Jolla, California, the son of Tanya (née Michaelson) and Scott Harper. He began learning dancing and acting at the age of 9 and was involved in community theater and competitive dance. He also started singing and playing guitar and piano at the same age. Harper is well-trained in ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, jazz and tap. He also studied martial arts from the age of 4 until he was 12 and obtained a black belt in Karate. In the spring of 2006, a talent agent on the judging panel of a regional dance competition offered Harper an agency representation.
Career
Harper had minor roles as a principal dancer in various shows and movies such as High School Musical 2, Re-Animated, and Dance Revolution before becoming one of the lead dancers and the youngest (the Nick 6) on Nickelodeon's Dance on Sunset. He landed on dance roles in 2006, including lead dancer for the music video Step Up with Samantha Jade, and Cartoon Network's Reanimated and the Saturday morning kid's competition, Dance Revolution. In 2010, Harper got his first two movie roles in the films My Name is Khan and Flipped, as a minor character in each. In 2010, Harper also began his recurring role as Spencer Walsh on Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie, playing alongside Bridgit Mendler, and guest-starred on an episode of Wizards of Waverly Place. He also guest-starred as the musical guest on So Random!, singing his hit single, "One Step Closer". He's also starred in 7 episodes in MTV's Awkward (TV series) as Austin Welch.
In 2011 Harper signed to AMi Records. Harper's first single, "Dance with Me", was released on March 30, 2010. The music video was released a couple of weeks prior and features Harper dancing and playing guitar. In 2011 he released "One Step Closer", the second single from his debut album. The self-titled album was released on April 12, 2011. The third and final single released off of the album was "Rocketship". The lead girl is played by Harper's girlfriend, Good Luck Charlie star Bridgit Mendler. His song "Next Chapter of Our Lives" was featured on the series finale of The Suite Life on Deck. In 2011, Harper opened for Greyson Chance and Cody Simpson on their Waiting 4U Tour in addition to opening for Miranda Cosgrove on her Dancing Crazy Tour.
The deluxe version of his debut album "Shane Harper" was released on Feb. 14, 2012 (his 19th birthday) at Target stores nationwide and features four bonus tracks, including "Flat World", "Say It Cause I Know It," and a cover of the song "Your Love" by the 1980s band, The Outfield. These three tracks, plus two others were produced by Morgan Taylor Reid. The self-titled album also includes a performance by the rapper Prophet and a duet with Bridgit Mendler. His song, "Let's Take the World Tonight" from the upcoming album was featured in the movie Blue Lagoon: The Awakening (2012).
In March 2014, he starred in the Christian-based film, God's Not Dead, where he plays the main character, college student Josh Wheaton, who has to prove to his atheist professor that God is not dead while this professor is declaring that he is. For this movie, Harper finished writing his song called "Hold You Up", a song that encourages Christians to stand for their faith. The song has peaked at number 1, on Billboards Hot AC/CHR charts, and has so far peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot Christian Charts.
Personal life
Harper plays acoustic guitar. Harper's family relocated from San Diego County, California to Orange County, California in 1998. Harper has an older sister, Samantha, also a professional dancer, and a younger brother Sullivan, a model. Harper is a committed Christian. He has been in a relationship with his co-star from Good Luck Charlie Bridgit Mendler since May 2011.
Filmography
Discography
Studio albums
Extended plays
Singles
Awards and nominations
Tours
- Shane Harper Tour (2012â€"13)
- As opening act
- Dancing Crazy Tour (2011)
- Bridgit Mendler Summer Tour (2013)
References
External links
- Official website
- Shane Harper's channel on YouTube
Shane Harper on Myspace
- Shane Harper at the Internet Movie Database
- Shane Harper on Twitter
- Shane Harper on Instagram