Bio
Columbus Short is an American choreographer, actor and singer best known for his roles in the films Stomp the Yard, Cadillac Records, Armored and The Losers; and for his starring role as Harrison Wright in the political thriller television series Scandal (also known as The Fixer), since 2012.
Short was born in Kansas City, Missouri. At the age of three he began entertaining by putting on shows for his family. In his early teens, he appeared in various television commercials and, when he was a senior at Orange County School of the Arts, was offered a part in Broadway's famed show Stomp!.
He then went on to choreograph Birtney Spears' In the Zone tour, launching his entertainment career.
Short started his acting career starring in the 2006 releases, Save the Last Dance: 2 and Accepted, opposite Jonah Hill and Justin Long. In 2007 he had an arc on Aaron Sorkin's critically praised showbiz drama, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, as Darius.
Later that year his acting career took off when he landed the lead role as DJ in the Screen Gem film, Stomp the Yard, which was No. 1 at the box office. In addition he starred in This Christmas, alongside Idris Elba, Regina King and Chris Brown.
In 2008 Short starred in Darnell Martin's Cadillac Records, opposite Beyoncé Knowles, Jeffrey Wright and Adrien Brody, as the young and talented but self-destructive harp player and singer, Little Walter.
He went on to receive the NAACP Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for this role, legitimizing his abilities not only as an actor, but as a musician too.
Short has gone on to work with award-winning producers the Avila Brothers on his album entitled Act One: Dimes and Dolls. He also plays the bass, piano and drums.
In addition to his success in dramas, comedies and in music, Short also starred in the action flick Armored, opposite Matt Dillon and Laurence Fisbourne. He then went on to star alongside Kate Beckinsale in Dark Castle's adaption of the comic book Whiteout, a thriller released in 2009.
Additional film credits include The Losers, Death at a Funeral and Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming.
Short also has a passion for writing and producing television and film. He executive produced Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming and Strange Fruit through his production company, Great Picture Show Productions.
He currently resides in Los Angeles.