Columbus Keith Short, Jr. (born September 19, 1982 in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American actor, producer, choreographer and entertainer whose dynamic career spans film, television and stage. Short began his professional performing life as a touring dancer with the Broadway production Stomp, a foundation that led to choreography work for major artists including Britney Spears on her Onyx Hotel Tour before he pivoted full‑time into acting.

Short made his screen debut with roles in You Got Served (2004) and War of the Worlds (2005), and soon landed his breakout lead performance as DJ in the hit dance drama Stomp the Yard (2007), a commercial success that helped establish him in Hollywood. He continued to build his film résumé with notable appearances in This Christmas (2007), the horror thriller Quarantine (2008), the period biopic Cadillac Records (2008) — portraying blues legend Little Walter — and action films such as Armored (2009) and The Losers (2010).

On television, Short earned widespread recognition for his role as charismatic litigator Harrison Wright on Shonda Rhimes’ political thriller Scandal (ABC, 2012–2014), becoming a fan favorite before his departure early in season three. He also had early TV credits in series like ER, Judging Amy, That’s So Raven and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and later guest appearances on Casting the Net (2020), Black Ink Crew: Compton and Wicked City (both 2022).

Over the years Short’s work has been recognized with multiple nominations and awards: he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Cadillac Records (2009) and earned nominations from the Black Reel Awards, Image Awards, MTV Movie Awards and Teen Choice Awards for a mix of film and ensemble performances.

In the 2020s, Short has maintained a steady presence in independent and genre cinema, with roles in films such as Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (2022), the dramas The Bargain and Sisters (both 2023), and the sports drama Finding Tony (2024). He has continued developing his screencraft behind the camera with producing credits and expanded into television comedy, starring in the Bounce TV sitcom Mind Your Business, where he plays Alfonso Williams — a project that marked a notable return to series television and showcased his versatility as a comedic lead.

As of early 2026, Short is reprising his role as Harlow Black in the follow‑up The Prince of Detroit 2 (in pre‑production), and remains active across film and television, balancing dramatic and comedic work while growing his footprint as a multi‑faceted creator in entertainment.