Today we’d like to introduce you to Rex Lee.

Hi Rex, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I’ve been tangled up in the world of theater for quite some time—not always by design, but perhaps by fate. I wouldn’t call myself a “theater kid,” though I suspect others would happily pin the title to my chest.

The idea of becoming an actor and theatermaker took root in me the way a seed settles into the earth—quietly, persistently. I remember sitting in the audience of my high school’s theater production as a wide-eyed middle schooler, watching the stage glow like some sacred space, the actors dancing with no care in the world (or so I thought). I thought to myself, “I could do that.” And as the years unfurled, I did.

When I went off to college, I promised myself I’d focus on more “serious” pursuits and leave theater behind—but, like a dollar-store Troy Bolton, I couldn’t stay away for long. Theater became an escape, a stress reliever, something I did purely for the joy of it.

In the years that followed, I wandered. I worked as a lobbyist in D.C., an art auctioneer at Sotheby’s, and even a panda caretaker at an animal sanctuary. I went to graduate school in London, and by the time I finished, I was 23, living in one of the greatest cities in the world for theater — and utterly bored. So I thought, “why not take the risk now?”

That’s when I started auditioning. At first, I told myself it was just for fun—a way to make friends and dodge existential dread. But looking back, I threw everything I had into it. And to my surprise, the universe threw a few things back. I landed an agent, booked a national commercial, performed in a play that took me to Bulgaria, and wrote and starred in my own production. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was actually making a living doing something I loved.

And now, here I am, in the pulsing heart of New York City. The journey is unpredictable, exhilarating, wild as ever. I take the stage, I tell the stories, I push my luck a little further each day. Let’s see where it leads next.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

I’ve been incredibly lucky—certain people have seen something in me, and believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself. But I’ve also fallen flat on my face, utterly humiliated myself, and doubted every step. Thankfully, I have the attention span of a walnut, so I tend to get over these moments quickly (after a brief but intense mourning period).

Most of the struggles have been internal—the creeping self-doubt, the quiet comparisons. Watching friends do great things, making real money, while I wonder if I’m moving in circles. But often, the hardest part isn’t even rejection—it’s being ignored. Sometimes, you’re not even getting a chance to hear “no” because you were never in the room to begin with. And then there’s the solitude. A lot of making art, especially in the early stages, is just sitting alone with your thoughts, turning them over like stones. And some days, those thoughts turn against you.

Then there’s the sheer not knowing—how to do anything. The first time I put up a show I had written, I was terrified. How do I do this? Where do I even begin? But now, I know. It takes a village. And the best part? Now, I know exactly who’s in mine.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m Rex Lee, a Taiwanese-American actor, writer, and theater maker from the sun-soaked suburbs of Southern California. Growing up in a predominantly Taiwanese community, I developed a deep appreciation for both the joys and complexities of the immigrant experience—perspectives that shape the heart of my work. Through themes of belonging, inherited guilt, and identity in flux, I strive to craft stories that illuminate what it means to navigate a world of shifting expectations.

For me, theater is a transformative space—a powerful medium to distill intricate ideas, cultural narratives, and geopolitical tensions into stories that connect on a profoundly human level.

Now based in New York City, I trained at the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and have extensive stage experience, performing in professional productions worldwide. My creative journey has also led me to star in festival short films and commercials for the American market. As an award-winning playwright, I’m thrilled to debut a new work at The Flea Theater this summer. You can learn more about my work and projects at www.rexlee12.com.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

In theater and the arts, so much of the work is inherently collaborative. People want to create with other people—especially with those who bring talent, passion, and curiosity to the table. My best advice? Just keep making things. Throw as much as you can into the universe, and eventually, the universe will throw people back into your corner.

Pay attention to the artists around you, especially those at your level. Watch what they create, take note of what works, and reflect—what are they doing right? If they’re excelling, introduce yourself, learn about their circles, see where they came from. The teams that surround them can shine a light on what you might be missing. No one is a perfect Renaissance person; we all need others to fill in the gaps. Finding the right collaborators isn’t just about networking—it’s about building a village, one connection at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rexlee12.com

Image Credits

Meggie Hool