Full Name: Robert Young Lee Jr.
Date of Birth: September 17, 1971
Birthplace: San Diego, California, U.S.
Profession: Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Podcaster
Years Active: 1994–present
Genres: Observational Comedy, Black Comedy, Blue Comedy
Notable Works: MADtv, TigerBelly Podcast, Bad Friends Podcast
Early Life and Education
Bobby Lee, born Robert Young Lee Jr., on September 17, 1971, in San Diego, California, was raised in Poway, California, by his Korean immigrant parents, Jeanie and Robert Lee. His parents owned clothing stores in Escondido and Encinitas, where Lee and his younger brother Steve, a musician and comedian, grew up. Lee attended Painted Rock Elementary School, Twin Peaks Middle School, and Poway High School. During his high school years, he was a part of a breakdancing team, showcasing his early interest in performing arts. After graduating, he attended Palomar College but eventually dropped out to pursue a career in entertainment.
Career Beginnings
Before finding his calling in comedy, Lee worked in various cafes and restaurants. In 1994, the coffee shop where he was employed abruptly closed, leading him to seek work at The Comedy Store in San Diego. His time there introduced him to the world of stand-up comedy, and after a few months of working odd jobs, he decided to perform during one of the club’s amateur nights. His comedic talents quickly gained recognition, leading him to open for well-known comedians like Pauly Shore and Carlos Mencia.
Lee’s parents initially disapproved of his career choice, hoping he would continue in the family business. However, their support grew over time, especially after his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His father, once skeptical, eventually apologized for not supporting his son’s comedic pursuits.
Rise to Fame: MADtv
Bobby Lee’s big break came in 2001 when he joined the cast of the sketch comedy show MADtv. As the first and only Asian cast member on the show, Lee became known for his memorable characters, including Bae Sung and Connie Chung. Despite the challenges of being typecast, Lee’s performances were widely appreciated, and he remained a vital part of the show until its cancellation in 2009. He briefly returned when MADtv was revived in 2016.
Podcasting: TigerBelly and Bad Friends
In 2015, Bobby Lee ventured into podcasting with the creation of TigerBelly, co-hosted with his then-partner Khalyla Kuhn. The podcast, which blends humor with discussions on topics such as Asian American issues, entertainment, and personal anecdotes, quickly gained a large following. Regular appearances by engineer Gilbert Galon and producer George Kimmel added to the show’s dynamic. TigerBelly became a platform where Lee could discuss his life openly, including his struggles with addiction and his experiences in the entertainment industry.
In 2020, Lee launched another podcast, Bad Friends, co-hosted with comedian Andrew Santino. The show’s success further solidified Lee’s reputation in the comedy world, allowing him to connect with a broader audience.
Acting Career
Apart from his stand-up and podcasting career, Bobby Lee has appeared in several films and television shows. His film credits include roles in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004), Pineapple Express (2008), and The Dictator (2012). He also co-starred in the ABC sitcom Splitting Up Together alongside Jenna Fischer and Oliver Hudson from 2018 to 2019. In recent years, Lee has had a recurring role as Jin Jeong in the Magnum P.I. television series and made guest appearances on FX on Hulu’s Reservation Dogs.
Personal Life
Bobby Lee’s journey has been marked by personal challenges, particularly his battles with addiction. He began using methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin at a young age, leading to several stints in rehabilitation before achieving sobriety at 17. Lee’s sobriety was tested multiple times, with relapses occurring during difficult periods in his life, such as the death of his father in 2019. Despite these setbacks, Lee has managed to regain sobriety and continues to speak openly about his struggles.
Lee is a passionate supporter of Arsenal Football Club and enjoys video games, including FIFA, Stardew Valley, The Elder Scrolls, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Witcher series. His brother, Steve Lee, hosts The Steebee Weebee Podcast and co-hosts The Scissor Bros podcast with Jeremiah Watkins.
Filmography
Film:
- The Underground Comedy Movie (1999) as Chinese Man
- Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) as Kenneth Park
- Pineapple Express (2008) as Bobby
- The Dictator (2012) as Mr. Lao
- The Wrong Missy (2020) as Check-In Desk Employee
- Borderlands (2024) as Larry
Television:
- MADtv (2001–2009, 2016) as Himself/Cast Member
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2005) as Sung
- Mind of Mencia (2005–2006) as Asian CSI Agent/Gay Pirate
- Splitting Up Together (2018–2019) as Arthur
- Magnum P.I. (2019–2023) as Jin Jeong
Legacy
Bobby Lee’s impact on comedy, particularly as an Asian American in a predominantly white industry, is significant. Through his work on MADtv, his podcasts, and his stand-up performances, Lee has broken barriers and challenged stereotypes, all while making audiences laugh. His openness about his personal struggles has endeared him to fans, making him not just a comedian, but a relatable figure who has persevered through adversity.
This comprehensive biography highlights Bobby Lee’s journey from a struggling comedian to a well-respected figure in the entertainment industry. His contributions continue to resonate with fans and aspiring comedians alike.
