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James Kyson Lee Biography

news-detailsJames Kyson Lee is an American actor best known for his role as the loyal and energetic Ando Masahashi on the popular NBC science fiction drama series Heroes. Born Lee Jae Hyeok in Seoul, South Korea on December 13, 1975, he moved with his family to the United States during his childhood, settling first in Michigan and later in New York. He pursued higher education at the New England Institute of Art in Boston, initially studying communications and computer science before discovering a passion for performance. This led him to further his training at the prestigious Beverly Hills Playhouse.

His early career consisted of guest appearances on various television series, including roles on Las Vegas, The West Wing, and According to Jim. The breakthrough that would define his career came in 2006 when he was cast as Ando Masahashi, the steadfast best friend to Sendhil Ramamurthy's character Hiro Nakamura, on Heroes. His portrayal of the enthusiastic, often bewildered office worker who becomes an integral part of a global saga of evolving humans resonated with audiences, and he appeared as a series regular throughout the show's celebrated first three seasons, returning for its fourth and final season in a recurring capacity.

Following the success of Heroes, Lee continued to build a diverse filmography. He appeared in the feature film The Last Airbender, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and took on guest-starring roles in numerous television shows such as Hawaii Five-0, The Good Doctor, The Mentalist, and Two and a Half Men. He also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to characters in video games like "Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3" and the animated series Ben 10: Omniverse. On stage, he performed in productions like "The Romance of Magno Rubio" in Los Angeles.

Beyond acting, Lee is a dedicated advocate for community and cultural causes. He has served as a national ambassador for the Korean American Coalition and has been involved with organizations supporting Asian American representation in media and the arts. He remains active in the entertainment industry, balancing acting roles with his philanthropic efforts, and is recognized for his role in bringing a memorable and beloved character to life during the height of Heroes' cultural impact.