Rising Stars: Meet David Lee of North Hollywood

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

Hi David, 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 always been drawn to performing, acting captured my attention the most.

As life does it sent me some unexpected turns, and while doing a lot of self reflection. I realized I had gotten away from doing something that I really loved. I began to look for any chance I could to get back into acting. I started with community theatre, improv, local films, infomercials, acting classes, you name it I was going to give it a try. Acting felt so in line with who I am, it led me to ask myself if I should be thinking bigger and try to pursue acting as more than a hobby.

I had always set my sights on moving to LA, but kept putting it off. A good friend from LA, who knew I had been thinking about moving randomly reached out and asked if I wanted to visit for a weekend. That weekend changed everything. I became determined to at least take a real shot at pursuing my creative dreams. I sold my house, my belongings, and all my furniture. In the fall of 2019, I finally packed my things in a small 5×8 Uhaul Cargo Trailer, hitched it to my truck and drove 1600 miles to my new life in LA.

The fulfillment and purpose that came out of those choices are some of my favorite memories and parts of my story. Through acting I have met some of my closest friends, had incredible experiences, and really began to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone and I once I started, I have never looked back.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t call my journey to pursue my dreams smooth, it did take me ten years for the timing to be “right” for me to move to LA. However, I would say I didn’t expect the challenges I would face. I sometimes wonder if I had waited even six months longer how would my life look.

I moved to LA six months before the pandemic, right when I felt like I was getting into a groove, the world shut down. I had just sold my house and everything I owned to move into a small apartment in North Hollywood. A friend of my roommates had lost his job, and thus his home, a couple of months before the pandemic and he was staying with us in our small apartment until he got on his feet (that took three years). Several weeks after the pandemic announcement in 2020 my old friend and roommates best friend got really sick from mold exposure had to suddenly vacate her space and was struggling for her life, we obviously took her in. That all happened within 7 months of moving to LA.

That first year came with its own large challenges, but I was determined, and I doubled down on my decision to pursue acting in LA. I took online classes, researched and really took that opportunity to learn as much as I could about how the industry was about to change. I was so excited when I booked my first commercial shortly after the world began to reopen.

Things aren’t always ideal on the road to pursing acting, but I made this choice for me, so it feels good when I work towards my goal. I currently juggle a full time job, a full class schedule, agents, acting, and actively am on set as much as possible. It doesn’t leave much time for other focuses, but honestly that’s how I knew acting was more than a hobby. Even in the times when the discomfort is high and my schedule doesn’t allow for much – that is where I choose to be. It is a choice I make, and I actively make it everyday.

My friends are my biggest cheerleaders, and when I am overwhelmed they sense it. My friends show up and see me even when I cannot, and that emotional support is everything. They want me to succeed and it’s helpful that I want that too. The road isn’t all smooth, but I am still here, smiling, and excited to keep going.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most proud of my determination and that even when it was hard, I never lost my passion for the craft. I am really proud to be finally working on voice over reels and having producers begin to reach out about voice over acting after my last performance in a production of “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” directed by Morgan Eliza Hill at LA Acting Studios where I voiced/played over 14 characters. I could name other work, but honestly working with colleagues and pushing myself to learn more about what I can be capable of has brought me joy. That momentum always seems to open more doors, and this time it’s lead me into another long time dream of voice over acting.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are so many people who are, and have been apart of my journey, below are just a few

My family and extended family have been so supportive, from giving me places to stay when I travel to auditions, to just being excited for me. My very first experience back in stage acting was because a friend from childhood, Jonna Volz reminded me that I loved acting shortly after my life had shifted. Scott Arthur Allen (RIP) was my very first acting teacher and mentor. LA Acting Studios is where I study, and owner David Rountree is my incredible current acting teacher and mentor. Morgan Eliza Hill is a brilliant colleague, director, and teacher. Vanie Poyey, my first headshot photographer who walked me through my headshots in a way no other photographer has. Adel Emata who took the photos for my website. My wonderful rep Lottie Drake, and the rest of the team at Johnson Talent Agency. This is just the technical support, the list goes on.

Nathan Lehr is my life-long best friend, and adventure buddy who humbles me, always makes me laugh and is supportive beyond measure. Gigi Khalsa my amazing roommate and friend who buys me my favorite kombuchas. Tresla Friedrick who is one of my oldest friends, she rallied to have me cast in my first short film, and sneaks food in my fridge when things get overwhelming. She helped me move to LA and argues and encourages me – she is even helping me finish writing this interview because she and I quote “Are you going to let me read what you wrote?” And then after reading it said, “OH MY GOD DAVID LET ME HELP YOU! THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO SAY ABOUT YOU!” She and Gigi rally and they hype me up even when I don’t ask.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjacoblee/

Image Credits
Tresla Friedrick Vanie Poyey Adele Rabinovich Emata