Hong Kong-born Jessica Lee is multitalented. An actress, calligrapher and also a climbing instructor, she left for New York to pursue her acting career and brought her talents back to Hong Kong. She shares with us her work experience locally and abroad and her goals for the future.
Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I am an actress, Chinese calligrapher and climbing instructor. I majored in international journalism and minored in translation, and it was during college when I started acting. I joined the drama club the first day I stepped onto the campus and fell in love with the art of acting instantly.
I worked with 100most, an online TV channel, for a few years before I moved to New York to pursue my acting career.
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What inspired you to leave Hong Kong? Why New York?
I remember feeling stuck in Hong Kong. I was unhappy. I didn’t feel like I was going anywhere. I appreciated 100most and the people I met there a lot, from the bottom of my heart. But, I always wanted more and I knew I could do more. I wanted a breakthrough in my career.
That was why I went to New York for a summer acting course, which was only meant to be for two months. Just a week in, my acting coach asked if I ever considered staying in New York to develop my career in the States. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I decided to give it a try. I got my O1 visa (it was a roller coaster ride) and miraculously, I won the green card lottery. And the rest is history!
I get asked a lot by people why New York and not LA: first of all, I didn’t know how to drive back then and in LA it’s hard to get around without a car. Also, I feel like New York is similar to Hong Kong in a lot of ways. The similarities make me feel like I’m home.
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What is the most memorable moment in your acting path?
It’s hard to pick one! My first time performing on a stage in a theatre (also as the lead role), acting with Louis Koo, my first time auditioning in New York and subsequently getting the part, signing with my first manager in New York and getting cast in American TV shows (the whole experience and having my own trailer was really cool).
What does your typical day look like?
After waking up, I will make coffee (oat milk latte) and breakfast (usually jam on sourdough), then go through some casting websites. Sometimes I submit projects or tape auditions. When that’s done I go climbing, practice singing or read. In the evening I cook dinner – I make very good vegan food – and watch TV or practice calligraphy.
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What are your goals for 2022?
I want to keep pursuing acting, make my own music, read at least 20 books and above all, be happier.
How do you make yourself happy and ritzy in life?
Definitely climbing – it makes me the happiest girl in the entire world! I also love eating delicious vegan food, surrounding myself with people that I love. And I like to recognise how fortunate I am to live a life like this – being able to pursue my dream and make it my reality and all.
