British East Asian Actress | Voice Actor | Creative Producer | Movement Specialist

London-based Mary Lee is a trailblazing multidisciplinary creative, bringing over 25 years of international experience across film, theatre, commercial, immersive, and voiceover work. Deeply rooted in Method Acting, particularly the Strasberg System, she focuses on emotional truth and character-driven storytelling. Blending her Chinese, Manchu, and Korean heritage with extensive time spent living and working across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Mary brings depth, versatility, and a distinctive cross-cultural perspective to every role. Her signature style combines calm authority, theatrical flair, and unapologetic authenticity to create raw, emotionally resonant performances.

Driven by innovation, she is highly passionate about the intersections of art, business, and culture. Mary is committed to representation and equity, consistently seeking to elevate East and Southeast Asian narratives and bridge cultural divides across the UK, Sweden, Jersey, and China. Outside her professional work, she explores global food cultures, travels, and engages with diverse communities for creative inspiration.

Family Legacy & Early Life

Born in China, Mary grew up in an artistic military family defined by a legacy of truthfully recording pivotal moments in modern history. Attending the Guangzhou Military Region's full-time kindergarten from the age of two shaped her independent and resilient character early on.

Mary's grandfathers lived through significant conflicts of the modern era. One served as a general in the 'Iron Army', leading troops from the frozen Songhua River to liberate Hainan Island in 1950, while the other fought in the Korean War. Her mother later paved the way as the first female bel canto singer in the military art troupe. (Link)

A generation later, Mary's father - a Sino-Vietnamese War veteran who graduated with the highest honours from the PLA Army Artillery and Air Defence Academy - swapped weapons for a camera and a notepad. Working as a war journalist, a decorated combat leader, and a military arms dealer, he documented the Sino-Vietnamese conflicts throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He later donated his entire documentary archive to the National War Museum, earning official honours and a full scholarship to study war strategy. (Link)

He dedicated the remainder of his career to the arts, establishing performing arts and film academies - including the Tongji University Film School and the Shanghai Academy for Performing Arts - to train new generations of artists. The exceptional standard of this training was demonstrated when professional dance students from the Shanghai Academy for Performing Arts achieved a historic sweep, winning all 10 gold medals in Dancesport at the 2010 Asian Games. This marked a significant milestone for the discipline, highlighting its status as an officially recognised sport by the International Olympic Committee and its formal inclusion as a medal category at the Games. (Link)

With this profound family history deeply rooted in military service and the arts, Mary has found the foundation for everything she hopes to achieve. Her parents taught her that a truthful, well-told story can outlast a war. Today, she feels compelled to write, direct, and produce films to share these cultural narratives, helping the world understand conflicts like the Sino-Vietnamese War through the eyes of those who actually lived them.

Artistic Journey & Global Career

From an early age, she displayed a natural talent for the arts. At just 17, she stepped into the spotlight as a professional model for Hong Kong's YES! magazine and soon became a finalist in the Guangzhou Miss Teen beauty pageant. These early experiences boosted her confidence, provided direction and opportunities, deepened her passion, and confirmed her desire to pursue a life in the creative world.

Driven by a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to build bridges across cultures, her journey has taken her from China to some of the most remarkable places on earth. After returning to China, she assumed responsibility for managing her father’s golf course while also teaching at Tongji University’s Film School, honouring his legacy while forging her own path.

With an ambitious spirit and a global perspective, she later competed against more than 30,000 applicants worldwide to earn a coveted position with Emirates Airlines. Relocating to Dubai, she became one of the first Chinese cabin crew members to serve on the Airbus A380. This role opened the door to extraordinary experiences, allowing her to travel to more than 120 countries, immerse herself in diverse cultures, and develop a truly international outlook that continues to shape her work and life today.

Recent News

Mary has built a dynamic career, collaborating with prominent organisations and brands such as the BBC, Nike, HSBC, Meta, the Southbank Centre, Darkfield Theatre, BMW, and John Lewis & Partners.

A defining moment in her artistic journey was Earth Makes No Sound at the Southbank Centre - a meditative performance exploring the connection between nature and human emotional transformation. By experiencing the work as both a dancer and a producer, she saw firsthand how choreography can bypass spoken language to communicate a universal narrative. The performance's blending of English and Chinese deeply resonated with her identity, serving to bridge Eastern and Western cultures.

This profound experience, combined with the philosophy of Zhuangzi's Butterfly Dream, directly inspired her recent solo production, Metamorphosis: Between Illusion & Reality. The piece debuted at Mountview's View Festival in 2025.

Alongside her creative work, Mary's academic credentials continue to reflect her dedication to the field:

→ PhD Doctoral Research: Currently investigating workplace inclusion, race, and appearance.

→ Master's Degree: Completed an MA in Creative Producing at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where she earned the highest scholarship and achieved a distinction on her final project.

→ Undergraduate Degree: Holds a First-Class BA (Hons) in Dance Choreography.

Looking Forward

Mary is ready to put her training and cross-cultural experience into community-based work that truly reflects our dynamic society. She would be delighted to discuss suitable opportunities and is grateful to have her details kept on file for future projects. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her.