Bobby Lee’s Net Worth and Biography Overview
- Birth name: Robert Young Lee Jr.
- Net Worth: $1 Million
- Birthdate: September 17, 1971 (53 years old)
- Birthplace: San Diego, California
- Gender: Male
- Height: 5 ft 4 in (1.64 m)
- Profession: Actor, Screenwriter, Comedian, Voice Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
Bobby Lee Net Worth 2024
Bobby Lee’s Net Worth and Career Highlights
Bobby Lee, an American actor, comedian, writer, and podcaster, has a net worth of $1 million. He rose to fame with his role on the FOX sketch comedy show “MADtv”, where he starred from 2001 to 2009. Over the years, Bobby has built an impressive career, with more than 80 acting credits in both movies and TV shows.
Some of Bobby’s most notable movie roles include:
- “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004)
- “Kickin’ It Old Skool” (2007)
- “Pineapple Express” (2008)
- “Paul” (2011)
- “The Dictator” (2012)
- “The Wrong Missy” (2020)
On television, he has appeared in several popular series, such as:
- “Animal Practice” (2012–2013)
- “Love” (2016–2018)
- “What Would Diplo Do?” (2017)
- “Splitting Up Together” (2018–2019)
- “Magnum P.I.” (2019–present)
- “Dream Corp LLC” (2020)
- “Reservation Dogs” (2021–present)
- “And Just Like That…” (2021–present)
Bobby is also active on YouTube, where he created, wrote, and directed the series “Talking” (2012–2013). Additionally, he is known for his popular podcasts, including “TigerBelly” (2015–present) and “Bad Friends” (2020–present), which have earned him a loyal fanbase.
In the world of voice acting, Bobby has lent his voice to the animated film “Wish Dragon” (2021) and TV shows like:
- “Family Guy” (2009; 2011)
- “The Awesomes” (2013–2015)
- “Nature Cat” (2015–2019)
- “Inside Job” (2021–2022)
With a career spanning acting, stand-up comedy, and podcasting, Bobby Lee has become a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. Whether on screen or behind the mic, Bobby continues to entertain audiences around the world.
Why Bobby Lee’s Career Inspires Fans
From his breakout role on “MADtv” to his success in the world of podcasts, Bobby’s journey showcases his talent and dedication. His work in comedy, acting, and voice-over roles demonstrates his versatility and appeal.
Early Life
Bobby Lee, born as Robert Lee Jr., came into the world on September 17, 1971, in San Diego, California. He is the son of Jeanie and Robert Lee, Korean immigrants who owned successful clothing stores in Encinitas and Escondido, California. Unfortunately, Bobby’s father, Robert, passed away in 2019 due to Parkinson’s disease.
Bobby grew up in Poway, California, alongside his younger brother, Steve Lee, who is also a comedian and musician. Steve has gained popularity as the host of podcasts like “Steebee Weebee” and “Scissor Bros”, and he even made guest appearances on “MADtv” alongside Bobby.
Bobby Lee’s Education and Early Interests
Bobby attended:
- Painted Rock Elementary School
- Twin Peaks Middle School
- Poway High School, where he was part of a breakdancing team.
After high school, Bobby briefly studied at Palomar College but dropped out before completing his degree.
A Difficult Childhood
Bobby has spoken openly about the challenges he faced during his childhood, including being a victim of childhood abuse. Despite these struggles, he has persevered and built a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Career
Bobby Lee: From Restaurants to Comedy Stardom
Before becoming a celebrated comedian and actor, Bobby Lee worked at various restaurants and cafes. In 1994, when the coffee shop he was employed at shut down, he found a job next door at The Comedy Store in San Diego.
This marked the beginning of his journey into comedy. After working odd jobs there for a few months, Bobby tried stand-up comedy during one of the club’s amateur nights.
Within his first year, renowned comedians like Carlos Mencia and Pauly Shore recognized his talent and invited him to open for their shows. Soon, he began performing regularly at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, owned by Shore’s mother, Mitzi Shore.
Initially, Bobby’s parents were unsupportive of his comedy career, hoping he would join the family business, but after his 2002 appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, his father apologized for not supporting his dream.
Early Career Highlights
Bobby appeared on TV shows like:
- “Late Friday” (2002)
- “I Love the ’90s” (2004)
- “Asia Street Comedy” (2004)
He also starred in the comedy special “Kims of Comedy” (2005) alongside Ken Jeong, Steve Byrne, and Kevin Shea. Bobby made his acting debut in “The Underground Comedy Movie” (1999) and guest-starred on shows like “Arli$$” and “The Brothers Garcia” in the early 2000s.
Breakthrough with MADtv
In 2001, Bobby joined MADtv, becoming the show’s first Asian cast member. He was known for hilarious characters like Bae Sung and Tank, as well as his impersonations of Connie Chung and Kim Jong-il. Even after the show ended in 2009, he returned for its revival in 2016. During his time on MADtv, Bobby appeared in popular films such as:
- “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004)
- “Pineapple Express” (2008), which grossed over $102 million
- “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas” (2011)
TV and Film Success
After MADtv, Bobby built an impressive acting resume:
- Recurring roles in shows like “Animal Practice” (2012–2013), “Love” (2016–2018), and “Magnum P.I.” (2019–present).
- Guest appearances on hit series like “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “NCIS: Los Angeles”, and “Arrested Development”.
His movie credits include:
- “The Dictator” (2012)
- “The Wrong Missy” (2020) with David Spade
- “Wish Dragon” (2021), where he lent his voice.
Podcasting Ventures
In 2015, Bobby launched the “TigerBelly” podcast with his then-girlfriend Khalyla Kuhn, which became a massive hit. In 2020, he partnered with comedian Andrew Santino to start the “Bad Friends” podcast, further cementing his influence in the comedy scene.
Recent Projects
Bobby continues to shine with roles in shows like “Reservation Dogs” and “And Just Like That…” and appearances on projects like “History of the World, Part II” and “Dark Side of Comedy”. His versatility as a comedian, actor, and podcaster ensures his lasting presence in the entertainment world.
Personal Life
Personal Challenges and Sobriety
Bobby Lee faced significant challenges with substance abuse from an early age. At just 12 years old, he began using marijuana and methamphetamine, and by 15, he was using heroin. Despite these struggles, Bobby achieved sobriety at 17 after completing three rehabilitation programs. However, sobriety was not a linear journey for him.
- After 12 years of sobriety, Bobby relapsed on Vicodin during a difficult period.
- He credits Lauren Dombrowski, a producer on MADtv, for helping him reclaim his sobriety after being fired from the show.
- In 2019, following his father’s death, Bobby relapsed again but sought help through rehabilitation.
- Bobby describes himself as a recovering alcoholic and remains open about his struggles to inspire others.
Relationship and Podcasting Setbacks
Bobby’s personal life also saw significant changes in recent years:
- In 2022, Bobby and his longtime girlfriend and “TigerBelly” co-host, Khalyla Kuhn, ended their 10-year relationship. Bobby shared the news on their podcast, calling Khalyla “the love of my life” and expressing gratitude for her transformative impact on his life.
Legal Issues with Wondery
In May 2023, Bobby filed a lawsuit against Wondery, a major podcast platform, after it canceled a distribution and ad sales deal with “TigerBelly”.
The controversy stemmed from a story Bobby told in 2013 about using the services of a “young-looking sex worker” in Tijuana, which he later admitted was fabricated.
Key points of the lawsuit include:
- Wondery cited a “morals clause” as the reason for canceling the deal, but Bobby and his team argued that no morals clause was included in their contract.
- The lawsuit claims Wondery was already aware of the Tijuana story before signing the agreement.
Resilience Through Challenges
Despite facing numerous personal and professional hurdles, Bobby Lee remains a steadfast figure in comedy and podcasting. His openness about his struggles with addiction, relationships, and career setbacks has garnered admiration from fans and underscores his resilience in navigating life’s challenges.
