Jason Michael Lee is an American actor, comedian and professional skateboarder, known for his roles as the title character on the NBC television series, My Name is Earl, Syndrome in the film The Incredibles, Dave Seville in the Alvin and the Chipmunks films, and his work wit...
Actor, Film Producer, Voice Actor, Screenwriter, Television producer, Skateboarder, Comedian, Businessperson, Entrepreneur
Education
Ocean View High School
Nationality
United States of America
Spouse
Ceren Alkaç (m. 2008), Carmen Llywelyn (m. 1995–2001)
Children
Pilot Inspektor Lee, Casper Lee, Sonny Lee
Parents
Linda Lee, Greg Lee
Siblings
James Lee
Partner
Beth Riesgraf
Nicknames
Jason Michael Lee , Dennis Pepper
Awards
Independent Spirit Award,
Nominations
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, Kids' Choice Award for Favorite TV A...
Movies
“My Name Is Earl” (2005-2009), Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015), Mallrats (1995), “Behaving Badly” (2014), “Dogma” (1999), “Chasing Amy” (1997)
(2000 quote on his acting success) The day I become the jaded, cynical, asshole actor that takes it all for granted, doing parts just for money, is the day I get the fuck out of acting for good. I'll never let that happen.
2
[on acting work before landing Mallrats (1995)] The most I ever did, really, was a small walk-on part in Mi vida loca (1993). I had done a Sonic Youth video that Spike Jonze shot where I was skateboarding. I flew to Malaysia to do skateboarding double work for a British Petroleum commercial. Other than that, I had headshots over the years here and there, and nothing ever came of it.
3
[2010, on My Name Is Earl (2005) being canceled and landing Memphis Beat (2010)] I definitely miss "Earl" and working on the show. It was a shame the way they canceled it. We didn't get to finish the series. I was devastated; we were all confused. But I guess life goes on and now here I am working on something entirely different.
4
(On My Name Is Earl (2005)) I was apprehensive about doing TV, because I didn't want to be known for a certain character. When I did Kissing a Fool (1998) with David Schwimmer, I realized how trapped he was by his role on Friends (1994). Everywhere we'd go, people would shout out to him, "Ross! Hey, Ross!" It's difficult to get away from the shadow of a TV character. I hope I've done enough movies that I won't be pigeonholed as "Earl" for the rest of my life.
5
(On retiring from skateboarding) When I decided to retire, I thought I was getting a little too old to be skating for a living. There was a lot of pressure to be at the top of my game all the time, and my heart just wasn't in it anymore. But I haven't given up skating completely. I still cruise around now and then just for fun. I'm way past my prime, so nobody expects much from me anymore.
6
(On getting into acting) I was just curious about it, in much the same way you might be curious about how cars are made or how to get to the moon. It was naiveté. My girlfriend's mother was a talent manager, and when I told her I wanted to do movies, she said, "Okay, let's give it a shot." So many people would have said, "Oh, I don't know. Let's get you into some acting classes first and see how it goes." That would have been a bit deflating, and I think I would've lost interest.
7
(On My Name Is Earl (2005) and the perks of doing TV) The best thing about Earl is the steady income. I can do films if and when I want, as opposed to doing a film I don't really believe in because I have to pay the bills. I've never been at a Vince Vaughn or Ben Stiller level, so I don't get offered a lot of starring roles in comedy blockbusters. I've done some independent films that I'm proud of, but it's seven weeks of work for not much money. So then you have to find as many acting jobs as you can, just to keep up financially. "Earl" came along at the right time for me.
8
(2006 quote on fame) When you reach a certain status in Hollywood, you have to play a lot of games to stay in the limelight. It becomes more about being famous than being an actor. It's a cult of personality. Who's the It person this week? Who has the hottest girlfriend and the most bling-bling? Who showed up at the MTV Video Music Awards in a Hummer limousine? For me it's always more rewarding when people come up to me and say, "I loved you in Mumford. What's your name again?" That's how I've always wanted it to be.
9
(On skateboarding injuries) I have scars on my knees from smashing into the corner of cement benches. I have scars on my pelvis from jumping off my board and sliding like Superman down a hill. One time I snapped my wrist in half and had to get a cast on my arm. Like an idiot, I skated before the cast was taken off, and I fell again and broke my other arm. For the next three months I had to brush my teeth using only my thumb and pinkie.
10
On his performance as a rock star in Almost Famous (2000): "I wanted to be very serious about being a musician -- a guy who cares a lot about the music and the band and why we did it in the first place. We wanted to show an actual passion on stage with the intent of turning on the audience."
11
On working with Lawrence Kasdan and Cameron Crowe, and Writer-Directors in general: I'd love to establish relationships with other writer-directors, too, but Chasing Amy (1997) is what got things going for me, and I'll always stick by Kevin.
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Fact
1
He has appeared in seven films directed by Kevin Smith: Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)_, Jersey Girl (2004)_, Clerks II (2006) and Cop Out (2010).
2
Starting up "Stereo Skateboarding Company" again with partner Chris Pastras. [July 2003]
3
During an interview with friend Kevin Smith, Lee stated that he was inspired to become an actor by the Coen brothers' film, Barton Fink (1991), particularly by Steve Buscemi's performance as "Chet".
4
His daughter, born in 2008, is named Casper.
5
Was once on the same flight from LAX to Montreal with Jason Lee. They were both called to the front desk due to a seating mix-up during check-in.
6
His Turkish/Australian model wife, Ceren Alkac, gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Casper, on August 10, 2008.
7
Has voiced both a hero and a villain in Disney films - he played the voice of the title character in Underdog (2007) and was the voice of maniacal madman "Syndrome" in Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles (2004).
8
Jason and his girlfriend, Ceren Alkac, are expecting their first child together, due in Fall, 2008 [April 29, 2008].
9
Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2008 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was suggested in the Worst Actor category for his performances in the films Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) and Underdog (2007). He failed to receive a nomination however.
Wrote and produced a sitcom pilot in 1996 with Kevin Smith called "Hiatus" which had Lee in the starring role.
13
He has the ability to cross and un-cross his right eye. He does this frequently in My Name Is Earl (2005), usually while Earl is angry or intoxicated.
14
Became infamous for naming his son 'Pilot Inspektor'.
15
(September 28 2003) Son, Pilot Inspektor Riesgraf-Lee, born to Jason and ex-fiancée Beth Riesgraf. He and Beth were in a relationship from 2001-2007.
16
Attended Ocean View High School, (Huntington Beach, CA).
17
Given a shoe deal from Airwalk during his skateboarding days.
18
Mentioned a number of occasions in the autobiography of skating legend Tony Hawk, "Hawk: Occupation Skateboarder".
19
Was cast as Loki in Dogma (1999), but had to take a smaller part (Azrael) because of scheduling conflicts, so the role went to Matt Damon. His performance as Azrael would lead to him being cast in The Incredibles (2004)
20
Owner of Stereo manufacturing Corp. (Skateboard company)
21
Professional skateboarder. Retired from skateboarding in 1996 after being pro for 7 years.
22
Dropped out of high school to be a pro skate boarder.