Jason Lee became a professional skateboarder in his teens. He segued to acting in his twenties with a supporting role in Kevin Smith's 1995 comedy
Mallrats, after which Lee and Smith became buddies and worked together on a number of subsequent projects. Despite appearing in a handful of major Hollywood releases, Lee remained primarily an indie darling, known for his quirky performances. In 2005, Lee took a gamble on the small screen as the star and producer of
My Name Is Earl, a hilariously offbeat and successful sitcom that ran on NBC for four seasons. He kept his name in the spotlight by starring as Dave Seville in the 2007 family blockbuster
Alvin and the Chipmunks and reprising his role in the 2009 sequel.
Jason Lee Fast Facts:
- Skateboarded professionally before becoming an actor. As a skateboarder, was able to perfect the difficult 360 flip.
- Launched the twin companies Stereo Skateboard and Stereo Sounds Clothing.
- Made his first on-camera appearance in a Sonic Youth video.
- Writes and records music; plays the guitar; belonged to a band called Chiaroscuro.
- Won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 1997's Chasing Amy.
- Has a passionate interest in art and started the Jason Lee Foundation for the Arts in 2001 in hopes of displaying his large collection.
- Jason Lee Relationships:
- Greg Lee - Father
- Carmen Llywellyn - Ex-wife
- Ceren Alkac - Wife
- Casper Lee - Daughter
- Sonny Lee - Son
- James Lee - Brother
- Pilot Inspektor Riesgraf-Lee - Son
- Beth Riesgraf - Ex-fiancée
- Carol - Mother
- Jason Lee Awards:
- 2006 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2006 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 2007 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 2005 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2005 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2000 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Nominee