Tong Hoon Lee, born on July 18, 1973, is an accomplished American actor known for his dynamic range across television, film, and theater, as well as his distinctive voice work in animation. He has garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of complex characters, most notably the enigmatic hacker Job on the Cinemax series Banshee and the dignified King of Siam in the Broadway revival of The King and I. His versatile talents have also made him a sought-after voice actor, bringing iconic characters like Splinter and Shredder to life in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.
Lee’s early life and path to acting remain relatively private, but his career began to flourish in the early 2000s with stage work, where he honed his craft in classical and contemporary productions. His breakthrough came with the role of Job on Banshee, which aired from 2013 to 2016. As a master hacker and loyal friend to the show’s protagonist, Lee brought a cool, calculating intelligence and emotional depth to the character, earning him a dedicated fan following and critical praise for his performance in the action-packed series. His work on Banshee established him as a compelling presence in prestige television.
In 2015, Lee took on the prestigious role of the King of Siam in the Broadway revival of The King and I, a performance that showcased his powerful singing voice and commanding stage presence. His work earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent in live theater. This achievement highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between the intimacy of television and the grandeur of the Broadway stage.
Beyond live-action and stage work, Lee has become a prominent figure in voice acting. He voiced the wise and noble Hamato Yoshi/Splinter in the 2012 animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a role that endeared him to a new generation of fans. He later took on the villainous Shredder in the animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, demonstrating his vocal range by playing both mentor and antagonist within the same universe. He also lent his voice to the White Rabbit in the video game adaptation of Devil May Cry, further expanding his presence in the world of interactive entertainment. Through his diverse body of work, Hoon Lee has proven himself a versatile and gifted actor capable of captivating audiences in any medium.