Raymond J. Lee was born in Atlanta, GA to Korean parents but spent the majority of his childhood moving throughout the United States due to his father's work with the military.
An avid music lover, Ray studied the violin starting at age 6. However, it was his fascination with pop music that propelled him to buy his first cassette tape (Mariah Carey's Music Box) and teach himself how to sing.
Ray attended Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, MD where his various activities included Symphonic Orchestra, Showstoppers, and several musicals including INTO THE WOODS, CHESS, and CRAZY FOR YOU. He participated annually in BLAST FROM THE PAST, and was a choreographer of the show his senior year. His talents with the violin also led Ray to perform at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall during his senior year of high school.
Ray attended Northwestern University and originally planned to major in pre-med chemistry, but felt the need to switch majors and follow his dreams. He was accepted into the Radio/Television/Film program in the School of Communication, and after several rounds of auditions was also accepted into the prestigious Musical Theater Certificate Program.
Upon graduation, Ray moved to New York City and took a job with MTV Networks and their Summer Associate Program. His first job was with the VMAs in Miami as a Production Assistant, which led to other projects including HIP HOP HONORS, MTVs NEW YEARS EVE, the mtvU WOODIE AWARDS, AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW, and the MTV MOVIE AWARDS.
In addition to his behind-the-scenes experience, Ray has proudly worked as a successful actor, having made his New York debut with the Shakespeare in the Park production of "Two Gentlemen of Verona." He has worked regionally in the United States, as well as for Disney Cruise Lines. In the summer of 2003, Ray was a reality star as he competed with 11 other finalists on the NBC show "Fame."
Currently, Ray is in the smash hit Broadway Revival of "Anything Goes" in the role of "John". His past credits include "Mamma Mia!" (Eddie), "Applause" at City Center's Encore Series, the title role in the New York Fringe Festival production of "Victor Woo: Average Asian American", and various readings and workshops, including "Shrek" and "Honeymoon in Vegas". He has also produced and directed several Mamma Mia Easter Bonnet and Gypsy of the Year presentations.
Ray's film work includes "Ghost Town", starring Ricky Gervais and Greg Kinnear, and the independent feature "The Mikado Project", which will tour the film festival circuit in 2009.
Ray would like to thank all his friends and family for constantly supporting him with his dreams. He wouldn’t be where he is today without his friends always being there for him and guiding him along the way.