James Kyson Lee is best known for his standout performance as Ando Masahashi in the popular superhero series Heroes, a role that truly defined his career. Born in South Korea, James Kyson Lee moved with his family to the Bronx in New York City when he was just 10 years old. Growing up in a new country, James Kyson Lee found his footing academically by attending the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. From there, he pursued higher education, studying communications at both Boston University and the New England Institute of Art.
After college, James Kyson Lee made the move to Los Angeles, drawn by a passion for the arts—especially jazz singing, musical theater, and acting. He immersed himself in the local performance scene, joining Room to Improv, an Asian-American improv group, and later sharpening his comedic timing and improvisational skills with acclaimed troupes like The Groundlings and the Upright Citizen Brigade. These experiences helped shape his craft and prepared him for what was to come.
Interestingly, James Kyson Lee landed his first TV role on his very first audition in 2003—a small part on the military legal drama JAG. That breakthrough opened doors, and the following year, he appeared in six different television shows, including guest spots on high-profile series like The West Wing and Alias. Though many of his early roles were minor, James Kyson Lee steadily built a solid resume across TV, film, and short projects.
Everything changed in 2006 when James Kyson Lee was cast as Ando, the loyal and often humorous sidekick to Hiro Nakamura, on the hit NBC series Heroes. Initially recurring, the character—and James Kyson Lee’s performance—gained popularity as the show surged in its second season, earning him a promotion to series regular. Over the course of the show’s four-season run, James Kyson Lee appeared in 62 episodes, earning recognition and a loyal fanbase.
Since Heroes concluded, James Kyson Lee has remained active in the entertainment industry, taking on diverse roles in over 10 films. His post-Heroes work includes the chilling horror thriller Shutter, the cheeky romantic comedy How to Make Love to a Woman, and even a voice role in the animated blockbuster Despicable Me. Through it all, James Kyson Lee has continued to evolve as an artist, balancing humor, heart, and versatility—proving that his talent extends far beyond one iconic role.
So, when it comes to James Kyson’s career highlights, one film really stands out as his highest rated work—White on Rice from 2009. It’s definitely a fan favorite and showcases James Kyson in a memorable role that resonated well with audiences and critics alike. On the other end of the spectrum, James Kyson also appeared in Breaking & Exiting, which came out in 2018 and ended up being his lowest rated project to date. While James Kyson has been involved in various films over the years, these two titles mark the highs and lows in terms of critical reception. Still, James Kyson continues to be a recognizable presence in the industry, and fans keep an eye on his evolving filmography.