Lee Montgomery stepped into the spotlight at a remarkably young age, first making his mark as a child model before quickly transitioning into acting. One of his earliest major breaks came in 1971 when he landed a key role in Disney’s quirky slapstick comedy The Million Dollar Duck—a film centered around a golden egg that hatches an irradiated duck, adopted by a well-meaning family. This role helped set the stage for Lee Montgomery’s rise, and just a year later, he took on his first starring role in the 1972 horror-drama Ben.
In Ben, the chilling sequel to Willard, Lee Montgomery portrayed Danny Garrison, a lonely boy who forms an eerie bond with the leader of a dangerous rat colony. The performance showcased his ability to carry a film at such a young age and solidified his presence in early ‘70s pop culture. As Lee Montgomery grew older, he remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in guest roles across dozens of television shows throughout his teenage years and into his early twenties.
Perhaps one of the most memorable chapters in Lee Montgomery’s career came in 1985, when he played Jeff Malene—a charming and athletic dancer—in the cult favorite Girls Just Want to Have Fun. In the film, his character is paired with Janey Glenn, played by a young Sarah Jessica Parker, on a fictional dance competition show, capturing the vibrant energy of mid-’80s youth culture. While this role may be the one most associated with Lee Montgomery, it wasn’t the end of his creative journey.
By his late twenties, Lee Montgomery made the decision to step away from acting, shifting his focus toward other artistic passions—particularly music. He found success behind the scenes, composing scores for various projects. Notably, he worked on the soundtrack for the 2002 fantasy Western Legend of the Phantom Rider, blending genre elements with evocative musical storytelling. Later, in 2005, Lee Montgomery contributed to the atmospheric tension of the short film Trespasses, a dark thriller exploring the unsettling dynamic between a vigilante and a prowler.
Though Lee Montgomery eventually moved out of the acting limelight, his contributions across film, television, and music reflect a diverse and enduring creative spirit.
When it comes to Lee Montgomery’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is Pete ‘n’ Tillie from 1972—it’s widely regarded as Lee Montgomery’s highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike have praised the performance and storytelling, making it a memorable entry in his filmography. On the other hand, not every project reached the same level of success. For instance, $1,000,000 Duck, released in 1971, tends to receive much more mixed or negative feedback, earning it the spot as Lee Montgomery’s lowest rated film. While it may have its nostalgic charm for some, it certainly didn’t resonate the same way as his later work. Overall, Lee Montgomery’s journey through film shows both highs and lows, with Pete ‘n’ Tillie shining as a clear favorite among fans and critics.