Bobby Lee has become one of America’s most beloved comedians. His raw honesty and bold humor captivate audiences everywhere. Starting from humble beginnings, he has now become a podcast powerhouse. His journey shows American success with a unique Korean-American twist.
This guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know about Bobby Lee, including his background, career milestones, and personal relationships. We also cover his current projects that keep fans coming back for more.
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Bobby Lee Fun Facts
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Lee Jr. (known professionally as Bobby Lee) |
| Birth Date | September 17, 1971 |
| Age | 54 years old in 2025 |
| Ethnicity | Korean-American (parents immigrated from Korea) |
| Famous For | Stand-up comedy, “MADtv” cast member, co-host of Bad Friends podcast |
| Podcast | Bad Friends with Andrew Santino (launched 2020) |
| Tours | Regularly tours across the U.S |
| Relationship Status | Long-term partner Khalyla Kuhn (podcast host) |
| Height | About 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Net Worth (est.) | Around $8–10 million as of 2025 |
| Home Base | Los Angeles, California |
| Hidden Talent | Plays guitar and writes sketches outside the stand-up |
Who Is Bobby Lee?
Bobby Lee became a household name through his groundbreaking work on MADtv. He made history as the show’s first Asian-American cast member in 2001. His journey from unknown comedian to entertainment star is remarkable to witness. His story showcases the power of persistence and authentic voice in building a successful career.
How Did He Become Famous?
His rise to fame wasn’t overnight. He spent years in comedy clubs developing his fearless style before becoming famous. His willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects and share personal stories resonated with audiences craving authenticity. His success comes from blending self-deprecation with sharp commentary.
Bobby Lee’s Early Life and Family Background?
Bobby was born in San Diego in 1971. He grew up in a Poway suburb. Being Asian-American in a mostly white area wasn’t easy. The 80s and 90s had different cultural attitudes. Bobby faced typical challenges of straddling two worlds.
Southern California gave him exposure to many cultures. These influences shaped his comedy style. His Korean home life clashed with American outside life. This created his unique viewpoint. Bobby turned this cultural contrast into comedy gold. Fans connect with his authentic perspective.
Family Background
The Lee family came from Korea to America, like many immigrant families. Their story reflects common struggles and hopes. Bobby’s comedy speaks to diverse audiences who know these experiences. Cultural adaptation shapes who we are. Identity formation is central to his humor. Fans see their own stories in Bobby’s honest take on growing up between two worlds.
Key Family Facts:
- Parents immigrated from South Korea
- Mother Jeanie Lee worked multiple jobs to support the family
- The family settled in Poway, California
- Strong emphasis on education and hard work
- Traditional Korean values mixed with American aspirations
What Movies and TV Shows Has Bobby Lee Appeared In?
His filmography spans over two decades. He shows skills in both comedy and drama. His TV career launched with MADtv. On the show, he created characters that fans still love. His memorable sketches proved his versatility. These early roles helped build his reputation. Bobby’s acting range extends beyond just comedy.
How Did Bobby Lee’s Stand-Up Career Start?
Bobby started at the Comedy Store in the mid-90s. He built his act on honest stories about being Korean-American. His raw material about cultural clashes stood out. After years in LA clubs, he broke through with MADtv in 2001. His first major special came in 2003. Each step showed his growing confidence and unique comedic voice.
Notable TV Appearances:
- MADtv (2001-2009): Breakthrough role as cast member
- Splitting Up Together (2018-2019): Recurring role
- Love (2016-2018): Netflix series appearances
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2017): Guest appearances
- Reservation Dogs (2021-2023): Recurring character
Film Career Highlights:
- The Dictator (2012): Supporting role alongside Sacha Baron Cohen
- Pineapple Express (2008): Memorable cameo
- Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004): Early film appearance
- Knocked Up (2007): Judd Apatow comedy
- Date Movie (2006): Parody film role
How Did Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino Start Working Together?
Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino developed their friendship through the Los Angeles comedy scene. They frequently performed at the same clubs and events. Their natural chemistry became apparent during joint appearances on other podcasts and comedy shows. People noticed how well they played off each other.
Andrew Santino, known for his roles in “I’m Dying Up Here” and “Dave,” brought his own comedic sensibilities to the partnership. His quick wit and ability to play off Bobby Lee’s unpredictable energy created the perfect dynamic for their podcast venture. This balance of personalities made their collaboration especially entertaining for audiences.
Don’t miss Andrew Santino’s inspiring story and his unfiltered comedy style.
Their Collaboration Timeline:
- 2015-2018: Frequent appearances on each other’s projects
- 2019: Joint comedy tours and festival appearances
- 2020: Launch of “Bad Friends” podcast
- 2021-Present: Expanded touring and media projects
The “Bad Friends tour” has become a major entertainment draw. They sell out shows across the country. Large venues fill with eager fans. Their podcast chemistry works perfectly on stage. The live format showcases their spontaneous interactions.
Who Is Bobby Lee’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Bobby Lee and Khalyla Kuhn shared a long relationship. She co-hosted his “TigerBelly” podcast for years. Their connection became part of his comedy. Khalyla’s Filipino-American background and nursing career brought fresh angles. They explored relationships and culture in their work. Their decade-long bond produced meaningful content before they separated.
Are Bobby Lee and Khalyla Kuhn Still Together?
Lee and Kuhn separated in 2022. They continued “TigerBelly” professionally despite ending their romance. They handled their public split with maturity, showing others how to navigate personal changes respectfully.
Post-Breakup Status:
- Officially separated as of 2022
- Continue co-hosting “TigerBelly” podcast
- Maintain friendship and professional relationships
- Both focus on individual projects and growth
What Is Bobby Lee’s Net Worth in 2025?
| Year | Est. Net Worth | Key Income Sources |
| 2020 | $5 Million | Stand-up tours, podcast launch (Bad Friends), and older TV/film royalties |
| 2021 | $6 Million | Podcast growth, YouTube revenue, live shows |
| 2022 | $7 Million | More stand-up dates, guest appearances, and endorsements |
| 2023 | $8 Million | Streaming specials, brand collaborations, podcast ads |
| 2024 | $9 Million | Expanded Bad Friends tour, social media monetization |
| 2025 (est.) | $10 Million | Ongoing comedy tours, TV cameos, investments |
Where Can Fans See Bobby Lee on Tour?
Bobby’s tour extends through 2025-2026. He continues performing solo stand-up and “Bad Friends” shows with Andrew Santino. His schedule includes theaters, comedy clubs, and festivals in major cities across the country.
Upcoming Tour Information:
- Solo Stand-Up Tours: Monthly headlining shows
- Bad Friends Live: Joint shows with Andrew Santino
- Festival Appearances: Major comedy festivals nationwide
- International Dates: Select shows in Canada and Australia
How Tall Is Bobby Lee?
Bobby Lee stands at 5’5″ (165 cm). He often uses his height in his self-deprecating comedy. This physical characteristic becomes part of his comedic identity, showing how skilled comics can transform personal traits into successful humor.
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
- Build: Compact, energetic stage presence
- Distinctive Features: Expressive face, animated gestures
Is Bobby Lee Korean or Chinese?
Bobby Lee is Korean, not Chinese. Born to Korean immigrant parents from South Korea. His Korean heritage is an important part of his identity and frequently appears in his comedy routines and personal stories.
His Korean background influences his comedy through:
- Cultural observations about Korean-American family dynamics
- Language humor incorporating Korean phrases and concepts
- Generational stories about immigrant parents’ expectations
- Identity exploration of growing up between two cultures
Bobby Lee Social Media Presence
Bobby Lee stays active across social media. He connects with fans on multiple platforms. Instagram is his biggest account with 2 million followers. He tweets to 300k followers. His YouTube features podcast clips. Everything links to bobbylee. live for tour dates and merch.
- Instagram (@bobbyleelive): ~2 M followers; reels, behind-the-scenes, tour promos.
- X (Twitter) (@bobbyleelive): ~323 K followers; jokes, updates, fan interaction.
- Facebook: Official page for posts and events.
- YouTube (bobbylee): Long-form podcast episodes, interviews, and clips.
- Website (bobbylee.live): Central hub for tours, podcast, and merchandise.
FAQ’s
What Is Bobby Lee’s Podcast ‘Bad Friends’ About?
A comedy podcast where Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino discuss their lives and current events with humorous banter.
Did Bobby Lee Play a Role in ‘Karate Kid’?
No, He did not appear in any of the Karate Kid films.
Who Is the Co-Host of Bobby Lee’s Podcast?
Andrew Santino co-hosts “Bad Friends” with Bobby Lee.
Where Does Bobby Lee Live and What’s Known About His House?
Bobby lives in Los Angeles, California, though specific details about his residence are kept relatively private.
How to Find Bobby Lee’s Upcoming Tour Dates?
Tour dates can be found on Bobby Lee’s official website and social media accounts or through ticket platforms like Ticketmaster.
Conclusion
Bobby Lee keeps growing as a comedian and entertainer. He shows that authenticity and hard work bring lasting success in the tough comedy world. His path from struggling stand-up to podcast powerhouse proves the power of persistence and staying true to a unique voice.
Whether you’re new to him or a longtime fan, his story inspires and entertains. His honesty and vulnerability connect with audiences of all backgrounds and ages. Keep an eye on his tour dates, podcast episodes, and new projects to stay close to one of comedy’s most genuine voices.As he expands through stand-up, podcasting, and media appearances, Bobby Lee stays committed to sharing his distinctive humor and perspective.
