Bobby Lee Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Bobby Lee is a Korean-American comedian, actor, and podcaster best known for his early breakout on MADtv, his sharp stand-up comedy, and his successful podcasts.

In this profile you’ll discover details about Bobby Lee’s estimated net worth, age/birthdate (September 17, 1971), birthday, his relationships, and the personal journey that shaped his life and career.

Introduction

Born September 17, 1971, Robert Young “Bobby” Lee Jr. transformed from an ambitious young man working odd jobs in California to a widely recognized figure in American comedy, film, and podcasting. His estimated “Bobby Lee net worth” varies among sources, reflecting both conservative and more ambitious valuations — from modest early estimates around one million to more expansive claims in the multi-million range. Over decades, Lee amassed a body of work spanning television, film, stand-up, and podcasts, establishing a lasting presence in entertainment. His personal life — including past relationships — has occasionally drawn public interest, contributing to the narrative of a comedian whose journey has been as layered as his craft.

Quick Facts

From Coffee Shops to Comedy Clubs: The Rise of Bobby Lee

Bobby Lee’s journey begins with humble roots — born in San Diego to Korean immigrant parents, and raised with a younger brother in Poway, California. His parents owned clothing stores; Lee attended local schools, including Painted Rock Elementary, Twin Peaks Middle School, and Poway High. In high school, youthful energy found expression through breakdancing, foreshadowing a flair for performance.

After high school, Lee briefly attended Palomar College, but soon dropped out — drawn instead to odd jobs in restaurants and coffee shops.  A pivotal turning point came in 1994 when a coffee shop he worked at closed; rather than despair, Lee walked next door to get a job at a local comedy club. Soon he moved from odd jobs to the stage, trying his first stand-up at a club’s amateur night.

Within a year of regular stand-up sets, he was opening for established comedians like Pauly Shore and Carlos Mencia — a rapid ascent that propelled him into Los Angeles’ comedy scene and eventually led to work at the famed The Comedy Store controlled by Shore’s mother.

Defining moments in Bobby Lee’s journey include:

• First stand-up performance during an amateur night after working at a coffee shop.

• Opening for high-profile comedians like Pauly Shore and Carlos Mencia within his first year.

• Regular stand-up engagements at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.

• Earning a spot on MADtv in 2001, becoming the show’s first Asian-American cast member.

These early steps mark the transformation of a young man with modest beginnings into a professional comedian building a long-term career.

The Core Pillars of Bobby Lee’s Wealth

The core pillars of Bobby Lee’s wealth include:

• Stand-up Comedy & Live Performances — Years of touring and live shows across comedy clubs and venues.

• Television & Film Roles — Including a long tenure on MADtv (2001–2009), and appearances in major films and TV series. 

• Podcasting and Digital Content — Co-hosting popular podcasts like TigerBelly and Bad Friends, which generate income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

• Residuals and Long-term Royalties — From film and TV appearances, voice work, and possible syndication, although exact numbers are private.

These revenue streams — diversified across traditional media and digital platforms — allowed Lee to build a sustained entertainment career beyond early comedy clubs.

Relationships & Personal Life

Bobby Lee’s personal life has been relatively private, but some public details are known.

• For a decade, Lee was in a relationship with podcast co-host Khalyla Kuhn. Their relationship ended in 2022.

• Lee has spoken publicly about past struggles with substance abuse — beginning as a teenager and involving multiple attempts at rehabilitation before achieving sobriety.

• Family background is a consistent part of his narrative: he is the son of Korean-immigrant parents and has a younger brother, Steve Lee, who is also a comedian and musician.

Key insights into Bobby Lee’s relationships and personal life:

• Long-term relationship with his former podcast partner lasted about a decade.

• Public honesty about personal struggles — addiction and recovery — contributes to a sense of authenticity fans respect.

• Close family ties, with siblings and parents playing roles in early life and, occasionally, in creative endeavors.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Interests & Passions

Beyond career success, Bobby Lee leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and authenticity, including:

• A continuing love for comedy — regularly performing and engaging with fans through live shows.

• Commitment to transparency and open discussion about mental health and addiction recovery, often referenced in his podcasting work.

• Interest in gaming and pop culture: in interviews Lee has expressed affinity for video games, reflecting a down-to-earth personality beyond the glitz. 

Publicly available information doesn’t emphasize glamourous real-estate or flashy luxury — instead, Lee’s lifestyle seems grounded, shaped by creativity, honesty, and ongoing work.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Because credible, consistent financial reporting on Lee is limited, estimates vary. Conservative sources list modest valuations, while other outlets (often unverified) suggest broader portfolios.

Analysis: The more conservative estimate ($1 million) relies on known, verified income and public data. Higher estimates appear speculative and often lack corroboration — they may overstate earnings from investments or unverified deals. Without public documentation (e.g., tax filings, audited reports), these larger figures remain uncertain.

Given public evidence, it's prudent to view Bobby Lee’s net worth as modest — though his diversified income sources and ongoing career suggest stable financial footing rather than fleeting celebrity wealth.

How the Public Sees Bobby Lee: Influence & Legacy

Bobby Lee’s public image is shaped less by red-carpet glamour and more by relatability, grit, and resilience. In an entertainment world that often emphasizes gloss, Lee stands out for authenticity. His background — Korean-American, working-class upbringing, early struggles — resonates with many fans.

His influence spans multiple domains:

• Comedy & Representation: As one of the first prominent Asian-American cast members on a major sketch-comedy show, Lee’s success contributed visibility and representation in mainstream comedy. 

• Digital Media & Podcasting: Through TigerBelly and Bad Friends, he helped popularize conversational, candid podcasting — offering an alternative to polished celebrity media.

• Honesty about Personal Struggles: By openly discussing addiction and recovery, Lee offers a narrative of vulnerability and redemption, which fans often cite as inspiring and humanizing.

Overall, Lee’s legacy isn’t just about comedic roles — it's about forging a path that blends humor, honesty, and hard-earned survival.

Conclusion

Bobby Lee — born September 17, 1971 — remains a compelling figure in entertainment, blending comedy, acting, and candid podcasting. Though public estimates of Bobby Lee net worth are modest and often contradictory, what stands out is a career built on resilience, adaptability, and creative drive. His personal journey — from coffee shop worker to stand-up comedian, from addiction struggles to podcast success — paints a portrait of someone committed to authenticity over glamour.

Whether through memorable characters on MADtv, laughs in a comedy club, or honest conversations on a mic, Bobby Lee continues to carve a legacy rooted in perseverance, talent, and genuine connection. As he celebrates his birthday each September 17, fans are reminded not just of a comedian — but of a survivor and storyteller whose life reflects much more than just punchlines.