DORREN LEE

When did you start to get interested in acting?

I started playing piano at 4 years old. I remember the first time I touched a piano I wanted to learn. Then my parents put me in lessons. Stories would come to me while I played music. That was the beginning of my wanting to tell and experience stories, and that then extended to acting.

If you were an advertisement, which would your slogan be?

“Following my dreams and finding joy in the journey” 

Which is the part you enjoy the most about acting?

Suspending this reality to temporarily enter a new reality.

Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal injuries… In which aspects has your journey helped you?

It’s led me on a journey to uncover my true self and shed layers of conditioning. I grew up with conservative parents with lots of strict rules and I needed a way to live life on my own accord and values. Acting has helped me do that. It’s made me braver.

What does acting mean to you?

It means freedom. There are politics in every industry, but being able to do my art is an act of freedom for me. And I feel privileged to be able to do it.

Who are your idols?

Anyone who isn’t afraid to speak their truth especially if it’s an unpopular opinion. I’ll use Marlon Brando as an example when he gave up his Oscar to bring awareness to the mistreatment of Indigenous Americans at a time when it was frowned upon to bring up politics at award shows. It seems fashionable to do that now but it wasn’t during his time.

If you didn’t like acting, what would you like to do?

I would be a journalist, travel vlogger, or something to do with kids. I love kids.

Do you consider that nowadays there are more or less opportunities for new artists? Why?

I would say there are more opportunities. The internet is a powerful tool. It’s opened up avenues for artists to showcase their work, create their own work, or even find other artists to collaborate with. Even if it’s just to find inspiration. That’s important as an artist.

What would your idyllic life as an artist be like?

I would live somewhere close to nature, have a peaceful life, work on projects I’m passionate about as an actor, and produce my own works.

Which are your upcoming projects?

I make an appearance on a show I’ve previously worked on (can’t say which yet), and I’ll be filming a feature called “Stealing McCloud” in Barcelona.