Cecilia Lee
Actor & Filmmaker
About
Cecilia Lee is a Canadian actress and filmmaker based in Toronto, known for her compelling performances and growing influence in both film and television. She is currently gaining international recognition for her role in Fear Street: Prom Queen, the latest chapter of Netflix’s acclaimed horror franchise now streaming globally. With a reputation for bringing emotional depth and authenticity to every character, Cecilia continues to establish herself as a versatile and impactful presence in the entertainment industry.
Her professional journey began with the French-Canadian CBC drama Toute la Vie, marking her entry into the world of screen acting. Since then, she has built an impressive and diverse portfolio with appearances in productions such as Wong & Winchester, The Holiday Swap, My Dreams of You, and Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. These roles have allowed her to explore a range of genres and character types, highlighting her adaptability and dedication to her craft.
In addition to acting, Cecilia Lee is deeply involved in the visual storytelling process behind the camera. As a member of the camera department, she brings a filmmaker’s eye to each project, enriching her artistic perspective and contributing meaningfully to the production environment. This unique combination of on-screen talent and behind-the-scenes experience sets her apart as a multifaceted artist passionate about storytelling in all its dimensions.
With a growing body of work and a commitment to continuous artistic growth, Cecilia Lee is a rising star in the Canadian film and television landscape—one whose trajectory is as dynamic as it is promising.
Her professional journey began with the French-Canadian CBC drama Toute la Vie, marking her entry into the world of screen acting. Since then, she has built an impressive and diverse portfolio with appearances in productions such as Wong & Winchester, The Holiday Swap, My Dreams of You, and Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. These roles have allowed her to explore a range of genres and character types, highlighting her adaptability and dedication to her craft.
In addition to acting, Cecilia Lee is deeply involved in the visual storytelling process behind the camera. As a member of the camera department, she brings a filmmaker’s eye to each project, enriching her artistic perspective and contributing meaningfully to the production environment. This unique combination of on-screen talent and behind-the-scenes experience sets her apart as a multifaceted artist passionate about storytelling in all its dimensions.
With a growing body of work and a commitment to continuous artistic growth, Cecilia Lee is a rising star in the Canadian film and television landscape—one whose trajectory is as dynamic as it is promising.
"Netflix's Next Star: Meet Cecilia Lee"
Interview
Cecilia, congratulations on Fear Street: Prom Queen! What was it like stepping into a franchise with such a strong fanbase, and how did you prepare for your role?
Such an honour to join such a beloved franchise, and it’s been nuts just seeing the reaction the fans are having! I feel like l have been preparing for this role my whole life. My parents would always have the news on in our house, and I remember I would get such a kick out of pretending to be a reporter just like the ones I saw on screen. And now I play one in this movie!
You originally studied Life Sciences with the intention of going into medicine. What was the turning point that made you say, “Nope, acting is it”?
I grew up in a culture that didn’t see acting as a viable career path, and because I was homeschooled without the internet until I was 14, I didn’t realize it could be! But the early seeds were planted through watching the special features of LOTR and Narnia. That avid fantasy-reader child wished fervently that she could play in those worlds too! Then getting the internet later, and discovering that there was actually a way that I could, really brought film into sharp focus as my future.
Being homeschooled and discovering acting through the internet at 14 sounds like such a unique journey, do you think that early experience shaped the kind of actor you are today?
To be sure! What I lack in contemporary pop-culture knowledge, I’d say I make up for in lived experiences. Being homeschooled afforded me the opportunity to live many lives. I’ve been a book reviewer, an athlete, a music teacher, a referee, a concertizing soloist and orchestra member…the list goes on! Shout out to my parents for going the extra mile. Sanford Meisner describes acting as “behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” I think the diversity of my lived experiences provides a greater toolbox to pull truth from.
Your first role was in the French-Canadian series Toute la Vie. How did that experience set the tone for your acting career moving forward?
I remember the excitement of that first role. I had three lines and absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was happening, but I was over the moon being there. That excitement hasn’t left me, and I hope it never does.
You’ve worked on a variety of projects from Hallmark to horror. Do you have a favorite genre to act in, or is versatility something you actively seek?
I love that phrasing, because versatility is absolutely something I seek. One of the blessings of this industry I’m in is that each project can be so drastically different from the other. I think that’s what keeps it fresh and exciting, and it’s a joy digging into new universes and characters.
What was it like landing your agent right after graduating from the Toronto Film School? That sounds like a whirlwind moment!
It was! I really have my first term Camera Acting teacher to thank. He pulled me aside after class one day, and said, “I think you have something special. You should meet my agent.” The rest is history!
You also work behind the camera in the visual storytelling process. How does that behind-the-scenes work influence how you approach a role as an actor?
Working behind the camera has lent so much perspective to my work as an actor. Having that technical knowledge and language is instrumental to understanding the flow of the set around me and being able to communicate more effectively with the crew. We’re all collaborating towards a common goal. If I know how to help out the crew and perform within any specificity they might require, I help them help me look good, and then they look good for making me look good! It’s a symbiotic process, I’m happy to just be a cog in the machine.
You seem to love staying active: ice hockey, climbing, swimming, even pickleball! Do any of these hobbies ever sneak their way into your roles or help you with performance prep?
Working in film has many similarities to being an athlete. It requires endurance, discipline, and perseverance against daunting odds. It takes a single-mindedness at times. So a lot of those skills from my childhood growing up in competitive sport transferred over! And while I’ve never directly used my athletic skills for a project, I’d love to! Bucket list items are working a job on ice, and a job with stunts and action!
You’re about to start working on a feature film, can you give us a sneak peek or share what you’re most excited about?
I can’t share anything about that feature, but I can say that you should keep a look out for me in November! I have another franchise project coming out that I’m very very excited about.
With such a fast-moving career and so many exciting projects ahead, how do you stay grounded and connected to why you started in the first place?
Having a great support system around me – my friends, my family, my coach – has kept me honest. It’s easy to lose sight of where you are in the weeds of this fast-paced industry, because you’re always looking for the next summit to reach. But sometimes I’m reminded of a 16 year old me, studying life sciences at McMaster, and only dreaming of doing the things I’m doing. She would be so proud to see where I am now.
Projects
Do you want to know more? You can find some projects below.
Spotify Playlist