Jason Yee, a multifaceted individual, has transitioned from a distinguished career as a professional martial artist to a successful actor, director, and producer. Born and raised in Boston's inner city by his single mother and grandparents, Jason's early life was marked by resilience and determination.
In his early twenties, Jason achieved numerous martial arts championships, making him the first American to medal at the First World San-Shou Free-Fighting Championship in Beijing, China. This impressive feat showcased his exceptional skills and versatility.
As a fighter and an artist, Jason pursued his passion for the arts, attending classes at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and Mass. College of Art. He studied filmmaking and illustration, honing his creative skills.
Off the back of his martial arts success, Jason opened his own kickboxing school, which he ran during his twenties. The school's popularity allowed him the time and resources to nurture his artistic side. Jason invested in 16mm cameras, shot several short films, and began his acting training at Collinge-Pickman in Harvard Square.
In 2001, Jason wrote, directed, and starred in his first feature film, DARK ASSASSIN, shot on a shoestring budget using 16mm cameras. The film's distribution in 2005 marked a turning point for Jason, as he took a leap of faith, handed over his kickboxing school to his students, and relocated to Los Angeles to focus on his acting and filmmaking career.
Jason's second starring role in THE GIRL FROM THE NAKED EYE earned him a Best Actor nomination at The Hoboken International Film Festival. He has since appeared in TV pilots for Nickelodeon, TNT, and several independent films. Jason continues to produce, direct, and refine his acting craft with various acting groups in the LA area.
Jason credits his strong work ethic to his working-class upbringing and the discipline he developed through martial arts. His unique blend of martial arts and artistic pursuits has enabled him to excel in multiple fields, solidifying his position as a talented and versatile individual in the entertainment industry.
