Kim Lee was born on May 22, 1988, in Orange County, California, where she was fortunate enough to have a unique and culturally rich upbringing, thanks to her parents' diverse backgrounds. Her mother and father, both of whom hail from different parts of the world, brought together a fascinating blend of French and Vietnamese traditions, customs, and values, which would later shape Kim's perspective on life.
As the third youngest in a family of four siblings, Kim has always been surrounded by a loving and supportive environment, consisting of two older sisters and a younger brother. Her family's dynamic, with its mix of personalities, interests, and characteristics, has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Kim's personality, values, and worldview.
Kim's father, Daniel Segal, is an accomplished individual with a passion for storytelling. As an author of the popular Harry Fox mystery novels, he has demonstrated his skill in crafting engaging and suspenseful narratives that captivate readers. Furthermore, his experience as a feature film screenwriter has given him a unique insight into the world of cinema, allowing him to bring his creative vision to life on the big screen.
Kim's formative years were characterized by her parents' unwavering support for her artistic inclinations, which played a pivotal role in shaping her future endeavors. At the tender age of eight, she embarked on a musical journey by taking piano lessons, and her natural talent soon blossomed into a passion that would stay with her for years to come. This early fascination with music led her to frequently perform at family gatherings, showcasing her skills to loved ones and fostering a sense of confidence that would serve her well in her future pursuits. As her love for music continued to evolve, she even contemplated a career in the industry before eventually transitioning into the world of modeling, where she would go on to achieve great success.
In the year 2006, Kim embarked on a journey to secure a coveted modeling internship at a prominent Los Angeles agency, with the hope of gaining valuable industry experience and potentially launching her career. However, instead of being offered the internship, she was unexpectedly persuaded to pursue modeling as a full-time career, a decision that would ultimately change the trajectory of her life.
Undeterred by the unexpected turn of events, Kim seized the opportunity to make her runway debut, strutting her stuff on the esteemed catwalks of Paris, where she walked for the esteemed Emanuel Ungaro and Martin Grant fashion houses. This marked the beginning of her illustrious modeling career, which would see her gracing the runways of top designers and fashion brands around the world.
The following year, Kim made her New York Fashion Week debut, walking for the iconic Marc Jacobs and Cynthia Steffe fashion labels. This marked a significant milestone in her career, as it solidified her position as a rising star in the fashion world, and paved the way for her to work with some of the most influential designers and brands in the industry.
Kim's illustrious modeling career has been distinguished by a plethora of prestigious campaigns and editorial features for prominent fashion brands and esteemed publications. Throughout her tenure in the industry, she has made numerous appearances in esteemed editorials, including those published in Maxim, Elle, DSport, Hip-Hop Weekly, Vanity Fair, Show Magazine, Low-rider, and Sports Illustrated, as well as various international editions of FHM.
Kim, a talented individual, has successfully diversified her professional endeavors beyond her modeling career, seamlessly transitioning into the realms of television and film. Her foray into television commenced at the tender age of 19, when she landed the coveted lead female role in the Jamie Kennedy and Bob Saget video production, "Rolling with Bob Saget". This inaugural foray into television marked the beginning of a series of appearances in various music videos, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a performer.
Kim has not only excelled as a lead and supporting female in numerous television commercials, but has also showcased her versatility by lending her talents to a diverse range of prominent brands, including the popular action sports apparel company LRG Side Kick, as well as the innovative technology giant iPhone.
In addition to her work in commercials, Kim has also made memorable appearances as a guest star on various popular television shows, including the hit crime drama CSI: Las Vegas, the critically acclaimed comedy series Entourage, the MTV reality show "Next", and Snoop Dogg's family-friendly reality series "Fatherhood" on the E! channel, further demonstrating her range and adaptability as a talented actress.
Kim has had a notable presence in the world of cinema, making a notable appearance in the feature film "Speed-Dating", which garnered significant attention from audiences and critics alike. Furthermore, she has also had the privilege of being a part of the highly successful franchise "Hangover 2", which has cemented her status as a talented and in-demand actress.
Kim's professional endeavors in modeling and acting are merely a small fraction of her multifaceted personality, as she is also deeply invested in her family's business, utilizing her entrepreneurial spirit to contribute to its growth and success.
In her free time, Kim is an avid student, actively pursuing a business degree to further expand her knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing her professional profile.
Beyond her career pursuits, Kim is a passionate individual who finds solace in exploring the world and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Her love for travel has allowed her to broaden her horizons, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experiences.
In addition to her numerous accomplishments, Kim has recently been crowned Miss Vietnam USA in March 2011, an esteemed honor that has paved the way for her participation in the 2011 Miss Asia USA pageant.
