Richard Lee-Sung, the self-proclaimed "Sex Symbol of Chinatown", was born in 1930 in El Paso, Texas, and later relocated to Los Angeles during his early childhood. He graduated from Belmont High School in 1949 and went on to serve in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War, earning the Purple Heart after surviving the battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
Following his military service, Richard Lee-Sung became a popular bartender at Tang's and General Lee's in LA's Chinatown, where he entertained patrons with his quick wit, "hair" jokes, and renditions of popular songs, including "Granada", "Getting to Know You", and "The Fortune Cookie Man". He also sang the famous "Chinese" love song "Solamente Una Vez" in perfect Spanish.
Richard Lee-Sung, affectionately known as "Curlee", was a larger-than-life figure in LA's Chinatown during its heyday, characterized by his trademark bald head, large smile, and robust laugh. As an actor, he studied under the tutelage of Mako and Kathleen Freeman, who had a profound influence on his career.
Throughout his career, Richard Lee-Sung has appeared in numerous commercials and voice-overs, as well as TV shows such as M*A*S*H, Happy Days, What's Happening, Hardy Boys, The Incredible Hulk, and even played an Asian version of Ed McMahon on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. His stage credits include productions with the East-West Players, Pacific Overtures, and the Flower Drum Song.
In addition to his acting career, Richard Lee-Sung has modeled for print ads in the US and Asia, earning the nickname "Mr. Dumpling" in certain parts of Asia. Today, he resides in the Los Angeles area and continues to regale audiences with his signature "hair" jokes.
