Actress Lee Purcell was recently seen starring in the groundbreaking feature film CAROL OF THE BELLS for director Joey Travolta and his Inclusion Films. The film’s crew was 70% comprised of people with disabilities and three members of the cast had disabilities.
Lee is the recipient of two Prime-Time Emmy nominations, her first being for LONG ROAD HOME starring opposite Mark Harmon, the second for SECRET SINS OF THE FATHERS starring opposite Beau Bridges.
She recently completed the TV pilot SICK and was also recently seen in the film JL RANCH opposite Jon Voight and in the feature film KIDS VS. MONSTERS opposite Malcolm McDowell and in Hallmark’s LOVE AT FIRST GLANCE opposite Amy Smart.
In her extensive career, this acclaimed actress has earned numerous film, television and stage credits, including her role as “Louise St. Laurent” on the international TV series DUE SOUTH and as the sultry step-mom in the iconic film VALLEY GIRL with Nicholas Cage.
Lee was also seen as “Eleanor Sullivan” in the NBC-TV Prime-Time series PERSONS UNKNOWN with Chadwick Boseman, created by Oscar winner Christopher McQuarrie. Fans around the world also frequently reach out to Lee for her role as "Peggy" in the cult favorite film BIG WEDNESDAY.
As a young actress, Lee’s film career began when she was personally selected and mentored by legendary movie star Steve McQueen to star in McQueen’s Solar Productions’ film ADAM AT 6 A.M. opposite Michael Douglas. She will always be grateful to McQueen for his casting and mentoring her and cherishes the time spent with him.
At only three years old, Lee was chosen by Neiman Marcus to be a child model and began modeling professionally.
As a dancer, Lee was performing in a traveling troupe by the age of 13, and later danced in such films as ALMOST SUMMER and television shows such as McGYVER.
In addition to acting, Lee has also been active in production as a producer/writer/director and co-owned a niche market video production company, which won the Silver Medal in the New York Film and TV Festival. After the sale of the video company, Lee focused on the production and financing of independent features, and the creation of film, TV and theatre projects.
Lee has been involved in directing and producing live theatre. She was co-director and performer of a critically acclaimed troupe of well-known actors and musicians who performed Western Heritage literature and music from the 1800’s. Many noted guest artists, including the late Sam Shepard, performed with the Green River Players.
Having the unique background of being an American who trained and lived in London, Lee has returned to Europe many times to direct, perform and teach. She has enjoyed directing and performing there in such plays as LOVE LETTERS, BLITHE SPIRIT, RICHARD III, MACBETH and others.
Lee is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (OSCARS) and also a voting member of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (EMMYS). Active in union service, Lee currently serves on the Los Angeles Local Board of SAG-AFTRA and several union committees.
Lee has been involved with many charitable organizations throughout her career, and some of her charity work has included Heart of a Horse, Veterans Entertainment Team, Big Brothers, Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America among many others.