Introduction
Bobby Lee is not your typical comedian. He’s loud, awkward, and often completely unpredictable. But that’s exactly why people love him. From his early stand-up days to his current podcast fame, Bobby Lee has built a loyal fanbase by simply being himself raw, honest, and hilarious.
In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at Bobby Lee’s life, career, and impact. You’ll learn how he got started in comedy, his most famous roles, and why he’s become one of the internet’s favorite personalities. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about the guy behind the laughs, this post is for you.
Who Is Bobby Lee?
Bobby Lee is a Korean-American comedian, actor, and podcast host. He was born on September 17, 1971, in San Diego, California. His full name is Robert Lee Jr., but everyone knows him as Bobby.
He’s best known for his work on:
- MADtv
- TigerBelly (his podcast)
- Stand-up comedy specials
- Guest appearances on other podcasts and shows
He’s unique, emotional, and totally himself — which is what makes his story stand out.
Early Life and Family
Bobby grew up in Poway, a city near San Diego. His parents owned clothing stores, and they wanted Bobby to join the family business. But Bobby had other plans.
- He struggled in school.
- He dealt with addiction at a young age.
- He ran away from home several times.
These experiences shaped his comedy. Bobby often talks openly about his childhood trauma, giving fans both laughter and real-life honesty.
Getting Started in Comedy
Bobby Lee’s comedy journey started with a simple decision: try stand-up.
He performed at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, one of the most respected clubs in the country. He bombed a few times — like all comics do — but kept coming back.
Soon, his raw humor and fearless stage presence caught attention. And that’s when he got his big break.
MADtv and Rise to Fame
In 2001, Bobby joined the cast of MADtv, a sketch comedy show on FOX.
This was a huge deal. He became the first Asian-American cast member on the show. And he stayed on for eight seasons.
Some of his most memorable characters:
- Bae Sung — a Korean exchange student
- Connie Chung — a parody of the news anchor
- Various celebrity impressions
His comedy was bold, sometimes risky, but always unforgettable.
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Success didn’t mean life was easy. Bobby has been very open about:
- His struggles with addiction
- His battles with anxiety and depression
- Feeling out of place as an Asian-American in comedy
These challenges made his journey even more inspiring. Fans love him not just for being funny — but for being real.
TigerBelly: Bobby Lee’s Hit Podcast
In 2015, Bobby launched TigerBelly, a podcast co-hosted with his then-partner, Khalyla Kuhn.
The podcast took off quickly. Why?
- It was raw, honest, and unfiltered.
- Bobby shared personal stories no one else would.
- Guests included comedians, actors, and YouTubers.
TigerBelly became a top podcast in the comedy space. Fans tune in every week for the chaos, the honesty, and of course — the laughs.
Other Shows and Guest Appearances
Bobby’s career isn’t just stand-up and podcasting. He’s also appeared in TV shows and movies, like:
- Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
- Pineapple Express
- Love (Netflix)
- Reservation Dogs (FX)
- Magnum P.I. (CBS)
He also shows up on big podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience, Bad Friends, and Your Mom’s House.
Bad Friends with Andrew Santino
Another big hit for Bobby is Bad Friends, a podcast he co-hosts with comedian Andrew Santino.
- It’s fast-paced.
- It’s chaotic.
- It’s hilarious.
The two friends roast each other, share wild stories, and bring something new to every episode. Many fans say it’s one of the funniest podcasts out there.
Bobby Lee and Representation
Bobby Lee helped open doors for Asian-Americans in comedy. For years, Hollywood offered very few roles to Asian actors. Most were stereotypes.
But Bobby broke that wall in his own way:
- He made fun of stereotypes — but on his terms.
- He shared the immigrant story with humor and honesty.
- He helped young Asian comedians feel seen.
He’s far from perfect, but he’s made a real impact.
Why Fans Love Bobby Lee
It’s not just about the jokes. Fans love Bobby because:
- He’s unfiltered
- He’s vulnerable
- He’s weird in the best way
- He talks about things most people hide
He shows that it’s okay to be a mess sometimes. That honesty is rare and it’s why people connect with him.
Bobby Lee’s Impact on Comedy
Bobby has influenced a new generation of comedians and content creators. His impact includes:
- Breaking cultural barriers
- Normalizing mental health talks in comedy
- Creating a space for Asian-American stories
- Blending comedy with real-life pain and healing
He’s not just a comedian — he’s a trailblazer.
What’s Next for Bobby Lee?
Bobby keeps creating. Whether it’s new podcast episodes, acting roles, or surprise stand-up shows, he stays busy.
Fans are hoping for:
- A comedy special
- A book
- More guest roles in films and shows
- More chaos on TigerBelly and Bad Friends
Whatever he does, it’ll be 100% Bobby and that’s why we’ll keep watching.
Conclusion
Bobby Lee’s journey isn’t clean or polished. It’s messy, loud, and full of emotion. But that’s what makes it special.
From comedy clubs to TV, from addiction to recovery, Bobby shows us it’s okay to be real. To be flawed. To laugh through the pain.
Whether you found him on MADtv, TigerBelly, or Bad Friends, there’s one thing we all agree on: Bobby Lee is one of a kind.
FAQs About Bobby Lee
Who is Bobby Lee?
Bobby Lee is a Korean-American comedian, actor, and podcast host known for his work on MADtv and his podcast TigerBelly.
What is Bobby Lee famous for?
He became well-known through MADtv and later gained massive podcast success with TigerBelly and Bad Friends.
Is Bobby Lee married?
He was in a long-term relationship with Khalyla Kuhn. They’ve since separated but still co-host TigerBelly.
What podcasts does Bobby Lee host?
He hosts TigerBelly and co-hosts Bad Friends with Andrew Santino.
Has Bobby Lee acted in movies or TV shows?
Yes. He has appeared in Pineapple Express, Love, Reservation Dogs, and many others.
What makes Bobby Lee different from other comedians?
He mixes outrageous humor with deep honesty. His openness about mental health and addiction sets him apart.
Where can I watch or listen to Bobby Lee?
You can find him on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Netflix, and more.
Is Bobby Lee still doing stand-up comedy?
Yes. He performs shows across the U.S. and continues to tour.