Meet Kyna Lee | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyna Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyna, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Last year during the SAG-Aftra strikes,
I decided to sell my beauty business, my car, my furniture and move back to Sydney, Australia.
I obtained my US citizenship prior to leaving, and set out to make my new life back in Bondi Beach.
Once returning, I found it such a culture shock after living in LA and NYC for so long.

It was really hard for me to find work in Sydney, and I had to get really clear on what I wanted to do with my life and what I love doing as a career.

I gained so much clarity and realized that my true calling was to pursue acting again.
I knew I wasn’t meant to be in Sydney and Los Angeles was literally calling with opportunities.

I only lasted 3 months in Australia, I packed a couple of suitcases, and headed back to LA to follow my dreams.
I joined SAG-Aftra union in 2021 after the pandemic, and had never given my acting career my full focus. It got buried in the day to day of my beauty business, life and everything else.

Since returning at the start of the year, it feels like I’m starting from scratch again in some ways, but I realise although challenging, I needed this reset and clarity.

It hasn’t been easy, and is to date one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make, but also the most purposeful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I transitioned into acting after modelling for years. I studied with all of LA’s best acting teachers and have been fortunate to be a working actor in commercials and TV roles.

I was pinned for a little role in a major movie with Oscar Winning Directors and Actors, and only just missed out because the role was cut from the movie before shooting had begun. I guess the character wasn’t imperative to the story.

That could have been my big break, I can’t view it as a negative experience, because now I’m on the radar of one of the top casting offices in the country, and to me that’s a win.

It hasn’t been easy to get where I am today, the biggest challenges I’ve faced have been all self imposed.
I’ve needed to get out of my own way, its that simple.
I think our brain and subconscious are always trying to keep us safe, its about going out of your comfort zone and taking risks that really pushes the needle.

My motto has always been, do something every day that scares you.

I think the biggest lesson for me was, “oh it will be so easy, I’ll just wait until I’m discovered”, I’ve realised that there’s so much work to do on self doubt, goals, disappointments. I’ve realised you have to make it happen, your belief in yourself and your ability is what changes it.

Mindset and a thick skin is everything in this business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the Westside, I’m a beach girl at heart.
We would grab brunch at Great White cafe in Venice then stroll the Pier.
A hike up Temescal canyon to the waterfall, followed by lunch at Nobu Malibu overlooking the water.

We would go to Gjelina and Felix in Venice, stroll the markets on the weekend and people watch on Abbot Kinney.
The Getty Museum is definitely on the list, followed by lunch in Topanga to escape into nature.
We would recharge at Tikkun Korean spa in Santa Monica for some salt room sweats.

Then to burn off all the pizza and pasta at a lagree megaformer class at studio MDR.
Dinner and drinks at Gran Blanco near the Venice sign followed by a cocktail at Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes! Shout out to the department of Immigration for allowing me to become a US citizen!
Upon returning to LA, I was so grateful to be referred to my now Manager – Outlaw Management.
My Acting mentor Sarah Victoria from PEM/Kalliso for helping me with my acting blocks.

Instagram: @kyna__lee

Image Credits
Alanna Gilbert