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Ben LeeMusician and actor
Date of Birth: 11.09.1978
Country:  Australia |
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Biography of Ben Lee
Ben Lee, born Benjamin Michael 'Ben' Lee in 1978, is an Australian musician and actor. Despite growing up in a Jewish family, he is not particularly religious. He received his education at Moriah College in Sydney.
Musical Career
Lee's musical career began in 1993 when he joined the band 'Noise Addict'. The band, consisting of Lee and his school friends, recorded their first demo tracks in Lee's bedroom. They signed with independent label 'Fellaheen Records' and later caught the attention of American musician Thurston Moore from 'Sonic Youth'. Their next recording deal was with Moore's label, 'Ecstatic Peace'. In 1994, Mike D from 'Beastie Boys' brought them to 'Grand Royal Records'. Notably, at the time, Lee was only 15 years old.
In 1995, while still working with 'Noise Addict', Lee released his debut solo project called 'Grandpaw Would'. This was followed by 'Something To Remember Me By' in 1997 and 'Breathing Tornados' a couple of years later. 'Breathing Tornados' achieved significant success in Australia, earning a nomination for the 'ARIA Award' for Best Album and the single 'Cigarettes Will Kill You' being nominated for Best Single.
At the age of 18, Lee moved to New York City. In 2002, he released his fourth album titled 'hey you. yes you.', with the songs 'Something Borrowed, Something Blue' and 'Running with Scissors' being the most recognizable, charting at number 67 and 82 respectively on the 'ARIA Charts' and Triple J Hottest 100.
In 2004, Lee founded his own record label called 'Ten Fingers' after leaving 'Modular Recordings'. The label's first release was the single 'Gamble Everything for Love', followed by the album 'Awake Is the New Sleep' in February 2005. The album achieved platinum and double platinum status in Australia and garnered several ARIA award nominations. Lee won the awards for Best Male Artist, Best Independent Release, and Single Of The Year for his award-winning single 'Catch My Disease', co-written with McGowan Southworth. 'Catch My Disease' also reached the second position on the Triple J Hottest 100 chart.
In September 2007, Lee released the album 'Ripe', followed by 'The Rebirth of Venus' in 2009. His music continues to be successful in both the film industry, where he occasionally acts, and in television, where he often plays himself.
Personal Life
Lee's romantic relationships have gained attention in the press. He was previously involved with American actress Claire Danes, but the couple broke up in 2003. In December 2008, Lee married actress Ione Skye, with the ceremony taking place in India. They welcomed their daughter, Goldie Priya Lee, in September 2009.
In 2008, Lee was nominated for the title of 'Sexiest Vegetarian' by PETA, although he does not consider himself a vegetarian as he openly admits to eating fish.
