Eugene Lee, a trailblazing actor, playwright, and director, shares his powerful journey on the Driving Change podcast. From his roots in segregated Texas, where his family nurtured his academic and creative talents, to his discovery of a passion for acting in high school, Eugene’s story is one of resilience and inspiration. Despite stereotypes and challenges, he chose the path of acting over law school, marking the start of an extraordinary career.

Tune in to hear Eugene’s remarkable experiences, from working with Ron Howard to thriving in Los Angeles. He delves into the importance of persistence, handling rejection, and diversifying one’s skills. Eugene also highlights his critically acclaimed play, East Texas Hot Links, and the profound impact he aims to achieve through his art. His legacy is defined by truth, change, and a relentless drive to inspire others.

Takeaways

• Eugene Lee’s passion for acting was sparked in high school when he took on a character that challenged stereotypes and allowed him to bring dignity to the role.
• Growing up in a segregated environment in Texas, Lee faced double standards and had to work harder to prove himself.
• Despite having the opportunity to attend law school, Lee chose to pursue a career in acting and theater, driven by his passion and the belief that he could make a difference.
• Lee’s journey highlights the importance of family support and the impact of societal attitudes on the choices and opportunities available to individuals. Persistence and not taking rejection personally are key in the entertainment industry.
• Diversifying and broadening one’s skills can lead to more opportunities.
• Learning how to learn and internalize dialogue is crucial for success.
• Eugene Lee’s play, East Texas Hot Links, sheds light on the African-American experience and aims to change perspectives.
• Lee’s legacy is that of a good man who told the truth and made a difference through his work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eugene Lee

03:22 Eugene Lee’s Origin Story

08:14 Discovering a Passion for Acting

19:17 Facing Challenges and Making Choices

25:55 From Teaching to Acting: The Journey Begins

29:24 The Importance of Persistence and Not Taking Rejection Personally

30:32 Diversifying and Broadening Skills for More Opportunities

32:28 Learning How to Learn and Internalize Dialogue

38:26 East Texas Hot Links: Shedding Light on the African-American Experience

48:37 Eugene Lee: A Good Man Who Told the Truth and Made a Difference

How to find out more about Eugene Lee: 

Website: http://www.eugeneleeonline.com/

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0497247/

Current Theatre Production of East Texas Hot Links: Court Theatre Chicaog – Sept 2024