Biography

Lee Purcell is the recipient of double Prime-Time Emmy nominations, the first being for LONG ROAD HOME starring opposite Mark Harmon, the second for SECRET SINS OF THE FATHERS starring opposite Beau Bridges, who also directed.

The versatile actress played twins in the feature film PLIGHT. She also played 16 characters of various ages and genders in the one-woman show CRAZY MAMA at the Bethel Woods Arts Center in New York.

Some of her other credits include the film CAROL OF THE BELLS with RJ Mitte, JL RANCH with Jon Voight, KIDS VS. MONSTERS with Malcolm McDowell and LOVE AT FIRST GLANCE with 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 favorite 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 is grateful to McQueen for his casting and mentoring her and cherishes the time spent with him.

At three years old, Lee was chosen by the Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas to be a child model and began modeling professionally. She later modeled in Los Angeles for the Nina Blanchard Agency and in London for Lumley's Agency.

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.

As a producer, Lee also 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 active in directing and producing live theatre. She was co-producer, 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.

She has also produced, directed and performed in Two Fat Dogs Entertainment's (co-owned by Lee ) anthology series of classic radio plays starring the Hollywood Radio Players in these innovative virtual shows, Radio You Can See.

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 has served on various committees there. She is also a voting member of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (EMMYS) and has served on its Performers Peer Group Executive Committee.

She is also a dedicated activist for SAG-AFTRA members, serving and chairing many committees at the union and has been elected to several leadership positions.

Lee has been involved with many charitable organizations throughout her career, and some of her charity work includes the Motion Picture and Television Fund, Heart of a Horse, Veterans Entertainment Team, Big Brothers, Special Olympics, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

She was born on the Cherrypoint Marine Base in North Carolina to Major Frank Williams and Olivia McKnight Williams.
- IMDb mini biography by: B. Harlan Boll

Red hair