James Kyson

James Kyson[2] (born December 13, 1975) is a South Korean-born American actor best known for his television work. Best known for his role as Ando Masahashi on the NBC television series Heroes, his guest appearances on television series include Hawaii Five-0, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, Elementary, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

James Kyson
Kyson at the opening of the Animal Museum in December 2016
Born
Kim Ji-Hoon[1]

(1975-12-13) December 13, 1975
Seoul, South Korea
NationalityAmerican
South Korean
OccupationActor
Years active2003–present
Spouse
Jamee Mae Berg
​
(m. 2015)​
Children2

Early life and education

Kyson was born Lee Ji-Hoon (although his given name was later changed to Jae-Hyeok)[1] in Seoul, South Korea. His father was an electrical engineer. He moved with his family to New York City at age 10, where he later attended The Bronx High School of Science.[3] His English name, James, is derived from James Bond.[1] He studied communications at Boston University with the intent of being a sports broadcaster before later transferring to the New England Institute of Art.[2][1]

In summer of 2001, Kyson sold his car and bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles with the intent of entering the acting industry. He enrolled in performing arts classes at a community college while auditioning for roles and working as a SAT tutor to pay the bills.[4]

Acting career
Kyson at the premiere of Heroes

After three years in Los Angeles, Kyson landed his first acting role on the military legal television drama JAG in 2003.[4][5]

He landed guest roles in hit network television series The West Wing and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation amongst others before being cast as one of his more widely known roles, Ando Masahashi in the sci-fi series Heroes. The role required him to speak Japanese.[4][6] He later stated that he had taken a semester of Japanese in college and did not find learning the language difficult as it was grammatically similar to Korean, which he is fluent in.[7][6]

Since Heroes ended, he also guest-starred on Hawaii Five-0, Justified, Animals., Sleepy Hollow, Elementary, and more recently Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

His feature films work includes the romantic comedy Another Time, the thriller The Livingston Gardener - and as a mixed martial arts fighter in the action feature Banana Season.

Kyson was a celebrity judge at the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant.[8]

Personal life

Kyson is married to singer and neuroscientist Jamee Kyson (née Berg) since 2015.[9]

He is fluent in Korean and learned Japanese to play Ando Masahashi in Heroes.[2]

Filmography

Other activities

Kyson plays basketball for charity celebrity team The Hollywood Knights [10] and participated in Robbie Williams' Soccer Aid for UNICEF at Manchester United's Old Trafford in England. He is also an Ambassador for the International Organization Good Neighbors and their Water for Life campaign.

Kyson represented the Rest of the World team in 2010 Soccer Aid, a British charity soccer match in aid of UNICEF.[11]

See also

References
  1. "Actor James Kyson". Seoul Journal. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  2. Vanni, Olivia (November 24, 2008). "TV Hero James Kyson Lee was once hometown student". Boston Herald. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  3. Nuytens, Gilles (April 5, 2007). "James Kyson Lee interview - Heroes". The Scifi World. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  4. Leung, Julie (Fall 2008). "James Kyson Lee: The Sidekick's Story". Mochi.
  5. "Ten Questions with Heroes Actor James Kyson Lee". TV.com. February 3, 2010. Archived from the original on March 30, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  6. Wolley, Leann (March 2, 2010). "Cross-cultural Acting: an interview with James Kyson Lee and Eriko Tamura". Asia Pacific Arts. University of Southern California. Archived from the original on November 26, 2017.
  7. Cohn, Angel (January 22, 2007). "Heroes Preview: Is Ando More Than Just a Trusty Sidekick?". TV Guide.
  8. "Miss Japan wins Miss Universe 2007". Kokomo Tribune. Associated Press. May 28, 2007. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  9. Kantor, Jonathan H. (August 26, 2017). "Heroes: Where Are They Now?". CBR. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  10. Ordona, Michael (September 10, 2009). "James Kyson Lee is mortal again and loving it". Los Angeles Times.
  11. "Soccer Aid - Rest of the World team". itv.com. ITV Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 5, 2010.
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