In the entertainment world, few stars emerge with the versatility, charisma, and staying power that Chris De’Sean Lee possesses. Since his electrifying days on the Broadway stage to his compelling performance in CBS’s hit drama Tracker, Lee has carved a path defined by talent, adaptability, and bold artistic choices. But his journey is far from ordinary. From singing on stage in front of packed theaters to solving mysteries on primetime television, Chris De’Sean Lee is the definition of a modern entertainer.
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Early Life and Foundation in the Arts
Chris De’Sean Lee was born on September 19, 1994, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Atlanta—a city known for its rich musical and artistic culture. From a young age, Lee demonstrated a natural flair for performing. Whether it was singing in church choirs or starring in school plays, his gift for the stage was unmistakable. His early exposure to gospel music and community theater laid a strong foundation for his passion in performance.
After completing high school, Lee enrolled at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. It was here that he majored in Musical Theatre and began laying the foundation for what would soon become a promising career. His formal training helped shape not only his vocal strength and stagecraft but also his acting nuance and discipline. At Belmont, he was praised for his commitment and ability to channel emotions authentically, attributes that would later serve him well on stage and screen.
Breakthrough Role in Hamilton
Before television came calling, Chris De’Sean Lee caught the nation’s attention with his performances in the Chicago production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s cultural juggernaut Hamilton. Playing the dual roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Lee captivated audiences with his wit, rhythm, and compelling energy. These roles demanded rapid-fire rapping, impeccable timing, and a magnetic presence—challenges Lee met with aplomb.
His time in Hamilton was not only a masterclass in acting and musical timing, but it also placed him among a generation of artists redefining Broadway. His work earned critical acclaim and quickly established him as one of the show’s rising breakout stars. Broadway wasn’t just a launching pad—it was a proving ground that showed Lee could carry major roles in landmark productions. Moreover, the cultural impact of Hamilton helped Lee gain visibility far beyond traditional theater audiences.
Moving to the Small Screen: From Recurring Guest to Series Regular
Following his stage success, Chris De’Sean Lee began transitioning to television. His early screen work included appearances on Empire and S.W.A.T., showcasing his adaptability across genres. On Empire, he portrayed Tommy Turner, a role that introduced him to drama-heavy narratives, while on S.W.A.T., he took on Peter “PC-Pak” Watkins, showing his capability in action-oriented storylines.
However, it was his role as Kaleb Hawkins on The CW’s supernatural spin-off Legacies that truly cemented his place in TV drama. Introduced as a recurring character in Season 1, Kaleb Hawkins was a confident, swaggering vampire with a moral compass that often blurred the line between hero and antihero. Lee brought depth and charm to the character, helping to evolve him from a comic-relief sidekick to a layered, central figure. By Season 2, he was promoted to series regular, and fans couldn’t get enough of Kaleb’s complexity—or of Lee’s magnetic screen presence.
Chris De’Sean Lee portrayal was applauded for bringing a new kind of cool to the vampire genre—one that was modern, rooted in cultural authenticity, and unapologetically bold. It was during this time that critics began recognizing Lee not just as a talented actor, but as a scene-stealer with true leading-man potential.
Music Career and Creative Expression
Chris De’Sean Lee isn’t just an actor—he’s a full-fledged recording artist with a distinct musical voice. In 2018, he released his debut EP titled In My Feelings, which combined elements of R&B, hip-hop, and soul. The project allowed him to explore themes of vulnerability, love, and ambition through a sonic lens that felt deeply personal.
Tracks such as “Adios” and “Don’t Wake Me Up” showcased his ability to craft catchy melodies with emotionally resonant lyrics. His music, much like his acting, reflects his desire to push boundaries and defy genre conventions.
For Chris De’Sean Lee, music is more than just a side hustle—it’s another outlet for storytelling. Whether he’s on stage or in the recording booth, he’s driven by a desire to connect with audiences on a deeper, more emotional level. This creative synergy between acting and music continues to enrich his performances and expand his artistic reach.
Taking on Tracker: A Bold New Direction
In 2025, Chris De’Sean Lee took a major step forward in his career by joining the second season of CBS’s high-octane procedural drama Tracker. Starring opposite Justin Hartley, Lee plays Randy—a tech-savvy, street-smart assistant to Colter Shaw, the enigmatic lone-wolf investigator who travels the country solving difficult cases for cash rewards.
Randy’s character marks a notable shift from Lee’s previous roles. While Kaleb Hawkins was mystical and morally ambiguous, Randy is grounded, analytical, and deeply human. His tech knowledge and quick thinking often help Shaw crack puzzles that baffle even the most seasoned law enforcement officers.
Critics have praised Lee’s performance in Tracker, citing his ability to bring levity and realism to a fast-paced narrative. His chemistry with Hartley’s lead character has become a fan favorite, and industry insiders speculate that Lee’s role could expand even further in future seasons.
What makes Randy special, according to Lee, is his relatability: “He’s smart, resourceful, but also dealing with personal baggage. He’s not a superhero—he’s just trying to make sense of a crazy world. And I think that’s something a lot of people connect with.”
The series itself offers Lee the opportunity to showcase his range in a different genre—crime drama—with nuanced character interactions and complex storytelling. This experience is adding new dimensions to his acting résumé and introducing him to a wider television audience.
Personal Life and Grounded Values
Away from the spotlight, Chris De’Sean Lee leads a fulfilling personal life. In 2022, he married his longtime partner Gabby, and together, they are raising three children. Despite the demands of Hollywood, Lee prioritizes family time and credits his wife and children for keeping him grounded.
Chris De’Sean Lee frequently speaks about the importance of mental health, self-care, and community support—especially for Black artists navigating a high-pressure industry. In interviews, Lee has also expressed a desire to give back through mentorship programs, particularly for young people of color interested in the arts.
His approach to balancing career and family has resonated with many fans, making him not only a role model on screen but off screen as well. Lee’s advocacy for mental wellness and diversity highlights his commitment to positive change within and beyond entertainment.
What’s Next for Chris De’Sean Lee?
With his star rising higher every year, the future looks incredibly bright for Chris De’Sean Lee. Whether it’s through more seasons of Tracker, a return to the Broadway stage, or new music releases, fans can expect bold choices and powerful performances from this dynamic talent.
There are also rumors circulating about potential roles in film, including indie projects and streaming platform originals. While Lee remains tight-lipped about specifics, he’s made it clear that he’s only interested in roles that challenge him artistically and speak to a greater narrative purpose.
In a world where many entertainers chase visibility, Chris De’Sean Lee chooses impact. His career isn’t about being everywhere—it’s about being unforgettable wherever he appears.
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