Misty Lee was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and spent most of her childhood in Detroit, which she credits as inspiration for her unique sense of humor and interest in magic. Before her calling as a magician, Lee trained in dentistry. At the age of sixteen, she discovered her interest in magic, which quickly took its hold on her.
Career
Her onstage performances blend theatre, song, and sleight of hand. She has appeared in several comic books, and is a co-creator of Dinicartoons character Little Rashy. Lee's first venture into magic came when a former high school friend called her and asked if she would like to earn some money as an assistant in his magic act. She was later mentored by some of the leading names in professional magic, including Detroit-based magician Scorpio and illusionist Jonathan Pendragon. In addition to magic, Lee is a prolific voice actor, appearing in award-winning video games such as The Last of Us, BioShock Infinite, Grand Theft Auto V, Disney Infinity, the Fire Emblem series and more. She also provided the voice of Aunt May Parker in Ultimate Spider-Man, which airs on Disney XD. At Comic-Con International, Lee designed and taught custom effects to celebrity host and presenters for the “Magic of Comics” themed awards show. In July 2017, Lee performed on the show, but failed to fool the hosts. Lee studied and performed both sketch and musical improv comedy at The Second City in Los Angeles. She plays the character Misty Hannah in the backstory to Ingress.
Contributions to magic
In 2010, Lee became a staff Séance Medium at Hollywood's Magic Castle, where she regularly performs Houdini Séances. She is the first female magician in history to hold this position. Lee is the only magician ever to be admitted into the Institute for Analytic Interviewing. Under the training of “Truth Wizard” J.J. Newberry, and alongside agents from the CIA, ATF, and Scotland Yard, Lee mastered the art of cognitive interview techniques, giving her the nickname of "Human Lie Detector."
Personal life
Lee is married to animation producer and comic book authorPaul Dini, with whom she lives in Los Angeles. Their two Boston terriers, Mugsy and Deuce, were featured in "Anger Management", a 2012 episode of The Dog Whisperer, in which they sought Cesar Millan's help with their dogs' behavioral problems. Around this time, Dini began an extensive weight loss and exercise regimen, having reached a weight of 320 pounds. She is fluent in American Sign Language and has worked as a theatrical sign interpreter for Michigan State University. Lee is an activist against domestic abuse. In 2013, Lee wrote and starred in a short PSA on behalf of the Domestic Violence Hotline titled Escape. The video is a “love letter to mother,” who endured years of verbal abuse.
Filmography
Live action roles
Birth of Hollywood – Actress
The $178.92 Movie: An Instruction Guide to Failure
