Greta Lee has emerged as one of the standout actresses of her generation, gaining the praise and recognition she has long deserved. With a career spanning both film and television, she has transitioned from comedic roles to delivering compelling performances in nuanced dramas, particularly evident in her recent work in Past Lives. Lee’s commitment to exploring diverse characters across genres has spotlighted her versatility and creativity as an actress.
Currently, Lee is part of the ensemble cast in Apple TV’s promising new comedy series, The Studio, which has already received positive critical acclaim. Given her rich background in comedy, including her work in popular sketch shows and sitcoms, Lee’s talent shines in this fresh and exciting project, further solidifying her status in the entertainment industry. Following her success in The Morning Show and Past Lives, it’s clear that Lee will continue to choose distinctive projects that challenge her range as a performer.
10 Sisters (2015)
As Hae Won
Although Sisters may not be the most celebrated film in the collaboration between Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, it undoubtedly provides entertaining moments and memorable cameo performances from iconic comedians. At the time of its release, Lee was relatively unknown, yet her portrayal of Hae Won allowed her to stand out amidst comedic heavyweights. This character notably plays against stereotypical representations of Asian Americans, as Lee navigates and subverts common tropes.
Reflecting on Lee’s involvement in Sisters, it’s fascinating to see her growth since she took on this role, considering her more recent ventures into drama. In 2015, she discussed her experiences in a notable interview with The New York Times, emphasizing the persistence of stereotypes in Hollywood (via The New York Times). While her role in the film wasn’t significant in terms of screen time, Hae Won plays a crucial part in weaving connections between the main characters, allowing for character development throughout the story.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Sisters (2015) |
60% |
52% |
9 Chance (2016–2017)
As Lucy Baek
In the gripping drama series Chance, Hugh Laurie stars as Dr. Eldon Chance, whose life takes a dark turn when he becomes involved with Jaclyn (Gretchen Mol), who is in an abusive marriage. Based on Kem Nunn’s novel, this series expertly unravels layers of deceit across its two seasons on Hulu. In this narrative, Lee plays Lucy Baek, a recurring character who adds depth to the intense storyline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0YrE3vmsUU
While the primary focus lies on the tumultuous relationship between Chance and Jaclyn, supporting characters like Lee’s Lucy enhance the narrative’s realism. The second season of Chance was well received, largely thanks to Laurie’s experience portraying a troubled doctor in House. Observing Lee’s powerful presence in a gripping drama adds an exciting layer to her body of work.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Chance (2016–2017) |
75% |
86% |
8 New Girl (2011–2018)
As Kai
In her guest appearance on the beloved sitcom New Girl, Lee plays Kai, one of Nick’s (Jake Johnson) romantic interests, who happens to be the granddaughter of his quiet friend, Tran (Ralph Ahn). Her character appears in season four, following Nick’s breakup with Jess (Zooey Deschanel). The show’s structure necessitated that both characters have other love interests, and Kai brings a new dynamic to the series.
Lee’s background in comedy aligns perfectly with the humor of New Girl, making her portrayal one of the most enjoyable of Nick’s romantic partners. Despite the charm between Nick and Kai, their relationship falters due to their shared propensity for introversion. While her screen time was brief, Lee’s participation in New Girl left a positive mark, reinforcing Tran’s ongoing role within the series.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
New Girl (2011–2018) |
95% |
85% |
7 Miracle Workers (2019–2023)
As Princess Vicki
In season two of Miracle Workers, also known as Miracle Workers: Dark Ages, Lee portrays Princess Vicki. This anthology series, featuring a different premise in each season, is led by a talented cast including Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi. The Dark Ages season presents a comedic yet absurd view of medieval times, allowing Lee to showcase her comedic skills in a fresh historical setting.
Sharing onscreen moments with Radcliffe’s Prince Chauncley, Lee fits seamlessly into the quirky humor of the show. This opportunity highlights her ability to engage with offbeat narratives, a trait that suits her well in diverse roles.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Miracle Workers (2019–2023) |
84% |
76% |
6 Wayward Pines (2015–2016)
As Ruby
Produced by M. Night Shyamalan, the suspenseful series Wayward Pines offers a thrilling narrative filled with twists and mysteries. Although the show only lasted two seasons, it captivates audiences with its sci-fi elements and intricate plot lines. The ensemble cast, including Matt Dillon and Carla Gugino, enhances the intrigue, making it an engaging watch for fans of the genre.
Although Lee’s role as Ruby is limited, her performance leaves a remarkable impact as she captures the eerie ambiance of the show. This involvement marks a departure for Lee into the realm of speculative fiction, and her brief yet poignant moments contribute to the series’ overall effectiveness.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Wayward Pines (2015–2016) |
60% |
68% |
5 Girls (2012–2017)
As Soojin
Lee’s character Soojin in Girls plays a recurring role with significant charm, engaging mainly with Marine (Allison Williams) in the art world. Even though her role is minor, Lee’s magnetic performances light up the screen, showcasing her comedic timing and grounding the series in authenticity. Girls made headlines for its representation of contemporary issues and has maintained discourse long after its final episode.
As one of the supporting performers, Lee contributes to the show’s cult status and intriguing narratives, highlighting her comedic roots while exposing her talent to a much broader audience.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Girls (2012–2017) |
89% |
76% |
4 Russian Doll (2019–2022)
As Maxine
In the critically acclaimed series Russian Doll, mastermind Natasha Lyonne leads a transformational narrative about time loops and complex relationships. Lee plays Maxine, who celebrates Nadia’s (Lyonne) birthday, unwittingly becoming a key figure in Nadia’s surreal journey of self-discovery. Her ability to adapt to the surreal narratives and maintain Maxine’s consistency amplifies the show’s themes effectively.
Lee’s work in Russian Doll marks a pivotal moment in her career, allowing her to explore unique storytelling with depth. Despite the show’s brief run, its impact continues to resonate, showcasing Lee’s exceptional knack for handling offbeat material.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Russian Doll (2019–2022) |
97% |
76% |
3 Problemista (2023)
As Dalia
In the inventive comedy Problemista, writer-director Julio Torres has crafted a surreal exploration of the immigrant experience, starring Tilda Swinton as Elizabeth, alongside Lee as Dalia. Though her screen time is brief, Lee’s portrayal of Dalia becomes significant in illuminating the protagonist’s emotional journey through bizarre circumstances and challenges.
By striking the right balance between humor and vulnerability, Lee adds dimension to this quirky narrative. The film’s unique tone and magical realism prove that she can thrive in any genre, making her contributions to the story particularly memorable.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Problemista (2023) |
86% |
85% |
2 The Morning Show (2019–Present)
As Stella Bak
Joining the cast of Apple TV’s The Morning Show in its second season, Lee plays the strategic and complex character, Stella Bak. This drama delves into pressing issues such as sexual misconduct in the morning news landscape and the evolving nature of television. Lee’s performance stands out as she embodies a powerful executive navigating intricate professional dynamics.
Despite some critique regarding the sensational nature of its storylines, the cast’s performances, including Lee’s, receive acclaim for their depth and authenticity. Stella’s story arc will be intriguing to follow in the upcoming seasons, showcasing Lee’s ability to engage with dramatic material effectively.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Morning Show (2019–Present) |
67% |
33% |
1 Past Lives (2023)
As Nora Moon
In her standout leading role in Past Lives, directed by Celine Song, Lee delivers a profoundly moving performance as Nora, a character navigating complex friendships and the passage of time. The film resonates deeply with audiences, showcasing the emotional intricacies of relationships and personal identity. Lee’s portrayal captures the essence of Nora’s journey, framing her as the focal point of the narrative.
With exquisite writing and careful direction, Song’s film shines through Lee’s performance. The nuanced emotional depth Lee brings to Nora makes it hard to imagine the film without her, establishing Past Lives as a significant highlight within both her career and Song’s directorial debut.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Past Lives (2023) |
95% |
93% |