There’s a moment in Past Lives when Greta Lee’s character Nora simply looks across a bar, and you feel decades of unspoken history. That quiet power didn’t come overnight — Lee spent nearly two decades building a career in television before the world caught up.

Born: March 7, 1983 ·
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California

Quick Facts

  • Full name: Greta Jiehan Lee
  • Born: March 7, 1983
  • Age: 42 (as of 2025)

Career Highlights

  • Breakthrough role: “Past Lives” (2023)
  • Emmy nomination: “Russian Doll” (2019)
  • Broadway debut: “The Cherry Orchard” (2025)

Personal

  • Spouse: Russ Armstrong (m. 2014)
  • Children: 2 sons
  • Education: Northwestern University

Recognition

  • Academy Award nomination: Best Actress (2024)
  • Independent Spirit Award: Best Lead Performance (2024)
  • Time 100 Next list (2023)

Early Life and Education

Greta Lee was born on March 7, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, to Korean immigrant parents. She grew up in a Korean-American household in Torrance, California, where she developed an early interest in performance. Lee attended Northwestern University, graduating with a degree in communication studies.

Career in Television

Lee began her television career with guest roles on series like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “The Good Wife.” She gained recognition for her recurring role on “Girls” (2014–2017) and later received an Emmy nomination for her performance on Netflix’s “Russian Doll” (2019).

“I’ve always been drawn to characters who are navigating multiple worlds — it’s something I understand deeply.”

— Greta Lee, Interview magazine, 2023

Film Breakthrough: Past Lives

Lee’s starring role in Celine Song’s “Past Lives” (2023) marked a major turning point. The film, which explores themes of destiny and identity across decades, earned Lee widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

“The film asks us to consider the roads not taken, and Greta’s performance makes that question feel both universal and deeply personal.”

— Celine Song, Director’s statement, 2023

Recent Projects

Following “Past Lives,” Lee starred in the Apple TV+ series “The Changeling” (2023) and made her Broadway debut in “The Cherry Orchard” in 2025. She continues to balance film, television, and stage work.

Personal Life

Lee married writer and artist Russ Armstrong in 2014. The couple has two sons. Lee has spoken about balancing her career with motherhood, noting the importance of representation in Hollywood.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greta Lee married?

Yes, Greta Lee married Russ Armstrong in 2014.

What is Greta Lee’s age?

Greta Lee was born on March 7, 1983, making her 42 years old as of 2025.

What was Greta Lee’s breakthrough role?

Her breakthrough role was Nora in the 2023 film “Past Lives,” for which she received an Academy Award nomination.

Did Greta Lee attend Northwestern University?

Yes, she graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in communication studies.

Has Greta Lee won an Oscar?

No, but she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for “Past Lives” in 2024.