C. S. Lee
He stole scenes for eight seasons as the gleefully inappropriate forensics analyst Vince Masuka, bringing vital comic relief to a dark drama.
Born 1971 (age 55)·American actor and comedian·Birthday: December 30·Generation X
Biography
C.S. Lee, born Charlie Seunghee Lee in South Korea and raised in the United States, carved out a memorable niche in television by mastering the art of the scene-stealing supporting player. After studying acting at the University of California, Irvine, he spent years building a resume with guest spots on shows like 'Charmed' and 'The West Wing' before landing the role that would define his career. On Showtime's 'Dexter', Lee played forensic technician Vince Masuka, a character whose crude humor and unabashed enthusiasm for grisly crime scenes provided a crucial, jarring counterpoint to the series' serial killer narrative. His performance, walking a fine line between off-putting and oddly endearing, made Masuka a fan favorite. Beyond the blood-spatter analysis lab, Lee has continued to work steadily in television and film, often bringing a sharp comedic timing to every part, proving the lasting impact of a perfectly pitched character actor.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
C. was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When C. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
C.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 50
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 55 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed forensic analyst Vince Masuka across all eight seasons of the critically acclaimed Showtime series 'Dexter'.
- Appeared in multiple episodes of HBO's 'The Newsroom' as the character Tom.
- Had a recurring role as Dr. Lee on the NBC comedy 'The Office'.
- Played a supporting role in the 2007 film 'The Number 23' starring Jim Carrey.
Did You Know?
He is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, where he earned a degree in drama.
Before his acting career took off, he worked as a stand-up comedian.
He is a skilled pianist.
“I learned to make the small parts big, because they're the ones that get cut first.”
