Hana Mae Lee
A stealth comedic force in 'Pitch Perfect' who also stitches together a distinct, avant-garde fashion line.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actress, model, comedian, and fashion designer·Birthday: September 28·Millennials
Biography
Hana Mae Lee possesses a rare duality: she is both a scene-stealing performer and a hands-on fashion designer. She first imprinted herself on pop culture as the whisper-singing, deadpan Lilly in the 'Pitch Perfect' films, delivering her lines with a barely-audible hush that became a signature comedic device. That quiet intensity, however, belies a vibrant creative engine. Lee, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, runs her own clothing label, Hanamahn, which features her original, often deconstructed and boldly textured designs. Her acting range extends beyond Bellas harmonies, with turns in Netflix's 'The Babysitter' horror-comedy series and voice work in animated projects. Lee's career is a study in contrasts—soft-spoken yet unforgettable on screen, meticulously crafting wearable art off it—making her a uniquely self-possessed figure in the entertainment industry.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Hana was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Hana Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Hana's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the memorably quiet Lilly Onakuramara across all three 'Pitch Perfect' films.
- Founded and designs for her own independent fashion line, Hanamahn.
- Played a key supporting role as Sonya in the Netflix horror-comedy film 'The Babysitter' and its sequel.
- Graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising with a degree in fashion design.
Did You Know?
Her whispered lines in 'Pitch Perfect' were often improvised.
She is of Korean descent.
She has done voice acting for the video game 'Marvel's Avengers'.
Her fashion line name, Hanamahn, is a play on her name.
“My whispers are loud enough if you're really listening.”
