Eric Michael Zee is an American actor, writer, and creative professional known for his work in film, television, and theater. He is also the husband of actress Ming-Na Wen. Born in San Francisco, he built a steady career in Hollywood while also supporting Asian-American representation through his writing and projects. Beyond his career, Eric is a devoted husband and father.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Michael Zee |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1966 |
| Age (2026) | 60 years old |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Chinese-American |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Playwright, Producer |
| Famous For | Acting career and husband of Ming-Na Wen |
| Education | Studied acting in Los Angeles |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Ming-Na Wen |
| Marriage Date | June 16, 1995 |
| Children | Michaela Kitlin Zee, Cooper Dominic Zee |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Height | Approx. 5’8″ (1.73 m) |
Early Years
Eric Michael Zee was born on February 5, 1966, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in a Chinese-American family, which shaped how he saw the world. Like many kids, he had dreams, but his dreams slowly moved toward the arts. He became interested in acting and storytelling at a young age.
Later, he moved to Los Angeles to follow those dreams. This is where things started to change for him. Los Angeles gave him the chance to learn, grow, and try different roles. Even though not much is publicly known about his early schooling, it is clear that he spent time learning acting and building his skills step by step. His early life teaches an important lesson. Not everyone becomes famous overnight. Sometimes, success comes from steady effort.
Eric’s Acting Career
Eric Michael Zee started his acting career in the late 1980s. At first, he took small roles, like many actors do. These roles helped him understand how the industry works. He appeared in shows like The Bronx Zoo and Our House. These early projects gave him real experience.
As time passed, he started getting more opportunities. He appeared in films like Shanghai 1920 and worked on projects connected to action and drama. One interesting part of his career is his voice work in Fist of Legend. This shows that he was not limited to just on-screen acting.
You may have also seen him in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman or The Single Guy. He even appeared in the famous movie Independence Day. While his roles were not always leading roles, they were important. They helped him stay active and build a strong career over time.
In later years, he continued to work in different projects like How to Make a Monster, A Better World, and Filthy Preppy Teen$. He even appeared on Celebrity Family Feud, showing a more personal side of his life.
Writing and Advocacy
Eric Michael Zee is not just an actor. He is also a writer and a creative thinker. One of his most important works is a stage play called Exit the Dragon. This play talks about how Asian-American men are often treated in the entertainment industry.
The story in the play focuses on stereotypes and unfair treatment. It shows how actors sometimes struggle to find real and respectful roles. Through this work, Eric Michael Zee shared an important message. He used his voice to talk about real problems.
Think about this for a moment. How many times do we see the same types of characters again and again? Eric wanted to change that. He wanted better stories and better roles. That is why his work as a playwright matters so much.
He also worked with his wife, Ming-Na Wen, to manage a music group called At Last. This was an all-Asian American band. Their goal was simple. They wanted to give more space to Asian talent in music.
Marriage Timeline and How They Met?
The love story of Eric Michael Zee and Ming-Na Wen is one of the most interesting parts of his life. It feels like something from a movie. They first met in 1993. At that time, Ming-Na needed a ride to the premiere of The Joy Luck Club. Their acting teacher asked Eric Michael Zee to take her there.
At first, Ming-Na was not very impressed. She thought Eric talked too much. But sometimes, first impressions are not the full story. Over time, things changed. They started to know each other better. Slowly, their friendship turned into something deeper.
By 1994, they were seriously dating. Then came a very special moment. Eric proposed to Ming-Na on a beach in Australia. She was there filming Street Fighter. This moment made their story even more special.
They got married on June 16, 1995, in Maui, Hawaii. It was a quiet and simple wedding. Years later, in 2025, they recreated their wedding photos for their 30th anniversary. Imagine wearing the same outfits after so many years. That shows how strong their bond is. Their relationship is often called a “real-life love story.” In Hollywood, where many relationships do not last, theirs has stayed strong.
Meet His Wife: Ming-Na Wen
Ming-Na Wen is not just Eric Michael Zee’s wife. She is a successful actress with a powerful story of her own. She was born on November 20, 1963, in Macau. Her life started far from Hollywood.
As a child, she moved from Macau to Hong Kong, and later to the United States. Her family settled in New York and then Pittsburgh. Her mother, Lin Chan Wen, worked very hard to support the family. They even ran a restaurant called Chinatown Inn.
Ming-Na studied at Carnegie Mellon University. She graduated with a degree in theater. From there, her acting career began. She appeared in shows like As the World Turns and later gained fame through The Joy Luck Club.
Her biggest success came with roles like Mulan, ER, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and The Mandalorian. She became a Disney Legend and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Even today, she continues to work on new projects.
Meet His Children
Michaela Kitlin Zee
Michaela Kitlin Zee is the daughter of Eric Michael Zee and Ming-Na Wen. She was born on November 21, 2000, in Los Angeles. From a young age, she was already close to the world of movies and TV. Growing up in a creative family helped her understand the entertainment industry early.
She first started as a voice actress. You may recognize her voice from shows like Special Agent Oso and Phineas and Ferb, where she played Ginger Hirano. She also worked on Sofia the First and Ralph Breaks the Internet. These roles gave her strong experience when she was still young.
But later, Michaela chose a different path. Instead of acting, she moved into journalism. She studied at The New School in New York and graduated with honors. Zee now works at Variety as a journalist. She also created her own platform called PERSUASIAN, which focuses on Asian-American stories.
Cooper Dominic Zee
Cooper Dominic Zee is the younger child of Eric Michael Zee. He was born in October 2005 in Santa Monica, California. Unlike his parents and sister, Cooper did not choose acting or media as his main path.
Instead, he focused on school and leadership. He became part of the Boy Scouts of America and worked hard to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. This is not easy. It takes years of effort, discipline, and service. His parents were very proud of this achievement.
Today, Cooper studies Hospitality Management at the University of San Francisco. He is part of the SOM Honors Program and has been on the Dean’s Honor Roll. Cooper also worked at places like Universal Studios Hollywood and Palm House SF. He even did an internship with KultureCity, helping with community work.
Extended Family
When we talk about Eric Michael Zee, we also need to understand the extended family around him. Through his marriage, he became part of Ming-Na Wen’s family, which has a rich and inspiring background.
Ming-Na’s mother, Lin Chan Wen, worked very hard to give her children a better life. After moving to the United States, the family became connected to a restaurant called Chinatown Inn in Pittsburgh. This place is more than just a business. It is part of their family history.
Her stepfather, Soo Lim Yee, also played an important role in raising the family. Ming-Na grew up with her brothers, Jonathan Wen and Leong Yee. Together, they built a life based on hard work and strong values. Eric became part of this family when he married Ming-Na.
Public Life & Family Life
In recent years, Eric Michael Zee has stayed active, but in a quieter way. He is often seen with his family at events rather than leading them. You might spot him at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, award shows, or movie premieres.
For example, he attended big moments like Ming-Na Wen’s star ceremony and major film premieres. These include events for Mulan, The Mandalorian, and even newer projects like Karate Kid: Legends. He stands beside his family, showing support.
This raises a simple question. What matters more, fame or presence? Eric Michael Zee seems to choose presence. He may not always be in the spotlight, but he is always there for his family. His recent years focus more on writing, family life, and supporting his children.
Final Thoughts
Eric Michael Zee is not just known because of his wife. He has his own story, He worked as an actor, a writer, and a creator. He spoke about important issues through his work, especially for Asian-American representation.
But what really stands out is his life balance. He built a strong marriage, He raised children who chose their own paths, He stayed connected to his culture and values. That is not always easy, especially in Hollywood.
READ ALSO: Who is Cooper Dominic Zee? Inside the Life of Ming-Na Wen and Eric Michael Zee’s Son
(FAQs)
Who is Eric Michael Zee?
Eric Michael Zee is an American actor, writer, and playwright best known for his work in Hollywood and as the husband of Ming-Na Wen.
How old is Eric Michael Zee?
As of 2026, Eric Michael Zee is 60 years old. He was born on February 5, 1966.
What does Eric Michael Zee do for a living?
He works as an actor, writer, playwright, and producer. He has also been involved in creative and advocacy projects.
Who is Eric Michael Zee’s wife?
Eric Michael Zee is married to actress Ming-Na Wen, known for roles in Mulan and The Mandalorian.
When did Eric Michael Zee get married?
He married Ming-Na Wen on June 16, 1995, in Maui, Hawaii.
Does Eric Michael Zee have children?
Yes, he has two children: Michaela Kitlin Zee and Cooper Dominic Zee.
What is Eric Michael Zee’s net worth?
His exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, but it is often discussed as part of a shared household wealth with Ming-Na Wen.
Where is Eric Michael Zee now?
As of 2026, he lives in Los Angeles and focuses on family life, writing, and supporting his wife and children.
