Digital Cover: Lee Majdoub

Talent: Lee Majdoub
Photographer: Lauren Grey
Hair/Grooming/Styling: Ashley Young
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
Words: Juri Watanabe
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Special Thanks: Advantage PR

You have a rich cultural background, having lived in Lebanon, Italy, Switzerland, and Canada. How have these international experiences shaped your approach to acting and storytelling?

I think being exposed to so many different cultures has given me a broader perspective on life. As an actor and, more importantly, a human being, it's been incredibly valuable. I draw on those experiences to help me understand characters and the worlds they come from, as well as the people I meet in everyday life. I think my diverse background, upbringing, and life experience has really helped me connect with people all over the world.

Moving to different countries at a young age likely gave you a unique perspective on life. How has this experience influenced the way you view home and community today?

Growing up in so many different countries, I've come to appreciate the richness of cultures and I truly believe that you can find community anywhere. At the end of the day, home is where you feel accepted and understood. Moving around a lot definitely came with its challenges. I struggled with being bullied and feeling 'less than' and 'other.' But those experiences shaped me. They taught me that what once made me feel different is what allows me to connect with so many people today. We've all experienced it in some way, and I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to turn the pain into connection. It's why I value the diverse, welcoming communities.

Your sister played a significant role in encouraging you to explore acting, but at the time that you were pursuing your engineering studies, what ultimately made you want to give acting a shot?

Honestly, my first couple of years in college were tough. I felt lost and directionless. I was studying engineering because it seemed like the logical path, but I wasn't passionate about it. My sister nudged me to try an acting class, and that's when something clicked. I finally felt like I belonged. It was acting that sparked a renewed energy in me, motivating me to finish my engineering degree so I could pursue film and TV full-time. The experience taught me that passion is everything — once you find it, everything else starts to fall into place.

You’ve achieved significant milestones in your career, from starring in major films to voicing characters in video games. What are some personal values or philosophies that keep you grounded as you navigate these successes?

Gratitude is a big one for me. I try to always remember where I started and how much hard work went into getting here. Staying humble is really important, and I owe that to the people in my life who keep me grounded. Success is an ongoing journey for me. I don’t ever feel like I’ve ‘achieved’ it, because there’s always more to learn, more to experience. That mindset helps me stay focused and continue to grow.

Acting can be demanding, and you’ve spoken about enjoying video games in your free time. What are some of your favorite games, and do they help you unwind or even inspire your work?

Video games are huge for my peace of mind and mental health. They’re a way for me to relax, but they also offer such rich worlds, stories, and characters that I often find inspiration in them. I also treat them as research and use them to help develop my skills as a performer. I love getting lost in the vast, immersive worlds where you can take on different roles and really dive deep into character. I find myself drawn to the music, the acting, the writing, the immersion. It’s difficult to put into words what it feels like when you play a game that hits hard on all levels. I’m currently playing Baldur’s Gate 3, Horizon Forbidden West, and can’t wait to revisit Cyberpunk 2077, now that I have the DLC. There’s so many more games to name, but we would be here for a very long time.

“Gratitude is a big one for me. I try to always remember where I started and how much hard work went into getting here.”

Your journey has included diverse roles, from TV series to video games. How do you balance your professional life with personal passions and time with loved ones?

I think the key for me is to use the time in between projects and auditions, wisely. That's when I try to focus on recharging. I spend time with loved ones, focus on my mental health, play video games, and work out. It's easy to get caught up in uncertainty when work is slow, but I've learned to trust the process, and try to remind myself that everything will be okay.

Your cultural heritage and international upbringing must bring a unique perspective to your roles. How does your background inform the characters you portray?

I think my life experience and connecting with so many people over the years has definitely helped me inform the characters I portray. I don't try to bring my own experiences directly into a role, but I definitely draw from them to inform my choices and make sure that my portrayal feels authentic. I also try to bring empathy to my roles, especially when it comes to giving a voice to those who may not otherwise feel or be heard. In some cases, the writing might be very specific, and in others, I have the freedom to make a more personal connection. It's all about collaboration and respecting the vision of the team.

Having grown up in a multicultural environment, how important is it for you to bring authentic representation to your roles, especially in franchises like Sonic with a global audience?

Authenticity is huge for me. When you're playing a character in a global franchise like Sonic, you have to remember that your audience is diverse, and that representation matters. I want people from all walks of life to feel seen and heard. I take that responsibility seriously. If I can help someone feel a connection, then that's a win for me.

How has your experience playing Agent Stone evolved from Sonic the Hedgehog through to Sonic 3? What can fans expect from your character in this latest film?

Agent Stone has been so much fun to play. In the first film he was written as a side character without much personality. However, that evolved as we filmed the movie, and it was mainly born out of the chemistry Jim and I developed. When we moved into Sonic 2, the relationship between Stone and Robotnik really began to evolve, particularly because of the dynamic between Jim and me, and the writers had a bit of a better idea of who Stone was. Jim's so incredibly skilled and talented, and working with him has been a blast. In Sonic 2, you start to see that Stone is more than just a lackey. There's a genuine, almost comical devotion to Robotnik. He's still very much in awe of him, but he's starting to show a little more personality. In Sonic 3, their relationship expands even more. Stone and Robotnik's bond continues to grow in its own way, and I think that the chemistry pops even more. The fun of it was seeing how we could elevate that relationship on set. Jim and I would just bounce off each other in scenes, and that energy really helped bring the characters to life in a bigger way. Jim showed me so much faith! It's a bit of a wild ride for Stone, as he finds himself more involved in the action, and I can definitely tell you there are some really fun scenes between Stone and Robotnik and the rest of the gang. It's been a magical journey so far. It was a blast going into work every day and waiting to see what magic we could create. Jeff Fowler, Toby Ascher, and Jim have continued to be so supportive and it comes through in Sonic 3.

You started acting a bit later than some, during your college years. How did your engineering background shape your approach to learning the craft of acting?

I don't know if engineering helped shape my approach to acting that much. I might be wrong though. What I do know is that when I found my passion, it felt like anything was possible. I knew the quickest way to pursue acting full time was to graduate university as quickly as possible. I went from being on academic probation to being an honor student. How wild is that?! Acting is the only thing I've ever felt the drive to do. The focus for me has always been this: work efficiently (harder is not always better), be kind, audition for anything/everything (especially at the beginning) that aligns with your moral compass, work on yourself, heal your trauma, find joy wherever you can no matter how small.

If you can play any character, who would it be and why?

That's a tough one! There are so many characters I'd love to play. If I had to pick, I think I'd love to play a complex anti-hero. Someone who is morally ambiguous and really challenges the audience's perceptions. Maybe have the story set in a Sci-Fi world. I've always wanted to work on a project set in space with a great ensemble cast. Something like Sunshine, Life, Interstellar, The Expanse, Pandorum, etc. Oh, and Moon, but that's not a big ensemble. I love sci-fi.

What advice do you have for those who want to pursue a career in arts, especially "later" in their life?

Don't let the timeline of others' success affect your journey. It's never too late. I didn't start taking acting classes until I was in college. If you're passionate, dedicated, and curious, go for it! The key is persistence and perseverance. It's going to be tough, and you'll face setbacks, but if you keep going, opportunities will come. I promise. It took me 4 years before I landed my first professional job. It took another 7 years before I got my first large guest star role, and another 4 years before I got Sonic The Hedgehog (15 years from the time I took my first class.) Trust the process, and most importantly, do it because you love it, not because of the outcome. Remember, it's not a matter of IF it will happen, but WHEN.

What do you enjoy most about connecting with fans, both in person and online? Are there any memorable fan interactions that have touched you?

I love hearing from the fans, especially when they share how a character or a project has resonated with them. It's always humbling to hear that something I've been a part of has had a positive impact on someone's life. One memory that sticks with me is a kid from an underrepresented community coming up to me and saying, "Agent Stone looks like me!" It's a constant reminder of how much representation matters. Interactions like that help me keep going, especially when facing uncertainty. It's all about connection. I know so many fans feel a connection to my work and feel inspired by it, but I don't know if many fans know that I feel just as inspired by them.

In addition to acting, what other creative or personal goals do you have for the future? Are there other aspects of storytelling or new skills you're excited to explore?

I would love to continue on this path, and hopefully get more and more opportunities to do what I love. I'm extremely passionate about voice acting and performance capture, and I really hope to get more opportunities in that field as well. GR8T