Brian Tee is a versatile Japanese American actor and director currently experiencing a massive surge in popularity across the United States. At 49 years old in 2026 he is most famous for his iconic portrayal of Dr Ethan Choi on the hit NBC series Chicago Med and his unforgettable role as Takashi the Drift King in The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift. Recently Tee has made headlines for his powerful performance in the Amazon Prime drama Expats and his successful expansion into directing for major television networks. This informational guide provides a deep dive into his professional milestones net worth and personal life. With a career spanning over two decades Brian Tee remains a significant influence in Hollywood representing Asian American talent with grace and skill. Discover his latest 2026 projects family updates and the philanthropic causes he champions in this comprehensive profile designed for his dedicated American fan base.
From the high octane streets of Tokyo to the high pressure emergency room of a Chicago hospital Brian Tee has consistently proven that he is one of the most versatile actors of his generation. As we move through 2026 Tee is not just an actor but a respected director and a vocal advocate for diversity in Hollywood. Whether you know him as the Drift King or Dr. Ethan Choi his impact on the cultural landscape is undeniable. Here are the most trending questions fans are asking about him today.
People Also Ask About Brian Tee: Question: Is Brian Tee coming back to Chicago Med as an actor? Answer: While there are no current plans for him to return as a series regular he has expressed openness to guest appearances and remains a frequent director for the show. Question: What show is Brian Tee in now? Answer: He is currently starring in the prestige drama Expats on Amazon Prime Video. Question: Does Brian Tee do his own stunts? Answer: During his time in the Fast and Furious franchise and as Shredder Tee performed many of his own stunts thanks to his athletic background. Question: How many languages does Brian Tee speak? Answer: Brian Tee is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of Japanese and Korean. Question: What is Brian Tee’s height? Answer: Brian Tee stands at approximately 6 feet tall. Question: What did Brian Tee study in college? Answer: He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Theater and Dramatic Arts. Question: Does Brian Tee have children? Answer: Yes he has one daughter named Madelyn Skyler born in 2015. Question: Has Brian Tee won any awards? Answer: He has received several nominations and awards from Asian American media organizations for his contributions to the industry.
The following article is structured to provide a comprehensive look at Brian Tee’s life and career. By utilizing chronological subheadings and clear thematic sections it answers the core search intents of Who he is Where he came from and How he achieved his current status as a Hollywood mainstay. The scannable format allows readers to quickly find details on his 2026 projects while offering a deep dive into his personal history and professional accolades.
Brian Tee was born Jae-beom Tak on March 15 1977 in Okinawa Japan to a Korean mother and a Japanese American father. At the age of two his family moved to the United States settling in Hacienda Heights California. Growing up in a multicultural household Tee balanced his athletic interests with a growing passion for the arts. He attended Glen A. Wilson High School where he was a star athlete before heading to the University of California Berkeley. At Berkeley he discovered his true calling in the theater department eventually graduating with a degree in Theater and Dramatic Arts. This academic foundation paved the way for his entry into the competitive world of Los Angeles entertainment.
Tee’s professional journey began with guest roles in popular early 2000s series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer Monk and JAG. However his breakthrough moment arrived in 2006 when he was cast as Takashi better known as the Drift King or DK in The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift. This role established him as a charismatic presence on the big screen and made him a recognizable face globally. Following this success Tee continued to build an impressive resume with appearances in major blockbusters. In 2013 he played the corrupt Noburo Mori in The Wolverine starring alongside Hugh Jackman and in 2015 he appeared in the record breaking Jurassic World as Hamada the commander of the Asset Containment Unit. He also took on the mantle of the iconic villain Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Out of the Shadows in 2016.
Despite his film success it was the world of television that brought him his most enduring role. In 2015 Brian Tee joined the cast of NBC’s Chicago Med as Dr. Ethan Choi a former Navy flight surgeon. Over the course of eight seasons Tee became a fan favorite portraying Choi’s complex personal growth and professional challenges with nuance. His departure from the show as a regular cast member in late 2022 was met with emotional tributes from fans but he soon returned to the franchise in a new capacity as a director proving his multifaceted talent behind the camera. By 2026 he has directed multiple episodes for the One Chicago franchise cementing his status as a creative force in the industry.
In his personal life Brian Tee is known for being a dedicated family man. He married fellow actress Mirelly Taylor in 2000 and the couple has a daughter named Madelyn Skyler Tee born in 2015. Tee often shares insights into his life as a father and husband on social media where he also promotes various philanthropic causes including those related to children’s health and Asian American advocacy. His current status in 2026 sees him balancing his directorial duties with high profile acting roles such as his critically acclaimed turn in the series Expats where he portrays Clarke the husband of Nicole Kidman’s character. This role has been hailed as a career high demonstrating his range in prestige drama.
People Also Ask About Brian Tee: Question: Is Brian Tee still on Chicago Med? Answer: While Brian Tee left the main cast of Chicago Med during Season 8 he has frequently returned to the set as a director. In 2026 he continues to be involved with the One Chicago family behind the lens. Question: Who is Brian Tee’s wife? Answer: Brian Tee is married to actress Mirelly Taylor who is known for her work in series like Lost and various independent films. Question: What is Brian Tee’s net worth? Answer: As of 2026 Brian Tee’s net worth is estimated to be approximately 5 million dollars reflecting his long career in film and television. Question: What is Brian Tee’s ethnicity? Answer: Brian Tee is of mixed descent with a Korean mother and a Japanese American father. Question: How old is Brian Tee? Answer: Born in March 1977 Brian Tee is 49 years old as of May 2026. Question: Was Brian Tee in a Marvel movie? Answer: Yes Brian Tee played the character Noburo Mori in the 2013 film The Wolverine which is part of the X-Men film series. Question: Where was Brian Tee born? Answer: He was born in Okinawa Japan before moving to California as a toddler. Question: What is Brian Tee’s latest project? Answer: His most recent major acting project is the Amazon Prime series Expats and he is currently active in directing television drama.
Star of Chicago Med and Tokyo Drift; Recent lead in Amazon series Expats; Transitioned into television directing for NBC; UC Berkeley graduate; Longtime advocate for Asian American representation in media.