Ten Times Better's George Lee (1935-2025)

It's with great sorrow that we note the death of George Lee, who moved from learning ballet from Russian masters in Singapore to the bright lights of Broadway shows, thrilling audiences with his athletic dancing ability. George then spent time dealing blackjack in Las Vegas before Jennifer Lin told his story in her film Ten Times Better, currently on the awards circuit, soon to begin streaming on PBS's American Masters Shorts. We talked with Jennifer about her film in Episode 151:  The Musical Innertube - Volume 2, Number 151 - Jennifer Lin talks about her film Ten Times Better

Here is Jennifer's annoucement about George's death:

Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that George Lee passed away on April 19, just before Easter Sunday. His health was declining after a fall in early March that sent him to the hospital.

I saw George just before he moved into a group home on April 8. When we talked, he was able to look back at his life with contentment. He told me, "I did the best I could." I assured him that his mother would be proud.

A chaplain visited him last week. At the time, George was not able to talk. She played for him music from Flower Drum Song. She told me that he smiled and moved his feet.

Many of you supported the making of TEN TIMES BETTER and are among the many fans of George Lee. On behalf of Jon Funabiki and Cory Stieg, I want to thank you for enabling us to spotlight this extraordinary life.

TEN TIMES BETTER will soon begin streaming on PBS's American Masters Shorts, allowing people across the country to know more about the dancer who truly was ten times better. At this point, I don't know of any memorial, but I'll be sure to update people on social media if I learn of anything.

George Lee was a quiet, unassuming, gentle soul who lived his life with grace and happiness. He enriched our lives and I am so grateful to have known him.

Rest in peace George.

Jennifer Lin