Lee Daniels, born Lee Louis Daniels on Dec. 24, 1959, is an American director and producer known for his work in films and television shows that often tackle difficult subjects and focus on African American experiences.
Early Life and Career
Daniels was born in Philadelphia to Clara (née Watson) Daniels and William Daniels, a police officer. He grew up in West Philadelphia as the eldest son of his family. Daniels has four siblings: Cheryl, Lydia (aka Girlie), Maynard, and Leah. His younger sister, Leah Daniels-Butler, is a television and film casting director credited with casting many of his projects.
Daniels’ early life was marked by adversity. His father, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty when Daniels was just 15. Despite these challenges, Daniels graduated from Radnor High School and attended Lindenwood University in Missouri. However, he soon realized that the liberal arts school was not for him, and he moved to Hollywood, Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, Daniels started working as a receptionist in a nursing agency. Before long, he started his own nursing agency, specializing in HIV/AIDS treatment. He later sold the business for a reported $3 million.
Transition into Entertainment
Daniels transitioned into the entertainment industry after a chance meeting with a Hollywood producer. He started his career as a casting director and manager, working on projects such as “Purple Rain” and “Under the Cherry Moon”. Daniels also managed actors like Wes Bentley and Morgan Freeman.
Daniels’ career took a significant turn when he established his production company, Lee Daniels Entertainment. The company’s debut production, “Monster’s Ball” (2001), was a critical and commercial success, catapulting Daniels into the limelight. Halle Berry won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film, making Daniels the first African-American film producer to solely produce an Oscar-winning film.
Daniels made his directorial debut with “Shadowboxer” in 2005. He then directed films like “Precious” (2009), “The Paperboy” (2012, which he co-wrote), “The Butler” (2013), and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (2021). “Precious” was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture for Daniels.
Expansion into Television and Music
In addition to his film work, Daniels co-created and co-executive produced the very popular black TV series “Empire” (2015–2020) and “Star” (2016–2019), both set in the music industry.
Daniels also ventured into the music industry. He has a global joint venture with Warner Recorded Music, which covers recorded music projects such as soundtracks and artist signings. The venture’s first project was the original motion picture soundtrack for “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” which was financed by New Slate Ventures $100M film fund and won a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
Furthermore, Daniels serves as an executive producer for various television series. He worked on ABC’s “The Wonder Years” reimagining and “The Ms. Pat Show,” which was launched in 2021 for the BET+ streaming service.
Real Estate and Philanthropy
Daniels has made significant investments in real estate. He purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills for a little under $5 million in 2018. The property is a metal-clad compound that underwent a major renovation in 2017 The .8-acre lot includes a motor court, two-car garage, large decks with shaded areas, a lap pool, and a designer guesthouse.
Daniels has supported various causes and charities. He has been involved with the Human Rights Campaign, Oceana, Oxfam, and The Humane Society. His philanthropic work also extends to supporting LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
Conclusion
Throughout his career, Daniels has received numerous awards and nominations. He was nominated for Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Achievement in Directing for “Precious” at the Academy Awards in 2010. His film “Monster’s Ball” won the Hollywood Award for Movie of the Year at the Acapulco Black Film Festival in 2014. His work on “Precious” also earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature and Best Director in 2010.
It is clear that his journey is more than just a tale of success; it’s a beacon of hope and a blueprint for breaking barriers. From the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the dazzling lights of Hollywood, Daniels has not only carved out a space for himself but has also opened doors for countless others, in an industry that often lacks diversity. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Daniels’ real legacy lies in his commitment to lifting up marginalized voices and showcasing the richness of the African American experience.
