China Lee (pronounced Chee-na; born Margaret Lee; September 2, 1942) is an American model and actress. She was Playboy's Playmate of the Month for the August 1964 issue and the first Asian American Playmate. Her centerfold was photographed by Pompeo Posar. According to her Playmate profile, her name is pronounced "chee-na" to rhyme with "Tina".
Early life Lee was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chinese parents who immigrated to the United States after marriage. The family-owned a laundry and, later, a much-lauded restaurant. She is the youngest of eight children and the younger sister of Harry Lee, who served as the sheriff of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana for about 28 years. The name "China" is derived from the nickname "Chinita" ("little Chinese girl") bestowed on her by Spanish-speaking neighbors who admired her dancing as a child.
Career Lee worked as a hairstylist and waitress, then as a Playboy Bunny, before appearing in Playboy. She had been a "Training Bunny," which required her to travel to different Playboy Clubs to teach prospective Bunnies their duties.
Lee appeared at the end of Woody Allen's What's Up, Tiger Lily?, performing a striptease.
Personal life Lee married comedian Mort Sahl in 1967. They divorced in 1991. Their only child, Mort Sahl Jr., died on March 27, 1996, at the age of 19.
Year Title Role Notes1964 The Troublemaker The Hooker 1965 Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine Robot 1966 Harper Dancer Uncredited1966 Paradise, Hawaiian Style Girl Uncredited1966 What's Up, Tiger Lily? Dancer in Credits Uncredited1966 The Swinger Model Uncredited1967 The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. Vivian Episode: "The Double-O-Nothing Affair"1967 Good Times Mordicus' Girl 1967 Don't Make Waves Waitress Uncredited1969 Medium Cool Roller Derby Patron (final film role)
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