Pete Lee is an American stand-up comedian known for his warm and joyful humor inspired by his Midwestern roots.
Known for being the first standup comedian to receive a standing ovation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he has appeared there multiple times.
Move below to read more about Pete Lee.
Who is Pete Lee?
Pete Lee is a stand-up comedian best known for his easygoing, joyful style and relatable storytelling. His roots in the Midwest shape his humor, making it warm and accessible.
Lee’s rise began with his 2005 Comedy Central Premium Blend debut, followed by moving to New York to pursue comedy full time.
He earned recognition at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and made a strong impression on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where he reached the semifinals.
His groundbreaking moment came on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon when he became the first comedian to receive a standing ovation, leading to multiple appearances.
Beyond stand-up, Lee writes and acts on several TV shows, showcasing versatility.
His comedy blends personal experience with sharp observations, making him both popular and unique in the field.
Early Life of Pete Lee
Pete Lee was born on August 22, 1977, in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States.
He is American by nationality and belongs to the ethnicity common in the Midwestern region, deeply rooted in the culture and humor of that area.
His birthday falls under the Leo zodiac sign, a fitting sign for a natural performer with a joyful and vibrant personality. Growing up in Janesville, Pete was raised by divorced parents.
Details about his parents’ names or professions are not broadly publicized, but their divorce shaped part of his early family life.
Despite the family changes, Pete found joy and inspiration during his childhood, often spending time watching television on a modest 19-inch screen.
This early exposure helped spark his interest in entertainment.
Pete Lee also has siblings, though the exact number and details about them are not widely known to the public.
His upbringing in a Midwestern environment, combined with the experiences of family dynamics, influenced the warmth and relatable tone of his comedy.
He attended Janesville Craig High School and graduated in 1995. After high school, Pete went on to pursue higher education at the University of Minnesota.
Pete’s time in Minnesota helped him to start performing comedy locally, further developing the Midwestern humor that would become his trademark.
His family background and modest upbringing greatly influenced his comedy style. His early experiences helped him develop an authentic and approachable voice.
He connects with audiences by sharing joyful stories from real life. This blend of influences shaped him into the comedian he is today.
Pete Lee Age
Pete Lee is currently 48 years old as of 2025 because he came into the world on August 22, 1977.
His age reflects a mature career with over two decades of experience in comedy spanning stand-up, television, and writing.
Pete Lee Education
Pete Lee completed his high school education at Janesville Craig High School, graduating in 1995.
Following this, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota, where he pursued higher education.
Although specific details about his college major remain private, his time at the university played a significant role in shaping his early life and career direction.
While studying, Pete began performing stand-up comedy locally in Minneapolis, using these opportunities to hone his craft and build confidence on stage.
This period was crucial in developing the skills and style that would later define his professional comedy career and set the foundation for his success in the entertainment industry.
Television Debut and Early Career
Pete Lee’s professional career took a significant leap in 2005 when he made his television debut on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend.
The positive response encouraged him to relocate from his Midwestern hometown to New York City to chase bigger opportunities.
Soon after moving, he was selected to perform at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, where he stood out as a top performer.
In 2008, he reached a major milestone by appearing on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, finishing as a semifinalist. This exposure helped him gain national recognition.
Acting and Comedy Specials
The year 2008 was crucial for Pete as he also made his television acting debut on the CBS soap opera As The World Turns.
That same year, he filmed his Comedy Central Half-Hour Special, which earned him a devoted fan base in comedy clubs.
Over the next decade, he performed more than 500 shows, particularly on college campuses, strengthening his presence and reputation in the live comedy scene.
Web Shows and Writing
Around 2010, Pete began creating and producing his own online content. This led to a web show called New York Minute:30 on MSN.com.
His internet success helped him land writing and cast roles on television shows such as FUSE TV’s Video on Trial and the NFL Network’s Top 10s.
Pete expanded his skill set beyond standup by contributing to writing and production.
Television Roles and Late Night Appearances
Between 2013 and 2016, Pete built his profile on television with several roles. He was a writer and cast member on VH1’s Best Week Ever for three seasons starting in 2013.
That year also marked his late-night TV debut on CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman.
He regularly appeared on TruTV’s Greatest Ever, Comedy Knockout, and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle.
Pete became a cast member and writer on Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar, a showcase for top comedians.
Stand-Up Specials and Continued Growth
In 2021, Pete released his first one-hour stand-up special on Showtime titled Pete Lee: Tall, Dark and Pleasant.
This special highlighted his unique Midwestern humor and joy-filled style to a wider audience. He also starred in the documentary I Need You to Kill, available on iTunes and Amazon.
Current Work and Podcast
Pete recently moved to Los Angeles, California, where he launched a podcast called Snugglestorm.
The podcast features conversations with LA comedians and helps him forge new connections in the West Coast comedy scene.
Even after moving, Pete stays connected to New York’s comedy scene. He regularly appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
His famous standing ovation there solidified his reputation as a top comedian.
Writing and Producing
Besides performing, Pete has diversified by working as a writer and producer.
Notably, he worked on the hit reality show Duck Dynasty and its spin-off Going Siral.
This behind-the-scenes work showcases his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Touring and Live Performances
Pete’s career also includes extensive touring, especially across colleges in the United States.
He has done over 500 college performances, engaging young audiences with his accessible style.
As of 2025, he is on the Ready To Connect Tour, continuing to bring his laughter to live audiences nationally.
Pete Lee Movies and TV Shows
Pete Lee appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing as a semifinalist. He acted on CBS’s soap opera As The World Turns.
Other television credits include VH1’s Best Week Ever, Fuse TV’s Video on Trial, TruTV’s Greatest Ever, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, and Comedy Knockout.
He hosts NFL Rush on Nickelodeon’s Nick Toons and is a regular guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Show with David Letterman.
More recently, he starred in the Showtime special Tall, Dark and Pleasant and his documentary I Need You to Kill.
Is Pete Lee a Republican?
There is no public information to indicate that Pete Lee publicly affiliates with the Republican Party or any specific political party.
How Did Pete Lee Get Famous?
Pete Lee gained fame after his performance on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend in 2005, which launched his move to New York City.
His recognition soared when he became the first stand-up comedian to get a standing ovation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, appearing multiple times.
Strong showings at comedy festivals and TV appearances like Last Comic Standing and VH1’s Best Week Ever further solidified his place in comedy.
Pete Lee Wife and Children
Pete Lee is currently married to his second wife, Nicole. The couple got married in September 2023, a milestone Pete proudly announced on his social media, sharing the joyful news with his fans.
They celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary in September 2024, marking a year of marriage filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences.
In his stand-up comedy routines and interviews, Pete often references his marriage to Nicole as his second marriage.
He uses humor to discuss his past, jokingly calling himself refurbished to reflect his journey through relationships.
Nicole frequently appears in his comedy material, where Pete shares stories about their life together, highlighting their strong bond and affectionate relationship.
Before marrying Nicole, Pete Lee was previously married and later divorced, though details of his first marriage are less public.
He also had a notable relationship with fellow comedian Nikki Glaser, which was well-known in comedy circles but did not lead to marriage.
Pete’s comedy often touches on his personal life, acknowledging past relationships with a comedic and reflective tone.
There is no public information confirming that Pete Lee has children. He tends to keep aspects of his family life private, focusing more on his career and marriage in public discussions.
Overall, Pete Lee maintains a healthy and supportive relationship with Nicole, balancing his personal happiness with a thriving comedy career.
He embraces his past with humor while celebrating his current marriage, offering fans a glimpse of his authentic and relatable life experiences.
Pete Lee Ex Wife
Pete Lee’s ex-wife is Nicole Maries, to whom he was married in September 2023.
Their relationship was very public at first, with Pete celebrating their wedding day on social media and sharing aspects of their married life through his comedy and posts.
Nicole appeared frequently in his routines and online content, highlighting their connection and the affection they shared.
However, their marriage ended in divorce within a relatively short period, as confirmed by social media discussions and public acknowledgment in early 2025.
The divorce was accompanied by difficult personal circumstances for Pete, including the loss of his home due to a fire.
Despite the challenges, Pete maintained a positive attitude and continued focusing on his career.
Before Nicole, Pete had other relationships, including a publicly known relationship with comedian Nikki Glaser, which did not progress to marriage.
The divorce from Nicole marks the most recent end to Pete Lee’s marital unions.
Pete Lee tends to keep details of his private life discreet, sharing only what feels comfortable for him, mainly through humor and occasional posts.
While his ex-wife Nicole was part of a significant chapter in his life, Pete’s current focus is on growth, resilience, and comedy following the separation.
In summary, Pete Lee’s ex-wife Nicole Maries was married to him for about a year before they divorced early in 2025.
The marriage and divorce are part of Pete’s personal journey, which he often reflects on with humor and openness in his public work.
Pete Lee Net Worth
Pete Lee has an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025. He makes money through multiple sources linked to his career in comedy and entertainment.
His primary income comes from live stand-up performances, including club shows, college tours, and national comedy tours.
He also earns from television appearances, specials such as his Comedy Central Half Hour and Showtime one-hour special, and recurring roles on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Additionally, Pete generates income from writing and producing for television programs, including work on VH1’s Best Week Ever, Fuse TV’s Video on Trial, and reality show projects like Duck Dynasty spin-offs.
Podcasting and digital content creation further supplement his earnings, as he hosts the podcast Snugglestorm and produces various online shows.
Merchandise and possible sponsorships related to his comedy brand may also contribute to his overall revenue.
Pete Lee Height and Weight
Pete Lee stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall which is equal to 180 centimeters or 1.80 meters. He weighs around 75 kilograms which is equal to 165 pounds.
His physical appearance includes a friendly demeanor with a Midwestern look. His expressive face and approachable style complement his comedic presentation.
Social Media Presence
Pete Lee actively engages with fans on social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
His comedy clips are popular and widely shared, boosting his recognition. He also promotes his tours and projects through these channels, connecting regularly with his followers.
Final Line
Finally, Pete Lee’s career stands as an inspiring example of hard work, versatility, and connection with audiences.
From humble beginnings in Janesville, Wisconsin, influenced by his Midwestern roots and early love for comedy, he steadily rose to national prominence.
His breakthrough moment came with a historic standing ovation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a testament to his unique and approachable humor.
Over the years, Pete has expanded his talents across stand-up, acting, writing, producing, and digital media.
His ability to adapt and embrace new platforms like podcasts and web shows shows resilience and creativity.
Pete Lee’s journey reminds us that success often requires patience, continuous growth, and staying true to one’s authentic voice.
His story encourages aspiring comedians and entertainers to embrace opportunities, face challenges with positivity, and connect genuinely with their audiences.
Thoughts and reflections on Pete Lee’s journey are welcome in the comment section below.
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