Leah Lewis was born on December 9, 1996, in Shanghai, China. She is 28 years old as of 2025. Her life took a dramatic turn at only six months old when she was adopted from a Chinese orphanage by an American couple, Fred and Lorraine Lewis, who raised her in Windermere, Florida.
Leah grew up in a loving family environment, alongside her younger adoptive sister Lydia, who, like Leah, was adopted from the same Shanghai orphanage. Their bond remains a meaningful part of Leah’s story, adding to the depth of her personal journey.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Leah Marie Liang Lewis |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1996 |
| Age | 28 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Shanghai, China |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5′5″ (1.65 m) |
| Parents | Fred and Lorraine Lewis (adoptive) |
| Siblings | Lydia Lewis (adoptive sister) |
| Notable Roles | The Half of It, Nancy Drew, Elemental, Matlock |
| Relationship | Dating Payson Lewis (since 2016) |
| Net Worth | $1.5M – $2M (approx.) |
| Hobbies | Singing, guitar, photography |
| Social Media | Instagram: @leahmlewis |
Family and Upbringing
Her parents worked in real estate, but they always encouraged her creativity and supported her interests in music and acting. From a young age, Leah Lewis showed a talent for storytelling and performance. She participated in school plays and local productions, experiences that sparked the beginning of her career.
Though her adoptive family background is firmly rooted in Florida, Leah has often spoken about the importance of identity, belonging, and representation—recurring themes reflected in her later film roles.
Education and Training
Leah Lewis attended Crenshaw School and later moved on to Thornebrooke Elementary and Southwest Middle School. Balancing academics with her passion for the arts, she was active in performing programs. By the time she reached Olympia High School, Leah Lewis had already been traveling back and forth between Florida and Los Angeles to pursue opportunities.
In 2016, after graduating high school, she made the bold decision to move permanently to Los Angeles, determined to make a career in entertainment. That courage marked the start of her professional path.
Height and Physical Appearance
Leah Lewis is often described as 5 feet 5 inches tall (1.65m) with a slim build. She has brown eyes and black hair, features that contribute to her elegant and approachable screen presence.
Her look has allowed her to transition seamlessly between teenage roles, strong adult characters, and animated voice work. While she maintains a private lifestyle, Leah’s appearance has become instantly recognizable to her growing fan base worldwide.
Early Career Roles
Leah Lewis first taste of screen work came in commercials and supporting roles. She made her television film debut in Fred 3: Camp Fred (2012), playing the character Spoon. In 2013, she even auditioned for NBC’s The Voice, performing Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away. Though she did not advance, it showcased her singing ability and her confidence on stage.
Her persistence paid off with roles on Disney shows like Best Friends Whenever and Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything. She also gained attention in the web series Guidance, slowly building her portfolio.
Breakthrough Success
Leah Lewis breakthrough came in 2020 with Netflix’s acclaimed film The Half of It. She played Ellie Chu, a shy Chinese-American teenager navigating friendship, love, and identity. Her performance was praised for its quiet strength and emotional authenticity. Critics highlighted her ability to bring nuance and depth to the role, making it one of the most significant portrayals of Asian-American youth in film.
Around the same time, she secured a long-running role as Georgia “George” Fan on The CW’s Nancy Drew (2019–2023). The show gave her steady visibility and a loyal fan following.
Voice Acting and Animation
Leah Lewis expanded her career into animation with remarkable success. In 2023, she voiced Ember Lumen, the fiery heroine of Pixar’s Elemental. The role marked her arrival as a leading voice in animation, with the film earning wide recognition and showcasing her vocal range.
She also contributed to Paramount Animation’s The Tiger’s Apprentice, playing the character Räv, adding another dimension to her already diverse career.
Recent Work and Current Projects
In 2024, Leah Lewis joined the cast of Matlock, a reimagined version of the classic courtroom drama. She portrays Sarah Franklin, a young and ambitious attorney. This role demonstrates her shift into more mature television drama, confirming her versatility as an actress.
With both film and TV credits continuing to grow, Leah stands at an exciting point in her career. She is balancing mainstream projects while still pursuing roles that connect personally with her identity and artistry.
Personal Life
Leah Lewis is in a long-term relationship with Payson Lewis, a singer and actor. The couple has been together since 2016, and though they share the same last name, they are not related.
Away from the screen, Leah enjoys music, playing guitar, and exploring photography. She often describes these hobbies as ways to recharge creatively and maintain balance in her busy life.
Net Worth and Achievements
While exact numbers vary, Leah Lewis estimated net worth ranges between $1.5 million and $2 million as of recent reports. This comes from her consistent acting work, brand collaborations, and voice projects.
Although still young, she has already earned critical recognition for her work in The Half of It and her roles across television. Many industry watchers consider her one of the rising stars of her generation.
Social Media and Fan Connection
Leah lewis remains active on Instagram (@leahmlewis), where she has built a following of over 300,000 fans. She shares updates on her projects, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes moments. She also uses Twitter/X to engage with fans, often discussing her shows and offering lighthearted glimpses of her daily life.
Her approachable style online has made her a relatable presence, allowing her to stay connected to her audience beyond film and TV.
Fun Facts
- Leah and her sister Lydia were adopted from the same orphanage in Shanghai.
- She once auditioned for The Voice but didn’t make it past blind auditions.
- She moved to Los Angeles alone at 20 years old, showing courage and independence.
- Her work in The Half of It helped highlight Asian-American representation in film.
- She shares her love for photography and often captures candid moments in her personal life.
Conclusion
Leah Lewis’s journey is one of courage, creativity, and persistence. From her beginnings in Shanghai to her rise in Hollywood, she has carved out a unique space in entertainment. With roles spanning heartfelt dramas, adventurous TV series, and major animated films, she has proven her versatility and talent.
At just 28, Leah is not only an actress but also a storyteller whose life reflects resilience and artistry. Her story continues to inspire fans worldwide, and her career shows every sign of reaching even greater heights in the years to come.
FAQs about Leah Lewis
1. How old is Leah Lewis now?
Leah Lewis was born on December 9, 1996, which makes her 28 years old as of 2025.
2. Where is Leah Lewis from?
She was born in Shanghai, China, and adopted at six months old. She grew up in Windermere, Florida, with her adoptive parents and younger sister.
3. What are Leah Lewis’s most famous roles?
Leah is best known for playing Ellie Chu in Netflix’s The Half of It, George Fan in The CW’s Nancy Drew, and voicing Ember Lumen in Pixar’s Elemental.
4. Is Leah Lewis related to Payson Lewis?
No, despite sharing the same last name, Leah and her longtime boyfriend Payson Lewis are not related. They have been together since 2016.
5. What is Leah Lewis’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million, mainly from her acting and voice roles in film and television.
