Photographer – Joe Whitmore | Styling – Aartthie Mahakuperan | Assistant stylist – Tilly Hopcraft
Hair & Make Up – Siân Duke
Whenever Jess Khan-Lee steps into a scene—whether on a stage, a screen, or a set—she brings with her a lifetime of movement, discipline, and heart. The Hong Kong Chinese – Canadian actress, dancer, and stunt performer has spent her life in a state of constant evolution, with each phase adding a new layer to her multifaceted artistry. Now, with her breakout role in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Jess has proven that she belongs among the next generation of stars, changing the face of modern-day global cinema.
Before she ever set foot on a film set or choreographed for television, her performance journey didn’t start with ambition – it began with instinct. “My parents put me into dance at age two,” Khan-Lee recalls, “I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a dancer. It was always just part of my identity. There was never a question of having any other career.”
That early love of movement quickly evolved into something more serious. By her teens, she was already performing professionally in television, film, and musical theatre, including work with Disney. Though she once considered combining her passion for dance with dreams of being a marine biologist, pediatric oncologist, or novelist, the spotlight had a way of drawing her back, time and time again. “I had the bug,” she laughs. Though she later earned a Master’s degree, her heart and career stayed on the stage and in front of the camera.
Though many fans know Khan-Lee through her choreographic work on Strictly Come Dancing, it might surprise them to learn that choreography wasn’t her original calling. “It was actually the other way around,” she explains. “I’ve always wanted to perform—on any medium I could.” That desire to explore every creative avenue has led her across continents and industries, with work spanning musical theatre, immersive installations, TV and film, commercials, and video games.
She finds creative energy in constantly shifting between mediums, a journey that has opened doors to an array of projects—from dancing and choreographing to acting on stage and screen. Her choreography journey began unexpectedly. Initially brought on to assist in the Strictly 2018 finale, she returned for the 2019 and 2020 seasons and again in 2024. “It was the first time I’d worked on the creative/choreography side of live television. It was a steep learning curve,” she admits. “But it feeds another part of my creativity, and I’ve loved it.”
While Khan-Lee’s filmography is diverse, nothing quite compares to stepping into the global behemoth that is Mission: Impossible. Cast as Marine Sergeant Rivera, her first major feature role dropped her directly into the high-stakes world of Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie. “My previous time on set prepared me more than any particular role,” she explains. “Before your first job, you only think about the acting. No one teaches you about being on set—the vocabulary, the pace, the system. But I started young, so the brazenness of my teens meant that experience was more exciting than overwhelming.” By the time Mission: Impossible came calling, Khan-Lee knew how to show up professionally and stay open. “I knew what it meant to be prepared—and that this was an unmatched opportunity to be a sponge.”
To portray Rivera authentically, Khan-Lee dove into both the emotional and technical demands of the role. “I knew what my character’s values were, where her loyalties lay, and what side of history she wanted to be on,” she says. She supplemented her research with on-set weapons training and guidance from director Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise, and writer Erik Jendersen, all of whom are highly knowledgeable on the subject.
Her first day on the Mission: Impossible set made an impression she’ll never forget. “It was a rehearsal day, and Tom and McQ showed me footage of the biplane sequence,” she recalls. “My jaw literally dropped. That’s when I realized the enormity of what they were aiming to achieve.” Tom Cruise’s commitment to practical stunts wasn’t just impressive—it was contagious. “There is no one who works harder than Tom; no one more dedicated to filmmaking and pushing boundaries. And the way he lit up talking me through what he was doing—it was infectious.” As a physical performer with a background in martial arts, scuba, and climbing, Khan-Lee connected immediately with the philosophy. “My love of practical effects has grown even more. They have a human element that CGI and AI can’t replicate. Whatever stunts I get to do in the future, I want them to be as practical as possible.”
Knowing she was part of what may be the final chapter of a legendary franchise added another layer of meaning. “Even the days I wasn’t working, I would still go to set to watch. I wanted to soak it all in and absorb as much as I could.” For Khan-Lee, this film was more than a job. It was a moment in history. “I didn’t take one moment for granted. I’ve had the privilege to play a part in a story that has spanned 30 years and is embedded in our culture.” The atmosphere, she says, was a mix of laser focus, reverence, and joy. “There was a sense of responsibility—to give the fans who have been on this epic ride a worthy final reckoning.”
The world met Jess Khan-Lee in one of the biggest franchises in film; her next steps are already in motion with her starring in Prime’s Hotel Costiera. Whether she’s climbing a cliff, commanding a stage, or stepping into a digital world, Jess’s versatility is her superpower. “I’m very physical,” she says. “Rock climbing, martial arts, scuba diving, dance—I love training skills.” In an age of manufactured fame and CGI heroes, Jess Khan-Lee stands out for precisely what makes her real. And if Mission: Impossible was her introduction to the world, it’s safe to say that this mission is only just beginning.
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