Jason Scott Lee bought 25 acres of damaged Hawaiian land littered with car parts and paint cans; the Hollywood actor built a simple home, grew his own food and worked to bring back the rainforest
Hollywood actor Jason Scott Lee once stepped away from the pressures of celebrity life to embrace a radically simpler existence on a 25-acre farm in Hawaii, where he grew taro, raised chickens and pursued natural farming. An archival report also documented how the Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story star sought to balance acting with environmental and community work.In an older report originally published by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Jason Scott Lee opened up about his decision to simplify his lifestyle rather than remain tied to the financial demands and expectations of Hollywood.The actor, who rose to prominence in the 1990s through films including Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Rapa Nui, Map of the Human Heart and The Jungle Book, had reached a point where he wanted greater control over his career and personal life.“I want to work when I want to, on films that I want to, and not have to pay for a lifestyle that doesn’t do anything except obligate me to the machine,” Lee said, according to the archival report.The story recalled an incident in Florida in which Lee was discussing Hollywood, money and lifestyles with friends when another actress spoke about a $90,000 Mercedes-Benz she had recently acquired. Lee contrasted that lifestyle with his own desire to live more simply.
Jason Scott Lee’s 25-acre Hawaii farm
According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin report, Lee had purchased 25 acres in Volcano, Hawaii, several years earlier. Much of the land had been deforested and contained debris, including old paint cans and car parts.With the help of a friend, Lee built a modest two-room home on the property. The house had no conventional electricity, hot water or flush toilet. The actor spent much of his time living on the land, embracing a lifestyle far removed from the luxury often associated with Hollywood celebrities.The home used a 12-volt battery for electricity, while a solar panel powered a water pump. A propane tank supplied hot water, and Lee cooked on a wood-burning stove. He even used an old horse trough as a bathtub.
The actor grew taro and raised chickens
Lee’s Hawaii lifestyle centred on self-sufficiency, farming and environmental conservation. The report said he grew taro and raised chickens while bartering for other supplies when necessary.His approach to agriculture was influenced by Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka, whose philosophy of natural farming rejected intensive tilling and chemical-based agriculture.Lee also worked to restore parts of his property that had been deforested. He collected koa seeds from the surrounding forest and replanted them on his land as part of his efforts to bring back the forest canopy.“I want to bring the canopy back,” Lee said, according to the report.
Jason Scott Lee balanced Hollywood with life in Hawaii
The Hollywood actor grew taro, raised chickens and worked to restore the rainforest on his property. (Photo: Cindy Ellen Russell)
Although Lee stepped away from the traditional Hollywood lifestyle, he did not completely abandon acting.The actor continued to select film projects that he felt had meaning while earning enough to support his Hawaii-based lifestyle. His credits from that period included the historical epic Nomad and Only the Brave.Lee described his existence as having “one foot in Hollywood and the other in a jungle.”“For some people in Hollywood, their soul dies,” he said, according to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin account. “You’re dependent on so many things: recognition so you can get the next job … the next movie to pay off your big house and your big car. It’s a choice.”
Jason Scott Lee created Pu Mu for arts and environmental work
Lee also envisioned turning his Hawaii property, which he called Pu Mu, into a small performing arts centre where socially conscious plays, workshops and classes could be staged.The name Pu Mu was described in the report as representing “simplicity” and “nothingness.”At the time of the report, Lee had brought together actors to work on a production while also helping farm part of the property. His broader vision combined theatre, agriculture, environmental conservation and community.The actor explained that his mother and late father had played an important role in shaping his outlook. He credited his mother’s compassion and his father’s tenacity as major influences on his approach to life.
Jason Scott Lee said his life felt complete
Lee’s decision to live simply was not presented as a rejection of acting itself. Rather, he said he had found a way to pursue film work on his own terms while maintaining the lifestyle he wanted in Hawaii.“This right here,” Lee said while referring to a koa sprout, “is the world that allows me to stand the other one.”He added that he would return to Hollywood for film work before going back home to grow, fish, read and work on his theatre projects.“My life is pretty complete at Pu Mu,” Lee said, according to the archival Honolulu Star-Bulletin report.
