- While working on Ice Station Zebra (1968) with John Sturges, he discovered his passion for directing.
- Held a record for living under water when he was only 17 years of age.
- Was under contract as an actor with MGM in the late 60's.
- After watching him film an episode of Mr. Novak (1963) opposite Burgess Meredith head of new talent for MGM Vincent Chase approached Lee and asked him to join the studios actor development program. Others in the class included Robert Pine and Linda Evans
- Has a home in So. Cal, but he and his wife spend most of their time on their motor yacht, Stanhaven III.
- Memoir, "Faith in the Land of Make-Believe," (2011 Zondervan) was voted # 7th Best Book of the Year by Charisma Magazine. Dwayne Johnson wrote the foreword to Lee's memoir, Dr. Jack W. Hayford, wrote the introduction.
- After cancer surgery, he and Linda cruised their motor yacht in the Pacific Northwest 'just in case' he didn't make it. Return to So California in 2011, now 'cancer free.'.
- While SCUBA diving in an abandoned quarry, he was trapped under the ice for over a half-hour.
- After promoting his memoir, Lee and his wife, Linda took off and headed south on their motor yacht, cruising and SCUBA diving in Mexican waters and, most enjoyable, the Sea of Cortez, returning to Southern California in 2017, to continue making independent films that will be a positive influence on all ages.
- As a filmmaker Lee has been nominated for 10 Emmy Awards, winning 5 Emmys.
- Returned to So California in 2011, now 'cancer free' .
- Children: Quinn Kaufman and writer, producer, director Shane Stanley
- Co-starred in The Candidate (1972) with Robert Redford as McKay's (Redford's) former classmate. The role and scenes were eventually cut out of the film.
- Was considered for the role of 'Benjamin' in The Graduate (1967).
- Campaigned his 57' classic yacht in 1989 and was undefeated four years in a row.
- Feared heights, though was on the ski jumping team at Vermont Academy where he was also the captain the baseball team.
- Nationally certified SCUBA Diving Instructor since the age of 14.
- Father was famous artist with covers for Saturday Evening Post and dozens of other magazines of that era
- Wrestled with Presiding Judge for 4 years to get violent juvenile offenders released into his custody with no guards, cops, or counselors for 10-day at-sea expeditions aboard his sailboat
- Bought his son, Shane Stanley, his first motorcycle when he was only three years old.
- Is a licenced Protestant Minister.
- Raced AMA District 37 motorcycle races in the 60s & 70s.
- First at-sea documentary with prisoners Desperate Passage (1987) was rejected by all networks. Two years after completion, it finally aired and was first in primetime ratings and nominated for 4 Emmys, winning 2.
- The production Gridiron Gang (2006) started shooting on his 62nd birthday.
- Often cast by Aaron Spelling in the 60s and 70s.
- Made a major impact on the juvenile probation system with his "Desperate Passage" series and how America looks at troubled youth. Was awarded top honors from both The White House and California Governors for his efforts.
- Has spoken as a guest of Janet Reno to the leaders of the nation to help develop ways to restore today's "troubled youth" and "throw-away kids".
- Stepfather of Brett Tremaine and Christopher Tremaine.
- Ex-father-in-law of Sharon Turner.
- Father-in-law of Val Barri.
- Longtime friend of Jed Allan.
- Quit college after a semester and traveled Europe.
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