Born to Chinese parents who came over to the United States seeking a life full of promise and opportunity, China Lee was raised in a strict household that valued Chinese tradition and the American dream. “My parents were born in China and came to the U.S. soon after their marriage. I have three brothers and four sisters, and we were all raised according to traditional Chinese customs,” explains China, pronounced like Chee-na. “Though I was born in America, my folks still follow Oriental ways: They speak the old language, read the old books, and follow the old customs. In this sort of environment, the men dominate and females are forced into the background. I rebelled, and I'm glad I did.” With most of her family working in the restaurant industry, the black-haired, all-natural beauty traded in her apron for satin bunny ears when she was given a job at the Playboy Club in her hometown of New Orleans. “Despite the fact that I'm always on the go, success has come to me without my seeking it. I didn't apply for my Bunny job; I was discovered in a New Orleans hairdresser's shop,” says the fortunate Asian beauty. “While my girlfriends were desperate to get into the movies (and I wasn't), a movieman spotted me and gave me—not them—a bit part in The Troublemakers. I'd like to be a professional singer someday—but I'm not counting on it, so if no one discovers me I won't be disappointed. I am a Bunny at the Playboy clubs in Chicago and New York. In the past I've worked as a hairstylist and waitress.” Working as our Training Bunny at the Playboy Club, busty China was surprised when she, the trainer who shows rookie Bunnies the ropes, was promoted to a position she had never been trained for—Miss August 1964. “For me, one of the biggest benefits of being a Bunny is money. My family was never very poor—but we were never very wealthy, either. As a Bunny, I’ve been able to buy clothes I never dreamed I’d own,” says our first Asian-American Playmate of the Month. “If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be ‘active. ’ I love to roam, and I love to keep busy.” Keeping busy by dating rock legends like Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant to making guest appearances on television shows like The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and in Woody Allen’s movie What’s Up, Tiger Lily?, China will always make time for sports, especially softball. “My windmill pitch is unhittable,” says Miss Lee. “My favorite sports are basketball, baseball, swimming, bowling, table tennis and billiards.” Play along with Playmate China Lee, right here on Playboy.
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United States
