Lee-Roy Wright is a dynamic media personality, PR entrepreneur and travel adventurer whose journey from a small town to national television is nothing short of inspiring. He shares how his creative journey has been shaped.
Known for his versatility and resilience, Lee-Roy has seamlessly moved between television, radio, corporate PR and digital media – always evolving, staying true to his creative calling.
A small town dreamer
Originally from the small town of Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, Lee-Roy has carved out an inspiring career in television, radio and media, but his journey started humbly and with heart.
Lee-Roy matriculated in Uitenhage in 2006. It was during this final year of school that his dreams slowly began to take shape in ways he could never have imagined.
‘Back in the day, I was obsessed with kids’ TV. I used to watch presenters like Hulisani Ravele and Roxy Burger and told myself that I could also do it.
One day, he stumbled across a show on SABC 2 called World of Winners, which was looking for a guest presenter. Lee-Roy sent in his profile.
‘It was a big deal for someone so young, from a tiny town that didn’t even have a cinema or a Woolworths,’ he says.
He was selected as one of the finalists and had to make his way to Johannesburg.
‘I was still in matric and didn’t know if my parents would pay for the flight. I begged them. It was just for a week, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and luckily they said yes.’
That week changed everything.
‘I realised this is where I belong and what I want to do,’ says Lee-Roy. He spoke to the producers, who told him they were launching a new show and they wanted to give him a chance.
‘I flew back home and told my parents about the opportunity, and this was just after being accepted to study at Rhodes University,’ he shares.
Soon after, the whole family flew to Johannesburg to meet the producers.
‘Next thing, it was actually happening. I moved to Joburg. I didn’t know anyone, didn’t have a driver’s licence and still had to write my matric finals.’
The move was a leap out of his comfort zone. Lee-Roy began learning about television and production, but a few months later, the show he was meant to join was cancelled.
‘I was left not knowing what to do,’ he admits. He asked the producers to put him on World of Winners, and they agreed, but he was struggling.
Seeing how much he was going through, his family made a huge decision: they left everything to move to Joburg to support him.
‘They even took my younger brother, who’s eight years younger than me, out of school. I’ll forever be grateful for their care and sacrifice.’
When World of Winners eventually ended, Lee-Roy felt pressure to make everything work and not just for himself but for his family, too. He called around to production companies but had no luck until he contacted the team from Craze on e.tv.
Two weeks later, the call came; they needed a new presenter.
Lee-Roy went on to study a BA in audio and visual communication at the University of Johannesburg. He also worked at 947 radio station.
A versatile voice in media
Over the years, he made bold moves from radio to TV, to PR and even corporate.
‘These fields are similar but different, and each one satisfies a different part of who I am,’ he says. ‘I call myself a chameleon because I adapt to whatever the role requires.’
Although the early days were tough, Lee-Roy looks back with pride on his journey.
‘Doing kids’ TV has been a beautiful journey. I believe the real magic happens when you’re out of your comfort zone, you just have to keep pushing.’
He remains deeply grateful to his family for their unwavering support. In fact, it was only in November last year, after 17 years in Johannesburg, that they moved back to the Eastern Cape.
Today, he visits them every second month.
Life has taught Lee-Roy to appreciate simplicity. ‘All my life it’s been go, go, go. But now I realise that less is more. I’m happiest just sitting in my garden, existing.’
He reflects: ‘You can spend your whole life building something, only to find that the true treasure is in the simple things.’
Lee-Roy’s love for nature runs deep.
‘I recently visited Ivory Tree Game Lodge and felt so at peace. There’s something magical about feeling small in such a vast, beautiful space. I’d also drop everything for my dogs.
A full circle and new adventures
After a nine-year break from television, Lee-Roy has returned to the screen.
‘I wasn’t going to give up one thing for another. They say when one door closes, another opens, but I believe you can do it all with the right time management,’ he says. ‘God won’t give you something you can’t handle.’
When the chance came to present a segment on The Morning Show on e.tv, it felt like a full-circle moment.
‘e.tv was the channel that groomed me, and returning felt like a homecoming.
He adds: ‘Being a breakfast show host is one of the pinnacles of TV and radio. It still shocks me – what comes next?’
Though the show has since ended, Lee-Roy is proud to have been part of something so significant.
‘I love TV. It’s a defining pillar of my life. It brought me to Johannesburg and opened up so many other opportunities.
‘Hosting The Morning Show SA was refreshing. I got to wake up a nation and carry the responsibility of the show, I don’t take that lightly.
‘The industry is tough and you always have to be on top of your game, but I’ve never had regrets. I feel blessed.’
Before The Morning Show ended, he and his two co-hosts began thinking about their next move. This led to the idea of launching their own online channel.
‘It’s the perfect time. There’s a part of me I need to release and this will allow me to do just that.’
Festive joy and wanderlust
With the festive season approaching, he shares his love for the holidays, so much so that he starts decorating in November.
‘I think I got that from my mum! I already have my Shein cart ready, or I pop into Mr Price Home. I change the theme every year – last year was red and gold, this year I’m thinking pastel.’
The holidays make him feel magical.
‘I always try to go away early in December, so I can still spend the actual holidays with family.’
His favourite local destinations are anywhere near the bush.
‘I love the Pilanesberg and Cape Town, but I have to give props to the Eastern Cape – it’s calm and peaceful.’
Internationally, Lee-Roy adores Italy and France.
‘For my 30th birthday, I went to Rome and Paris. Since then, I’ve been to Paris four times, and I don’t know why, but I’ll always choose it. Even though it’s not always clean or perfect, I feel butterflies when I’m there. The architecture is stunning.’
One of his most memorable trips was in 2014, when he went to Paris to interview the cast of The Amazing Spider-Man.
‘I’m the biggest fan – I even have a Spider-Man tattoo above my ankle to remember that moment.’
He returned the following year as South Africa’s ambassador for The Smurfs movie.
He’s yet to see the whales in Hermanus, and hopes that will be his next adventure.
Balance, boundaries and what’s next?
Outside of work, Lee-Roy enjoys a game of padel, going to the movies, concerts, hikes and visiting the Montecasino Bird Gardens.
He’s also planning an upcoming trip to Dullstroom with friends and their dogs. ‘
Looking ahead, Lee-Roy is embracing some downtime and staying open to what’s next. ‘I’ve reignited my TV journey years, and it’s not over.’
He’s excited about his role in PR and what lies ahead in the corporate space.
Whether he’s behind the mic, in front of the camera, crafting campaigns or exploring the bushveld and cobbled streets of Europe, Lee-Roy approaches life with curiosity and imagination. Lee-Roy remains a reminder that when you lead with creativity and an open heart, the world opens up in return.
Text: DESNAY PETERSON. Photo: KEVIN MARK PASS
