Lees Family Genealogy & History

Joanne Rachael Lees, born on 25 September 1973, is a British author and social worker known for surviving an attempted abduction in Australia. Her partner, Peter Falconio, was tragically murdered during the incident. Lees played a crucial role as the chief crown witness in the trial that led to the conviction of Bradley John Murdoch for Falconio's murder. She later penned "No Turning Back," recounting her harrowing experience, which was adapted into a television film. Lees has also appeared in high-profile interviews to raise awareness about the case.

Joanne Lees spent her early years in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, living with her mother, Jenny, and stepfather, Vincent, along with her stepbrother, Sam. Her early life involved various part-time jobs before a career in travel services.

Nathaniel Lees, born Maiava Nathaniel Lees on 20 July 1952, is a prominent New Zealand theatre and film actor of Samoan descent. Known for his roles in "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions" as Captain Mifune, he also appeared in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" as Uglúk. Lees has made significant contributions to Pacific theatre in New Zealand, earning the Senior Pacific Artist Award at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards in 2004. His career spans numerous roles in TV series such as "Young Hercules" and "Power Rangers Jungle Fury," and he has directed award-winning plays like "Think of a Garden" and "A Frigate Bird Sings."

Paris Lees is a pioneering English author, journalist, presenter, and campaigner renowned for her advocacy and influential role in the LGBT community. As the first transgender columnist for Vogue and the first trans woman to present on BBC Radio 1 and Channel 4, Lees has made significant strides in media representation. Her career highlights include topping The Independent on Sunday's Pink List in 2013, contributing to various prominent publications, and publishing her debut book, "What It Feels Like For a Girl," in 2021. Lees is also celebrated for her activism, notably challenging transphobic narratives and working to improve media coverage of transgender issues.

Born in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, Paris Lees was raised by her mother, Sally, and father, Daren Lees, who worked as a bouncer. Her parents separated when she was a baby, and her upbringing was supported by her aunt and grandmother. Facing various challenges in her early life, Lees eventually moved to Brighton to pursue her education and gender transition, which marked the beginning of her journey into public advocacy and media presence.

Alex Lees, born Alexander Zak Lees on April 14, 1993, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, is a prominent English cricketer known for his role as a left-handed opening batsman. He represents Durham in domestic cricket, captaining their List A and T20 teams, and has played internationally for the England Test cricket team since his debut in 2022. Lees began his cricket journey with Bradshaw Cricket Club and quickly rose through the ranks, playing for Yorkshire and later Durham. His career is marked by significant achievements, including scoring a double century at a young age and forming a successful opening partnership with Adam Lyth that contributed to Yorkshire's County Championship victories in 2014 and 2015.