Actress Greta Lee, known for her roles in "Past Lives" and "The Morning Show," recently shared insights into her personal inspirations and passions, offering a glimpse into the elements that shape her daily life and creative pursuits. Speaking from California ahead of the release of her sci-fi thriller “The Last House,” Lee reflected on a range of interests, from the intimate influence of her upbringing to new experiences shaping her adult life.

Raised in a household where flowers were a prominent feature, Lee credits her mother’s love for them as a formative aspect of her childhood. She describes growing up surrounded by flowers—drawing, painting, and arranging them—and has since developed her own connection, cultivating flower beds with the intention of incorporating fresh blooms into her routine.

Minimalist by nature when it comes to accessories, Lee highlighted her admiration for the handcrafted sculptural silver jewelry designed by a Korean artisan behind the House of Shiffon line in Seoul. She visited the designer’s atelier and was struck by the meticulous handcrafting process, which aligns with her appreciation for thoughtful, artful details.

Lee also shared her fascination with Seoul’s Dongmyo Flea Market, a place she described as unlike any she had previously encountered. Noting the unique fashion blend of traditional Korean hanboks mixed with punk rock elements worn by the market’s elderly patrons, she said the combination left a strong impression.

Her connection to water has deepened significantly through training for “The Last House,” which involved extensive scuba certification and breath-holding techniques to handle underwater filming. She remarked that these skills have transformed her relationship with the ocean, allowing her to enjoy the water more fully during vacation.

Lee described a newfound appreciation for Martha Stewart, particularly after Stewart’s recent reissue of her iconic book “Entertaining.” She admires Stewart’s enduring influence and physical approach to gardening, linking it to her own lifestyle.

A fan of music engagement, Lee mentioned the Music League app, which operates like a shared mixtape with anonymous song submissions and voting among a group, broadening her musical exploration.

In Brooklyn, the demands of family life have encouraged Lee to bike not only for leisure but as a practical means of transportation while managing her children, through which she gains a closer understanding of urban life.

Challenging social conventions around age and appearance, Lee has embraced growing her hair long again at 43, a decision motivated in part by sharing the experience with her eldest son who also wears his hair long.

Culinary interests have also evolved. Although pies were not a staple of her Korean American upbringing, Lee credits friends with introducing her to pie baking, appreciating the simplicity and camaraderie involved, especially noting a foolproof pie-crust recipe by cook Alison Roman.

At a more philosophical level, Lee reflected on the concept of existence inspired by Alan Lightman’s essay “The Ordinary Miracle of Existing,” which underscores the statistical rarity of any individual’s life. She values this perspective as a guiding principle for herself and as a lesson to share with her children, emphasizing the preciousness of life.

Additionally, Lee recounted a bold theatrical moment from her latest project “Late Fame,” where she performed the song “Surabaya Johnny” in a bar scene, embracing vulnerability and spontaneity in front of an audience of actors, most of whom were men.

Through these varied interests and experiences, Greta Lee portrays a multifaceted outlook on creativity, family, and the everyday moments that enrich her life.