He began as a boxer, but left that profession at the age of 21. He rose to fame during the 1990s in his home country, becoming noted for his loud, highly-perspirant, energetic on-stage performances and very physical, observational comedy. His father, Dave Evans, was a popular entertainer in the working men's clubs. Because of his father's constant travel from gig to gig, Lee found it very hard to settle in school, as he would always be the new kid.

He is married to Heather Evans (they married when Lee was only 17 in 1981), and they have a daughter, Molly (Born 1989).

Lee's big break in comedy came in 1988 at the Edinburgh Festival, he would return in 1993 when he won the Perrier Comedy Award.

He also appears regularly on stage, including an appearance as "Clov" in the West End play Endgame, in late 2004. Evans performed as Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks' musical, The Producers, and will tour once again in 2005.

Evans has made a number of film appearances, most notably in Mousehunt, There's Something About Mary, The Fifth Element The Martins and The Medallion.

In November 2005, Evans broke the world record for a solo act performing to the biggest comedy audience. Evans played to 10,108 people at the Manchester Evening News Arena (see ).

Evans has released his XL Tour DVD in 2005 featuring his act at the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff.

One of the trademarks of Evans performances is his sweatiness; during most of his headlining performances, he will often have to take an intermission, during which he will change into a completely different suit. At the end of each half of his performances, he will usually be drenched in his own sweat. Many consider this a testament to his workmanship.