Ken Jeong

Actor, producer and writer Ken Jeong, known for his scene stealing abilities, has established himself as one of today’s top comedic stars. In May of 2009, Jeong appeared as the Asian-mobster “Mr. Chow” in the sleeper-hit comedy The Hangover also starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis, which earned him 3 Teen Choice Nominations and an MTV Movie Award. The film was the highest-grossing R-rated comedy to date, with over $467 million worldwide, only to be trumped by The Hangover 2, which grossed $581 million worldwide. 

Since his feature film debut playing the doctor in Knocked Up in 2007, Jeong has gone on to a number of memorable roles in a series of successful comedies. In 2008, Jeong had his first major role opposite Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott as the villain in Judd Appatow’s Role Models, which went on to gross $219 million at the worldwide box office. That same year he also appeared in the cult comedy hits Pineapple Express and Step Brothers. 

Jeong’s career path started off on a different course. He earned his undergraduate degree at Duke University and went on to get his medical degree at the University of North Carolina. Jeong completed his Internal Medicine residency in New Orleans all the while developing his comedy. In 1995, Jeong won the Big Easy Laff Off. The competition, which was judged by former NBC President Brandon Tartikoff and Improv founder Bud Friedman, turned out to be his big break as Tartikoff and Friedman urged Jeong to head to Los Angeles.

Once in Los Angeles, he began performing regularly at the Improv and Laugh Factory, and was seen on a number of television shows including The Office, Entourage, and MADtv.  It wasn’t until he caught Judd Apatow’s eye, who cast him as “Dr. Kuni” in Knocked Up, that he solidified himself as a feature film actor. 

In 2006, Jeong and fellow comedian Mike O’Connell also left a mark on YouTube, as “Million Dollar Strong,” a spoof rap duo. Since the video’s posting in 2006, the video has garnered over 1 million views.

In 2011, Jeong reprised his role of Mr. Chow in the summer blockbuster, The Hangover 2. Following up on the success of The Hangover, the much anticipated sequel surpassed expectations in every way, already grossing almost 600 million dollars and beating The Hangover, while setting box office records for R-rated films. He was then seen in the 3rd installment of The Hangover 3, which showcased his meatiest performance to date. The film went on to gross almost 400 million worldwide. Other film credits for Jeong include The Duff, Transformers 3, Despicable Me 2, Ride Along 2 and Norm of the North. Upcoming films include: Crazy Rich Asians, Elsewhere, Departures, Saving Zoe and Amusement Park.

In television, Jeong was mostly recently seen starring on ABC’s Dr. Ken, which he also created, wrote for and was an Executive Producer. He also was a series regular on the critically acclaimed NBC show Community from 2009-2015. The cast won a TV Guide Award for Favorite Ensemble in 2012. In 2015, Jeong directed an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Student Athlete and he also produced the Sundance award winning film Advantageous, which received a Film Independent Spirit Award nomination.

Jeong spends a lot of his off time volunteering with Stand Up 2 Cancer, which is a cause very dear to his heart.

He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and twin daughters.