Ken Jeong Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth

Wiki Biography

Wiki Biography:

Original Name:

Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong

Nickname:

Ken Jeong

Born:

13/07/1969

Birth Place:

Detroit, Michigan, United States

Profession(s):

Actor
Comedian
Producer
Physician

Physical Anatomy:

Body Type:

Average

Figure Measurements (Approx):

38-32-34

Height (Approx) in cm:

5’5” (165 cm)

Weight (Approx) in KG:

64 kg (141 lbs)

Eye Colour:

Dark brown

Hair Colour:

Brown

Ken Jeong Childhood and Background:

Birth: Born on August 13, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Family: Of South Korean descent; his family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, when he was young.
Education:
- Attended Walter Hines Page High School in Greensboro.
- An honors student during his school years.
College:
- Completed medical school and became a licensed physician specializing in internal medicine.
Comedy Interest:
- Passionate about comedy from a young age.
Early Life:
- Born to a South Korean immigrant family, his father, D.K. Jeong, was a businessman, and his mother, Young Jeong, was a homemaker.
- Raised in a tight-knit family with a strong emphasis on education and discipline.
Academic Excellence:
- Ken was an exceptionally bright student in his early years, excelling in academics.
- He was also involved in extracurricular activities like theater, which sparked his interest in acting and comedy.
Medical Career:
- Despite his passion for comedy, Jeong remained committed to his medical career. He became a licensed physician, practicing internal medicine in North Carolina before transitioning to Hollywood full-time.
- He worked as a doctor while pursuing stand-up comedy on the side.
Comedy Beginnings:
- Began his comedy career in North Carolina, performing in local clubs and quickly gaining recognition for his unique comedic style.
- Moved to Los Angeles in the late ’90s to pursue acting and comedy full-time.

Private life:

Home Town:

Greensboro, North Carolina

Nationality:

American

Age:

55 Years

Ethnicity:

Korean-American

Caste:

General

Favorite Hobbies:

Stand-up comedy, music, and travel

Likes/Dislikes:

Likes: Comedy, family time, and acting

Dislikes: Disrespect and intolerance

Tattoo(s):

None

Food choice:

Non-Vegetarian

Now Address:

Los Angeles, California

Relationships and More:

Marital Status:

Married

Marriage Date:

01/09/2004

Girlfriends/Affairs:

Tran Ho (Physician)

Ken Jeong Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth

Family & Relatives:

Spouse/Wife:

Tran Ho (Physician)

Children’s:

Two

Son:

None

Daughter:

Twin daughters, Zooey and Alexa (born in 2007)

Father:

D.K. Jeong (Economics Professor)

Mother:

Young Jeong

Brother:

None

Sister:

None

Top choices:

Preferred Actor(s):

Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy

Preferred Actresses:

Meryl Streep, Sandra Oh

Confection:

Dark Chocolate

Preferred Food:

Korean BBQ

Fruit:

Mango

Top Travel Choice:

South Korea, Japan

Favourite Collection:

Cars Collection:

Tesla Model X, Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Bike Collection:

Not a biking enthusiast

Financial Aspect:

Approx Salary:

$5 million per year (estimated)

Properties/Assets:

Luxurious home in Los Angeles

Net Worth (Approximate):

$14 million

Rarely Discussed Facts about Ken Jeong:

Does Ken Jeong Drink Alcohol: Occasionally
Does Ken Jeong Smoke: No

Medical Degree:
- Before becoming a Hollywood star, Ken Jeong was a licensed physician. He earned his M.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and practiced medicine in North Carolina, specializing in internal medicine.
Comedy Career Before Hollywood:
- Jeong began doing stand-up comedy in his late 20s while working as a physician. Despite his medical career, he was always passionate about comedy.
Became a Doctor for Practical Reasons:
- Ken Jeong’s parents pressured him to pursue a stable career, leading him to study medicine. However, he always knew he wanted to do comedy and decided to balance both until he made his big break in Hollywood.
Stands Out for Representation:
- As one of the few Asian-American actors in mainstream comedy roles, Ken Jeong has discussed the importance of representation in Hollywood. His ability to break out of stereotypical roles has been influential for Asian Americans in the industry.
Worked With His Wife on Dr. Ken:
- On his TV show Dr. Ken (2015–2017), Ken’s wife, Tran Ho, made an appearance. She played the role of his character’s wife, showcasing their real-life connection onscreen.
Experience with Cancer:
- His wife, Tran Ho, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, and Ken helped care for her through her battle with the disease. This personal experience deeply influenced his advocacy for cancer awareness and health causes.
His Breakthrough Came Late:
- Ken Jeong didn’t achieve mainstream fame until his late 30s. Despite his talent and years of work, he had to wait until his 40s for his breakout role in The Hangover.
Training in Theater:
- Though he pursued medicine, Ken Jeong had a strong background in theater during his high school and college years. He performed in plays and even participated in Duke University’s improv group, showcasing his early affinity for performance.
A Fan of Hip-Hop:
- Ken Jeong has expressed his love for hip-hop and has appeared in various comedic rap performances, demonstrating his versatility in blending humor with musical elements.
A Former Game Show Contestant:
- Ken appeared on The Weakest Link in the early 2000s before gaining fame, competing as a contestant. Though he didn’t win, it shows his interest in being a part of different kinds of entertainment formats early in his career.
Surprise Talent: Piano Player:
- Ken is also an accomplished pianist, a skill that he has kept relatively low-key. He often surprises friends and colleagues with his musical abilities, adding yet another layer to his multifaceted talents.
Unique Audition for Community:
- When he auditioned for Community, he wasn’t just competing with other actors; his medical background was actually mentioned as a unique selling point. His character, Ben Chang, was originally written as a more “normal” person, but Jeong’s offbeat comedic energy led the role to evolve into something more bizarre and memorable.

Career:

Early Career and Medicine:
- Ken Jeong earned his medical degree (M.D.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after graduating from Duke University with a degree in biology. Despite being an accomplished student and doctor, Jeong was passionate about comedy, which led him to start doing stand-up comedy while practicing medicine.
- Initially, Jeong worked as an internist and practiced medicine in North Carolina. However, he always pursued his love for comedy and would perform at open mics and local clubs during his free time.
Move to Los Angeles and Comedy Breakthrough:
- In the late ’90s, Jeong moved to Los Angeles to focus more on comedy and acting. He initially worked in stand-up comedy clubs while still keeping his medical career in the background.
- He appeared in notable shows like The Office, Gilmore Girls, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he gained recognition for his unique comic timing and delivery.
Breakthrough Role in The Hangover (2009):
- Jeong’s career reached new heights when he was cast in The Hangover (2009) as “Mr. Chow,” a character who would become iconic in comedy film history. His portrayal of the wild and unpredictable criminal played a major part in the film’s success.
- His wild antics, especially the scene where he appears in a police car naked, became one of the most memorable moments of the movie. The success of the film led to Jeong reprising his role in The Hangover Part II (2011) and The Hangover Part III (2013).
Transition to Television – Community (2009–2015):
- In the same year that The Hangover premiered, Jeong was cast in the NBC sitcom Community, where he played Ben Chang, an eccentric and often unpredictable Spanish teacher. His portrayal of Chang was central to the show’s comedic dynamic, and Jeong became known for his larger-than-life, absurd character.
- Community became a cult hit and developed a loyal fanbase, with Jeong’s role as Chang receiving particular praise for his comic performances. The show ran for six seasons, and Jeong’s work became one of the standout features of the show.
Film Roles and Success:
- Post-The Hangover, Jeong went on to appear in several successful films. In Crazy Rich Asians, Jeong played the role of the bride’s father, delivering a hilarious and memorable performance.
- Known for his sharp comedic timing and willingness to embrace quirky and outrageous roles, Jeong became a go-to actor for supporting comedic parts in both mainstream and indie films.
Television Career – Dr. Ken (2015–2017):
- In 2015, Ken Jeong got his own TV sitcom, Dr. Ken, which aired on ABC. In the series, Jeong played a fictionalized version of himself, a doctor who balances his medical career with his desire to be a comedian. The show was inspired by Jeong’s own experiences in both fields, combining medical and comedic elements.
- The show ran for two seasons before being canceled, but it marked a significant point in Jeong’s career, as he became a leading man in his own series after years of supporting roles.
Hosting and Reality TV – The Masked Singer (2019–Present):
- Jeong’s career expanded into reality TV when he became a judge on the popular show The Masked Singer in 2019. His infectious enthusiasm and comedic chemistry with fellow judges made him a fan favorite.
- On the show, Jeong brings his unique humor, often engaging in playful banter and trying to unmask the contestants while entertaining viewers with his wild guesses and infectious energy. His presence has contributed significantly to the show’s popularity.
Philanthropy and Advocacy:
- Ken Jeong has used his platform to advocate for cancer awareness. His wife, Tran Ho, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, and Jeong became a major support system during her treatment. This experience has inspired him to get involved in supporting cancer research and advocating for healthcare-related issues.
- Jeong is also passionate about Asian American representation in Hollywood. He frequently speaks out about the importance of diversity and inclusion in entertainment and has become a trailblazer for Asian actors in mainstream comedy roles.
Voice Acting and Other Ventures:
- In addition to his live-action roles, Jeong has ventured into voice acting, providing voices for animated shows and films. He voiced characters in The Family Guy, Tuca & Bertie, and played The Penguin in The Lego Batman Movie (2017).
- His voice acting work extends to video games, where he voiced characters in popular franchises like Mass Effect.
Recent Projects and Career Expansion:
- Ken Jeong has continued to build his career by taking on a variety of projects across films, television, and voice work. He remains an active presence in the entertainment industry, securing roles in movies like The Afterparty (2022) and others.
- Jeong’s ability to balance various roles in acting, voice acting, and hosting has solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile comedic talents in Hollywood.

Controversies:

“Mr. Chow” Character in The Hangover Series

Controversy: Character seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Asian men.
Response: Jeong defended the character as an over-the-top comedic portrayal meant for humor and argued that it helped open doors for more Asian actors in Hollywood.

Ken Jeong Comments About Race and Stereotyping

Controversy: Some roles portrayed characters that fit into the “crazy” or “wild” stereotypes of Asian men.
Response: Jeong stated that he sought to push back against these stereotypes, portraying Asian characters in more dynamic and unpredictable ways.

Insensitive Jokes on Social Media

Controversy: A 2015 tweet mocking the “straight pride” movement sparked backlash for being inflammatory.
Response: Jeong clarified that his comments were satirical, intended to point out the absurdity of certain political movements, and emphasized his commitment to inclusivity.

Dr. Ken and Its Cultural Sensitivity

Controversy: The show was criticized for leaning on cultural stereotypes regarding Asian families and the medical profession.
Response: Jeong explained that Dr. Ken was based on his own experiences and aimed to address relatable issues, while offering a nuanced portrayal of Asian-American identity.

Concerns Over Sexual Harassment Allegations in Hollywood

Controversy: The broader #MeToo movement raised concerns about Hollywood’s handling of misconduct, though Jeong was not personally involved in allegations.
Response: Jeong supported efforts for inclusivity and equality, advocating for better working conditions and diversity in the industry.

Portrayal of LGBTQ+ Characters in Comedy

- Controversy: Some early portrayals in Jeong’s roles were criticized for reinforcing LGBTQ+ stereotypes.
- Response: Jeong acknowledged the evolving nature of comedy and expressed his commitment to more inclusive and respectful representations in future work.

Social Network:

Instagram:

Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong Instagram

X (Formarly lnown as Twitter):

Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong X (Formarly lnown as Twitter)

Facebook:

Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong Facebook

Wikipedia:

Wikipedia

IMDB:

IMDB

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