Ken Jeong

{{Infobox comedian

| name = Ken Jeong

| image = Ken Jeong by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| caption = Jeong in 2012

| birth_name = Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|07|13}}

| birth_place = Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

| education ={{ubl|Duke University (BS)|University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (MD)}}

| medium = {{hlist|Stand-up|film|television}}

| genre = {{hlist|Improvisational comedy|sketch comedy|observational comedy}}

| years_active = 1995–present

| notable_works =

| spouse = {{marriage|Tran Ho|2004}}

| children = 2

| website = {{URL|http://kenjeong.com}}

| module ={{Infobox Korean name |child=yes |color=transparent | hangul = 정강조 | hanja = |rr=Jeong Gangjo |mr=Chŏng Kangjo }}

}}

Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong ({{IPAc-en|dʒ|ʌ|ŋ}} {{respell|JUNG}}; {{korean|hangul=정강조}}; born July 13, 1969) is an American stand-up comedian, actor and physician.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ken-jeong-nicki-minaj-vaccine-delta-variant-1235017983/|title=Ken Jeong Debunks Nicki Minaj's Vaccine Claims, Breaks Down Delta Variant on 'Late Late Show'|publisher=|work=hollywoodreporter.com|date=September 21, 2021|access-date=June 11, 2023|author=Ariana Brockington|archive-date=September 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926102620/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ken-jeong-nicki-minaj-vaccine-delta-variant-1235017983/|url-status=live}} He rose to prominence for playing Leslie Chow in The Hangover film series (2009–2013) and Ben Chang in the NBC sitcom Community (2009–2015). He created, wrote and produced the ABC sitcom Dr. Ken (2015–2017), in which he portrays the titular character, and he has appeared in the films Knocked Up (2007), Role Models (2008), Furry Vengeance (2010), The Duff (2015), Ride Along 2 (2016), Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Scoob! (2020) and Tom & Jerry (2021).{{cite news|url=https://www.greensboro.com/life/the-doctor-is-in-films/article_97aa68fc-c5e6-596b-bc82-81a33cf5da16.html|title=The doctor is in — films|last=Lopez|first=Robert|date=June 16, 2009|work=News & Record|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129002030/https://www.greensboro.com/life/the-doctor-is-in-films/article_97aa68fc-c5e6-596b-bc82-81a33cf5da16.html|url-status=live}}

Jeong is a licensed physician in California{{cite web |url=https://search.dca.ca.gov/details/8002/A/65869/833fe63788fbbfdf85673d2f42f77918 |title=Medical Board of California – Licensing details for A 65869 |publisher=dca.can.gov |access-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-date=May 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514153418/https://search.dca.ca.gov/details/8002/A/65869/833fe63788fbbfdf85673d2f42f77918 |url-status=live }} but has since stopped practicing in favor of his acting career.{{cite web|url=http://www.redbookmag.com/fun-contests/celebrity/ken-jeong-interview|title=A Side of Community's Ken Jeong You Haven't Seen|first=Nicole|last=Yorio|work=Redbook|date=May 16, 2011|access-date=January 30, 2014|archive-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220071044/http://www.redbookmag.com/fun-contests/celebrity/ken-jeong-interview|url-status=live}} He appears as a panelist on the American version of the singing competition show The Masked Singer and appeared on the first series of the British version. He also serves as the host of I Can See Your Voice.

Early life and education

Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong was born on July 13, 1969,{{cite web |url=https://journalnow.com/find-your-passion-ken-jeong-tells-uncg-graduates/article_681e11a9-9448-5809-be5d-2b6d2a9a1825.html |title='Find your passion,' Ken Jeong tells UNCG graduates |last=DeCwikiel-Kane |first=Dawn |work=Winston-Salem Journal |date=May 10, 2019 |accessdate=May 9, 2023 |archive-date=May 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509122931/https://journalnow.com/find-your-passion-ken-jeong-tells-uncg-graduates/article_681e11a9-9448-5809-be5d-2b6d2a9a1825.html |url-status=live }}{{cite tweet |number=1547229421647540224 |title=Thanks so much for all the birthday love!!! |last=Jeong |first=Ken |user=kenjeong |date=July 13, 2022 |accessdate=May 9, 2023 }} in Detroit, Michigan, to South Korean immigrant parents, D.K. and Young Jeong. He moved to North Carolina at the age of four,{{cite tweet |number=650861736254291969 |title=born in Detroit, moved to NC when I was 4. My father got his PhD in Economics from Wayne State |last=Jeong |first=Ken |user=kenjeong |date=October 4, 2015 |accessdate=May 9, 2023 }} and was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina.{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Jessica|title=Ken Jeong inspires at UNC-G commencement|work=The Times News|date=May 10, 2019|url=https://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20190510/what-is-your-act-ii-ken-jeong-inspires-at-unc-g-commencement|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101155411/https://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20190510/what-is-your-act-ii-ken-jeong-inspires-at-unc-g-commencement|url-status=dead}}

Jeong attended Walter Hines Page High School, where he participated in the regional quiz bowl, was elected to the student council, and played violin in the school orchestra. He graduated in 1986 at the age of 16, and later went on to receive Greensboro's Youth of the Year award for his achievements.

Jeong began pursuing acting while a sophomore at Duke University. He briefly considered majoring in drama while still continuing his pre-med coursework. He graduated from Duke in 1990 and obtained his M.D. at the UNC School of Medicine in 1995.{{Cite web|url=https://andscape.com/features/ken-jeong-has-degrees-from-both-unc-and-duke-but-where-does-his-loyalty-lie/|title=Ken Jeong has degrees from both UNC and Duke — but where does his loyalty lie?|last=Dodson|first=Aaron|date=March 31, 2017|website=Andscape|language=en-US|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926102648/https://andscape.com/features/ken-jeong-has-degrees-from-both-unc-and-duke-but-where-does-his-loyalty-lie/|url-status=live}} The summer before medical school, he took theater classes at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Career

= 1995–1998: Medical residency =

Jeong's background in theater and improv started while he was still a medical student in North Carolina. He was a regular at open mic nights in the Raleigh-Durham circuit, performing at Charlie Goodnights in Raleigh and Tootie's Durham Comedy Club. He also emceed The Comedy Spot programming series on Duke University campus 1992 and 1993 (produced by his friend Kendrick Jahng) opening for Margaret Cho, Jeff Dunham, and others.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

Jeong completed his residency at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.{{cite web|url=http://iamkoream.com/ken-jeong-is-good-for-us|title=Dr. Ken Jeong|last=Guillermo|first=Emil|date=December 2, 2009|work=Justforlaughs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806090658/http://iamkoream.com/ken-jeong-is-good-for-us/|archive-date=August 6, 2013|access-date=July 18, 2013}}

Jeong won the Big Easy Laff-Off in 1995 while still in residency. NBC president Brandon Tartikoff and The Improv founder Budd Friedman were judges and they both urged Jeong to move to Los Angeles.{{cite web|title=Hangover actor saw his career start in New Orleans – at Ochsner |url=http://blog.nola.com/mikescott/2009/06/ken_jeong_is_a_real.html |website=NOLA.com |access-date=October 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921173238/http://blog.nola.com/mikescott/2009/06/ken_jeong_is_a_real.html |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |url-status=dead}}

= 1998–2006: Physician/comedian =

Jeong moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and practiced medicine for several years as a physician of internal medicine at a Kaiser Permanente hospital in Woodland Hills.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ken-jeong-how-ditch-medicine-817478|title=Ken Jeong: How to Ditch Medicine for a Career in Comedy and Diagnose Castmates|last=Jeong|first=Ken|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 27, 2015|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=August 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829232645/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ken-jeong-how-ditch-medicine-817478|url-status=live}} He began performing regularly at The Improv and Laugh Factory comedy clubs. His stand-up work led to several television appearances, including NBC's The Office, FOX's MADtv, HBO's Entourage, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

In 2002, Jeong landed a spot on Comedy Central's Comic Groove. Jeong was also on Kims of Comedy.{{Citation |last=Vinson |first=Chuck |title=Kims of Comedy |date=September 1, 2005 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0791316/ |type=Comedy |publisher=Special Interest Productions |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926102620/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0791316/ |url-status=live }}

He made his film debut in Judd Apatow's Knocked Up as Dr. Kuni, which proved to be his breakout performance. From that point forward he was able to transition from medicine into a full-time career in the entertainment industry. Jeong gave up the practice in 2006 in favor of his acting career; however, he maintains his medical license and has assisted with medical emergencies during performances and on-set.

= 2006–present: Full-time entertainer =

File:KenJeongMar10.jpg

Early in Jeong's career, he studied with director Natalia Lazarus at the Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory where she coached him for his film debut in Knocked Up. Lazarus coached Jeong from 2006 – 2012 for all of his film and television roles through The Hangover Part II.

Subsequently, he appeared in Step Brothers; Pineapple Express; Role Models as King Argotron; All About Steve; The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard; Couples Retreat; and as Mr. Chow in The Hangover, The Hangover Part II, and The Hangover Part III. He co-starred in Zookeeper, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Crazy Rich Asians.

Jeong played Señor Chang on the NBC sitcom Community and was nominated for the show's "Male Breakout Star" at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards. He was nominated for two 2010 MTV Movie Awards, winning the award for Best WTF Moment and for MTV Movie Award for Best Villain for The Hangover. In fall 2010, Adidas basketball began a wide-ranging marketing campaign in which he starred as "Slim Chin", alongside NBA stars Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose. On May 22, 2011, he hosted the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on ABC{{cite web|url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?fareast_movement_will_perform_at_ken_jeong-hosted_billboard_music_awards_16721.aspx|title=Far*East Movement will perform at Ken Jeong-hosted Billboard Music Awards|publisher=Asia Pacific Arts|date=May 12, 2011|access-date=May 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174445/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?fareast_movement_will_perform_at_ken_jeong-hosted_billboard_music_awards_16721.aspx|archive-date=August 30, 2018|url-status=dead}} and was featured in a Hands Only CPR PSA campaign from the American Heart Association on June 15, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5hP4DIBCEE|title=Ken Jeong AHA Hands-Only CPR video|website=YouTube |date=June 15, 2011|access-date=July 18, 2013}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}

In 2012, it was reported that Jamie Foxx and Jeong have each agreed to star in movies written and produced by the other. Foxx has agreed to take a leading role in the Jeong's buddy comedy After Prom. Jeong, in turn, would star in Foxx's sports comedy All-Star Weekend.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2012-oct-10-la-et-mn-jamie-foxx-and-ken-jeong-agree-to-trade-movies-20121010-story.html |title=Jamie Foxx and Ken Jeong agree to trade movies |website=Los Angeles Times |first=Steven |last=Zeitchik |date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=January 28, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103175416/https://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/10/entertainment/la-et-mn-jamie-foxx-and-ken-jeong-agree-to-trade-movies-20121010 |archive-date=November 3, 2013}} He also started as the voice of Dr. Yap in the animated comedy series Bob's Burgers.

Jeong won a Streamy Award for "Best Guest Appearance" for Burning Love.{{cite web|url=http://www.streamys.org/blog/2012/12/nominations-are-announced-for-3rd-annual-streamy-awards|title=Nominations Are Announced For 3rd Annual Streamy Awards|work=The Streamy Awards|date=December 17, 2012|access-date=July 18, 2013|archive-date=December 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231230941/http://www.streamys.org/blog/2012/12/nominations-are-announced-for-3rd-annual-streamy-awards/|url-status=dead}}

In 2013, he appeared in Michael Bay's Pain & Gain (2013), as Johnny Wu, a motivational speaker.{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ken-jeong-hangover-michael-bay-pain-gain-308842|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Borys|last=Kit|title='Community' Star Ken Jeong Joins Michael Bay's 'Pain and Gain' (Exclusive)|date=April 5, 2012|access-date=July 18, 2013|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522203357/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ken-jeong-hangover-michael-bay-pain-gain-308842|url-status=live}} Later that year, he returned in a significantly expanded role as Mr. Chow in The Hangover Part III.{{cite news|last1=Siegel|first1=Tatiana|last2=Belloni|first2=Matthew|date=July 12, 2012|title=Ken Jeong Signs on for Expanded Role in 'Hangover: Part III' (Exclusive)|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ken-jeong-hangover-3-expanded-role-348694|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=September 7, 2012|archive-date=August 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815115046/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ken-jeong-hangover-3-expanded-role-348694|url-status=live}}

He voiced Kim Ly in the animated film Turbo (2013). In 2015, Jeong starred, wrote, and executive produced the pilot of his new ABC medical comedy, Dr. Ken, as a frustrated HMO doctor juggling his career, marriage, and parenting, but succeeding at none of them. On May 7, 2015, the series was ordered by ABC to debut in the 2015–16 TV season starring Jeong, Suzy Nakamura, Dave Foley, Tisha Campbell, and Jonathan Slavin.{{cite web|url=http://iamkoream.com/abc-orders-ken-jeongs-comedy-dr-ken-to-series/|title=ABC Orders Ken Jeong's Comedy 'Dr. Ken' to Series|date=May 8, 2015|access-date=September 8, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930121603/http://iamkoream.com/abc-orders-ken-jeongs-comedy-dr-ken-to-series/|archive-date=September 30, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/medical-comedy-starring-communitys-ken-770179|title=Medical Comedy Starring 'Community's' Ken Jeong Scores ABC Pilot Order|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 10, 2015|access-date=September 8, 2015|archive-date=February 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212073854/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/medical-comedy-starring-communitys-ken-770179|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/dr-ken/news/updates/dr-ken-series-premiere-20150610 |title=Dr. Ken Series Premiere Date Announced |work=ABC Go |date=June 10, 2015 |access-date=September 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904013942/http://abc.go.com/shows/dr-ken/news/updates/dr-ken-series-premiere-20150610 |archive-date=September 4, 2015 }} The series premiered on October 2, 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.greensboro.com/blogs/gotriad_extra/ken-jeong-was-a-doctor-and-now-he-plays-one/article_791035ac-1d7e-515f-b5af-b4937440e441.html|title=Ken Jeong was a doctor, and now he plays one on TV|last1=Tribune Content Agency|first1=Luaine Lee|date=October 1, 2015|work=Greensboro News & Record|access-date=December 15, 2016}}

In August 2018, Fox cast Jeong as a celebrity panelist on its upcoming music competition series The Masked Singer, based on the South Korean series King of Mask Singer.{{Cite web|last1=Andreeva|first1=Nellie|last2=Petski|first2=Denise|date=August 2, 2018|title=Fox Orders 'The Masked Singer' Celebrity Competition Series With Nick Cannon To Host – Watch The Trailer|url=https://deadline.com/2018/08/fox-orders-the-masked-singer-celebrity-competition-series-south-korean-format-nick-cannon-host-1202438808/|access-date=August 11, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105140936/https://deadline.com/2018/08/fox-orders-the-masked-singer-celebrity-competition-series-south-korean-format-nick-cannon-host-1202438808/|url-status=live}} Additionally, Jeong appeared as a panelist on the first series of the British adaptation of the show. In January 2019, Jeong made a guest appearance on King of Mask Singer, performing "Creep" by Radiohead as the Golden Pig.{{Cite web|title=WATCH: Hollywood star Ken Jeong surprises on Korean tv show 'King of Masked Singer'|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2019/01/14/watch-hollywood-star-ken-jeong-surprises-korean-tv-show-king-masked-singer|access-date=August 11, 2020|website=SBS PopAsia|date=January 14, 2019|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112042811/https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2019/01/14/watch-hollywood-star-ken-jeong-surprises-korean-tv-show-king-masked-singer|url-status=live}}

Jeong's first comedy special, You Complete Me, Ho, was released in 2019 on Netflix.{{cite news |date=February 14, 2019 |title=In His Return To Stand-Up, Ken Jeong Tells His Wife: 'You Complete Me' |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/02/14/694274007/in-his-return-to-stand-up-ken-jeong-tells-his-wife-you-complete-me |publisher=NPR |access-date=May 26, 2019 |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527061646/https://www.npr.org/2019/02/14/694274007/in-his-return-to-stand-up-ken-jeong-tells-his-wife-you-complete-me |url-status=live }} The Epilepsy Foundation issued a statement regarding a joke in the performance that used an inaccurately referenced seizure first aid technique.{{Cite web|title=Epilepsy Foundation Statement on Ken Jeong's Netflix Comedy Special|url=https://www.epilepsy.com/release/2019/2/epilepsy-foundation-statement-ken-jeong%E2%80%99s-netflix-comedy-special|access-date=January 8, 2022|website=Epilepsy Foundation|language=en|archive-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108164606/https://www.epilepsy.com/release/2019/2/epilepsy-foundation-statement-ken-jeong%E2%80%99s-netflix-comedy-special|url-status=dead}}

Jeong was awarded the Visionary Award by East West Players, the oldest Asian Pacific American theatre company in the United States,{{Cite web|url=https://china.usc.edu/behind-curtains-evolution-and-impact-asian-americans-theatre|title=Behind the Curtains: The Evolution and Impact of Asian Americans in Theatre {{!}} US-China Institute|website=china.usc.edu|language=en|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=March 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322051852/https://china.usc.edu/behind-curtains-evolution-and-impact-asian-americans-theatre|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/06/east-west-players-54th-season-bd-wong-the-great-leap-jiehae-park-hannah-and-the-dread-gazebo-1202625686/|title=East West Players Unveils 54th Season Featuring BD Wong-Directed 'The Great Leap', Jiehae Park's 'Hannah And The Dread Gazebo'|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=June 3, 2019|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607083712/https://deadline.com/2019/06/east-west-players-54th-season-bd-wong-the-great-leap-jiehae-park-hannah-and-the-dread-gazebo-1202625686/|url-status=live}} for helping to raise "the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through [his] craft."{{Cite web|url=http://www.eastwestplayers.org/news/east-west-players-51st-anniversary-visionary-awards-dinner-silent-auction-honors-randall-park-and-ken-jeong-on-monday-april-24-2017-at-hilton-universal-city/|title=East West Players' 51st Anniversary Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction Honors Randall Park and Ken Jeong on Monday, April 24, 2017 at Hilton Universal City|last=Wood|first=Ximón|website=East West Players|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415202903/http://www.eastwestplayers.org/news/east-west-players-51st-anniversary-visionary-awards-dinner-silent-auction-honors-randall-park-and-ken-jeong-on-monday-april-24-2017-at-hilton-universal-city/|url-status=dead}}

In February 2020, Fox named Jeong as host and co-executive producer of its upcoming music game show I Can See Your Voice, also based on a South Korean format.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ken-jeong-host-i-can-see-your-voice-fox-masked-singer-1203495339/|title=Fox to Adapt South Korean Game Show I Can See Your Voice, Hosted by Ken Jeong|work=Variety|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=February 6, 2020|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001085400/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ken-jeong-host-i-can-see-your-voice-fox-masked-singer-1203495339/|url-status=live}}

In March 2020, Jeong started a podcast with fellow Community actor Joel McHale, The Darkest Timeline with Ken Jeong & Joel McHale, as a response to the social isolation brought on by COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/934777/joel-mchale-community-movie-darkest-timeline-podcast-reunion-table-read/ |title=Joel McHale on 'Community' Movie Chances, 'The Darkest Timeline' Podcast & Reunion Table Read |last=Darwish |first=Meaghan |date=May 18, 2020 |website=TV Insider |access-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804174038/https://www.tvinsider.com/934777/joel-mchale-community-movie-darkest-timeline-podcast-reunion-table-read/ |url-status=live }} They became the new hosts of Fox's New Year's Eve special New Year's Eve Toast & Roast 2021.{{cite web |last1=Sippell |first1=Margeaux |title=How to Stream Fox's 'New Year's Eve Toast and Roast 2021' With Ken Jeong and Joel McHale |url=https://www.thewrap.com/how-to-stream-fox-new-years-eve-toast-roast-2021-ken-jeong-joel-mchale/ |website=TheWrap |access-date=December 21, 2021 |date=December 31, 2020 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926102720/https://www.thewrap.com/how-to-stream-fox-new-years-eve-toast-roast-2021-ken-jeong-joel-mchale/ |url-status=live }} The second edition was canceled due to the quickly-rising cases of Omicron variant in the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |title=Fox Cancels 'New Year's Eve Toast & Roast 2022' Due To Omicron |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/fox-cancels-new-years-eve-toast-roast-2022-omicron-1234900578/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=December 21, 2021 |date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222030924/https://deadline.com/2021/12/fox-cancels-new-years-eve-toast-roast-2022-omicron-1234900578/ |url-status=live }} He also voiced Dynomutt in the Scooby-Doo animated film Scoob!.

In July 2021, Jeong appeared with Joel McHale as a guest judge on Crime Scene Kitchen.{{Cite web|date=July 14, 2021|title='Crime Scene Kitchen': Guest Judge Ken Jeong Steals Joel McHale's Thunder (Exclusive Video)|url=https://www.thewrap.com/crime-scene-kitchen-ken-jeong-joel-mchale-opera-torte-video/|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=TheWrap|language=en-US|archive-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716142120/https://www.thewrap.com/crime-scene-kitchen-ken-jeong-joel-mchale-opera-torte-video/|url-status=live}} Also in 2021, Jeong provided the voice of Sprout Cloverleaf in the Netflix animated film My Little Pony: A New Generation.{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=Netflix's Animated 'My Little Pony' Movie Gets A Title And A Release Date; Voice Cast Revealed – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/eone-sells-my-little-pony-feature-to-netflix-1234692956 |website=Deadline |access-date=July 1, 2021 |date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630223857/https://deadline.com/2021/06/eone-sells-my-little-pony-feature-to-netflix-1234692956/ |url-status=dead }}

In April 2022, Jeong walked off the show The Masked Singer after Rudy Giuliani was revealed as the latest singer on the show. Jeong was seen saying "I'm done," before walking off the show.{{Cite web |last1=Stump |first1=Scott |title=Ken Jeong walks off 'The Masked Singer' after Rudy Giuliani reveal |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/ken-jeong-masked-singer-rudy-giuliani-reveal-rcna25344 |website=Today |access-date=April 21, 2022 |date=April 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926102621/https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/ken-jeong-masked-singer-rudy-giuliani-reveal-rcna25344 |url-status=live }}

In October 2023, it was announced that Jeong would host a syndicated talk show developed by Debmar-Mercury.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ken-jeong-syndicated-talk-show-1235618173/ |title=Ken Jeong to Headline Syndicated Talk Show |last=Porter |first=Rick |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 13, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013230914/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ken-jeong-syndicated-talk-show-1235618173/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023}} Jeong and Jim Biederman will serve as the show's executive producers and it was originally set to premiere in 2024.{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/ken-jeong-headlining-daytime-talk-show/ |title=Ken Jeong to Headline His Own Talk Show |last=Wang |first=Jessica |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 16, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702065351/https://ew.com/tv/ken-jeong-headlining-daytime-talk-show/ |archive-date=July 2, 2024}} He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that same year.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

In April 2025, it was confirmed that Jeong would star in a Fox comedy project. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/ken-jeong-star-fox-comedy-senator-barbara-boxer-1236341704/

Personal life

Jeong's wife Tran Ho is Vietnamese-American and a family physician.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-jeong/mothers-day-for-my-wife_b_858775.html|title=For My Wife, in Celebration of Mother's Day|first=Ken|last=Jeong|date=May 7, 2011|access-date=September 25, 2019|publisher=Huffington Post|archive-date=May 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509173223/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-jeong/mothers-day-for-my-wife_b_858775.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Deerwester|first=Jayme|title=Ken Jeong transitions from doctor to in-demand jokester|work=USA Today|date=September 3, 2009|url=http://iamkoream.com/ken-jeong-is-good-for-us/#comment-4016|access-date=July 18, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806090658/http://iamkoream.com/ken-jeong-is-good-for-us/#comment-4016|archive-date=August 6, 2013}}{{cite web|author=Margarita|title=Dr. Ken Jeong Thanks Wife Dr. Tran Ho During MTV Movie Awards|url=http://spotlight.vitals.com/2010/06/dr-ken-jeong-wife-dr-tran-ho-mtv-movie-awards|work=Vitals|date=June 7, 2010|access-date=July 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922120019/http://spotlight.vitals.com/2010/06/dr-ken-jeong-wife-dr-tran-ho-mtv-movie-awards/|archive-date=September 22, 2013|url-status=dead}} They have twin daughters (born 2007). Jeong and his family reside in Calabasas, California.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-ken-jeong-calabasas-house-20161019-snap-story.html|title=Comedian Ken Jeong buys an upgraded home in Calabasas for $3.95 million|date=October 19, 2016|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805024423/https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-ken-jeong-calabasas-house-20161019-snap-story.html|url-status=live}} Jeong is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he regularly appears at Dodger Stadium as both a fan and honorary member of their in-park host crew.{{cite web | url=https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/jeong-ball-talking-baseball-with-community-comedian-e469bca194e | title=Jeong Ball: Talking baseball with 'Community' comedian | date=October 26, 2016 }} He is also a huge Duke basketball and football fan.

Jeong and his close friend and Community co-star Joel McHale{{Cite web |title=15: S1E15 – A Conversation with Very Special Guest Ken Jeong – Six Seasons & a Podcast |url=https://sixseasonspodcast.com/15-s1e15-a-conversation-with-very-special-guest-ken-jeong/ |access-date=June 4, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926102728/https://sixseasonspodcast.com/15-s1e15-a-conversation-with-very-special-guest-ken-jeong/ |url-status=live }} have hosted a podcast together titled The Darkest Timeline.{{Cite web |last=Calvario |first=Liz |date=April 17, 2020 |title=Joel McHale Talks 'Community' Movie and His 'Darkest Timeline' Podcast With Ken Jeong (Exclusive) |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/joel-mchale-talks-community-movie-and-his-darkest-timeline-podcast-with-ken-jeong-exclusive/603-f66e3ac9-6c3f-483f-b0db-6bf893c42b48 |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926102621/https://www.kare11.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/joel-mchale-talks-community-movie-and-his-darkest-timeline-podcast-with-ken-jeong-exclusive/603-f66e3ac9-6c3f-483f-b0db-6bf893c42b48 |url-status=live }}

Filmography

References

External links

{{Official website}}
{{IMDb name|0421822|Ken Jeong}}
{{YouTube|channel=thedarkesttimelinewithkenj4341|title=The Darkest Timeline with Ken Jeong & Joel McHale}}

Category:1969 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century American comedians

Category:20th-century American male actors

Category:20th-century American physicians

Category:21st-century American comedians

Category:21st-century American male actors

Category:21st-century American physicians

Category:American comedians of Korean descent

Category:American game show hosts

Category:American male actors of Korean descent

Category:American male comedians