Ken Jeong is best known for his comedic performances in projects such as The Hangover and Community. He is also a stand-up comedian and has also worked as a producer and writer in a few projects. Jeong is also a licensed physician but has stopped practicing to further his acting career.
Due to his interesting career trajectory, many people are interested in knowing more about Ken Jeong. Here we will take a detailed look at Ken’s childhood, educational background, family life and more.
Where Is Ken Jeong From?
The Community star was born Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong in Detroit, Michigan, on July 13, 1969. Ken Jeong’s parents, Young Jeong and D.K. Jeong are South Korean immigrants. His father was a professor of economics at North Carolina A&T State University, having received his Ph.D. in economics from Wayne State University.
Ken himself is a Duke University graduate where he completed his pre-med studies. He graduated in 1990 and then obtained his M.D. in 1995 from UNC School of Medicine. But before he joined medical school, Jeong took theater classes at UCLA.
As for his high school studies, Jeong attended the Walter Hines Page High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He participated in the regional quiz bowl while in high school and was also elected to the student council. Furthermore, Ken used to play violin in his school’s orchestra.
Where Did Ken Jeong Practice His Medicine Career?
Following his graduation from UNC School of Medicine, Ken completed his residency in internal medicine at New Orleans’ Ochsner Medical Center. He then moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and practiced medicine there. He worked as a physician of internal medicine at Kaiser Permanente hospital in Woodland Hills.
However, after finding success with his performing career, Ken stopped practicing medicine in 2006. But he reportedly maintains his medical license and assists with medical emergencies during his time on set. Moreover, he has also showcased his medical knowledge in some of his on screen projects.
How Did Ken Joeng’s Performing Career Start?
The Detroit native had been interested in the performing arts world since he was young and even took theater classes the summer before attending medical school. And while completing his medical coursework, Ken also did theater and improv. He regularly performed at open mic nights in various establishments and clubs in the Raleigh-Durham circuit.
Joeng continued performing on stage throughout his residency in New Orleans. He also won the 1995 Big Easy Laff-Off competition, judged by Brandon Tartikoff, former NBC President and Budd Friedman, The Improv founder. Following this, Ken was persuaded to move to Los Angeles by the duo.
Following his move to LA, the multi talented star began performing regularly at Laugh Factory and The Improv Comedy Clubs. This then led to many television appearances, including MADtv, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office and more. Moreover, in 2002, Ken booked a spot on Comedy Central’s Comic Groove and also appeared in Kims of Comedy.
When Did Ken Joeng Become A Full Time Entertainer?
After making small moves on his entertainment career, Ken transitioned to a full-time career in the industry and stopped practicing medicine in 2006. He made his film debut playing the part of Dr. Kuni in the 2007 comedy Knocked Up. This was followed by his work in the comedy movie, The Hangover and its sequels. Joeng then worked on other projects such as Step Brothers, Role Models, All About Steve, Couples Retreat and Zookeeper.
Ken Joeng found much fame after appearing in the NBC sitcom, Community as Ben Chang aka Señor Chang. This was followed by his work in Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Despicable Me 2, Ride Along 2, Killing Hasselhoff, Justice League Action. His prominence continued to rise after he appeared in Crazy Rich Asians, Then Came You, The Kids Are Alright, The Opening Act, The Casagrandes, Murderville and more.
Furthermore, Joeng wrote, executive produced and starred in the multi-camera ABC sitcom Dr. Ken. He also continues with his improv comedy and has gone on tour with his set numerous times. And looking at his continued success, it is no surprise that Ken Jeong’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million.
Who Is Ken Jeong’s Wife?
Talking about his personal life, the Community star is a happily married man and a father of two. Ken Joeng’s wife is Tran Ho, a Vietnamese American who works as a family physician. She is also a breast cancer survivor and has been a constant supporter of her husband’s work.
Moreover, Ken and Tran welcomed twin daughters, Alexa Jeong and Zooey Jeong in 2007. Further information regarding the pair’s girls are not available. But we wish the couple and their daughters all the happiness in the world.