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From Wikipedia
Medium: Television/Film
Nationality: American
Ken Jeong, sometimes referred to as "Dr. Ken," is an American comedian, actor, and physician. He is known for incorporating his medical knowledge into his comedy.
Biography
Jeong is of Korean descent. He completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University and attained his medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then completed his Internal Medicine residency in New Orleans while developing his stand-up comedy.[1] His big break then came when he won the Big Easy Laff-Off, of which NBC president Brandon Tartikoff and Improv founder Budd Friedman were judges. They both urged Jeong to move to Los Angeles, and he began performing regularly at the Improv and Laugh Factory comedy clubs.
Jeong's background in theater and improv has led to several television appearances, including NBC's The Office, HBO's Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Jeong made his feature film debut in Knocked Up in 2007, re-teamed with Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen in Pineapple Express. He also appeared in Role Models starring Paul Rudd. He recently completed filming All About Steve starring Sandra Bullock, The Goods: The Don Ready Story starring Jeremy Piven, and Hangover directed by Todd Phillips.
Filmography
Knocked Up (2007)
Step Brothers (2008) (cameo)
Pineapple Express (2008)
Role Models (2008)
All About Steve (2009)
The Goods: The Don Ready Story (2009)
Untitled Million Dollar Strong Project (TBA)
Couples Retreat (2009) (cameo)
Funny People (2009) (cameo)
The Hangover (2009) Mr. Chow
Despicable Me (2010)
Television
Crossing Jordan (2004)
MADtv (2005)
Two and a Half Men (2005)
The Office (2005)
Entourage (2006)
Three Strikes (2006)
The Shield (2007)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2007)
Boston Legal (2007)
American Dad (2008-09)
'Til Death (2008)
Worst Week (2008)
Party Down (2009)
Off Duty (2009)
For those out there who don't know about you, you're a fully licensed doctor and you do comedy on the side, how did that come about?
Ken Jeong: I was doing theater in college. When I got accepted into medical school, I still had to perform. So I started doing standup and just kept at it, eventually moving out to LA and being fortunate enough to appear on Comedy Central & BET. Now I'm doing more acting, so everything has come full circle.
Being a doctor is such a demanding career, how do you have time to do both?
Ken Jeong: It's all about balance & priority.
Have you ever had any of your patients catch your comedy act? If so, have any ever asked if they were inspiration for some of your jokes?
Ken Jeong: I've had a few patients see me on TV. They know it's an act because at work I'm pretty serious & intense. Comedy's the ultimate outlet; it's my golf.
How do your wife and parents feel about being part of the act? Are they good sports or do they cringe?
Ken Jeong: They are very good sports with great senses of humor. I always run stuff by them before I do it on stage.
You seem to get a great response to your History of Rap medley, have you ever heard from any of the artists that you paid homage to in the song?
Ken Jeong: No. Sigh.
Different comics have different ways of coming up with their acts, how do you come up with your material and keep track of topics you'd like to cover in a set?
Ken Jeong: I don't keep track of topics or consciously have a theme per se. I tend to improvise a lot on stage, and if something clicks, I develop it. If it doesn't, I throw it away.
Have you ever had an audience or audience member turn on you?
Ken Jeong: Oh, yeah. If a comic hasn't bombed or been heckled, then that person hasn't been doing it long enough. I don't remember specifics, but it happens and you move on. I don't remember any horrible event that made me want to quit comedy or anything like that. Heckling & bad crowds are just occupational hazards.
Anyone who has visited your website or myspace page has likely seen a video called "What's It Gonna Be?" in which you make a co-starring appearance with Mike O' Connell, which is hilarious. How did that concept come about?
Ken Jeong: "What's It Gonna Be?" was written by Mike O'Connell, one of my best friends. We were in an improv group many moons ago. He's a genius. He came up with the concept and song, and I sang on it. That song is all him, and I'm happy he's taken me along for the ride. We've done this live on stage in NY & LA, and the crowd response has been phenomenal. And we have more songs & videos to come, so stay tuned.
You were a guest star on NBC's "The Office" (E-mail Surveillance episode) describe your experience working on the set.
Ken Jeong: The best TV experience I ever had. "The Office" is my favorite show. I was in awe of Steve Carrell and the whole crew. There were times I couldn't stop laughing when Steve was improvising.
If you could pick one other show you'd like to guest star on besides "The Office," which would it be?
Ken Jeong: I'm also a fan of "Entourage," and I am guest-starring on that next Sunday.
I can't believe that I've appeared on these shows. It's all very surreal.
You recently released a DVD called "The Kims of Comedy" with Steve Byrne, Bobby Lee and Kevin Shea…how did you meet each of the other comedians and how did the DVD come to fruition?
Ken Jeong: I've known Bobby Lee for years. He's a great guy. Bobby helped me out a lot in the beginning, getting me on MadTV whenever they needed another Asian. Bobby makes me laugh so hard. He fully commits to his comedy. He just rips it up every time, always gives his all.
I met Steve Byrne a few years ago in LA. He's simply one of the best comics working today. Incredible work ethic. He'll do seven shows a night & not break a sweat. He's the most complete comedian I know. Steve & I performed at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival last week. He's an amazing guy, and one of the nicest people you can meet.
I met Kevin Shea doing "Asia Street Comedy." Kevin's incredibly funny with a great dry style different from the rest of us. I love his stuff. Very deadpan. He's a great complement to our ensemble. When the right moment came along, we all decided to do a DVD together, and it came out great. I love performing with these guys, and I am a huge fan of all of them. It has been the highlight of my standup career to be a part of this group.
"The Kims of Comedy" is selling very well. Due to its success and the lack of well known Asian comedians, do you consider yourselves pioneers of sorts in bringing Asian comedy to the forefront of the comedy circuit?
Ken Jeong: I don't think we're pioneers, but I do believe that the four of us together is definitely something special. We've sold out almost every live show we've done, and that's pretty amazing considering we're not household names. We've sold out all-Asian markets like San Francisco & non-Asian markets like Sacramento.
When people heard I was interviewing you, the most requested question I was told to ask you is to translate the Vietnamese phrase you use to kid that race. If you choose not to reveal it, would non-Asians get beat up for yelling it in a Vietnamese restaurant?
Ken Jeong: "Why are you so beautiful?" That's all it means, yet it means so much.
Hollywood calls and you're offered a leading man role. You can't do both a movie and be a doctor, which do you choose?
Ken Jeong: Actually, I believe I can be both. When I'm not doing a movie, I'll still be a doctor. Simple as that. It's only a dilemma if you make it a dilemma.
What comedians make you laugh?
Ken Jeong: Dave Attell, Mike O'Connell, all of the Kims.
Do you have any projects you're currently working on? Here's your chance to plug them!
Ken Jeong: I just wrapped my first major film called "Knocked Up," written & directed by one of my comedy heroes Judd Apatow. Judd wrote & directed "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and produced "Anchorman." I play a gynecologist to Katherine Heigl ("Grey's Anatomy") & Seth Rogen ("40 Year Old Virgin").
Judd Apatow is the most amazing director I've ever worked with. He's very adept at keeping the comedy grounded in reality, yet he gives his actors unprecedented freedom to improvise. I've never had that kind of freedom before. He's an actor's dream. Speaking of actors, Katherine Heigl is phenomenal in this movie. And Seth Rogen is the MAN.
On top of that, this movie is a reunion of stars from "Freaks & Geeks" and "Undeclared," two of the greatest TV shows of all time, both created by Judd Apatow. So, if you're fan of these shows, you will not be disappointed.
To be a part of this film was the greatest moment of my comedy career. I honestly don't know how it can get any better than this.
What message would you like to leave your current and future fans with?
Ken Jeong: Thank you for all your support & making my dreams come true!
Well, well, I’m just teasing you, but it is important to be reminded of your roots! Now that you are officially an actor and comic 100% now, right?
Dr. Ken Jeong: Yes. Absolutely. It’s like reminding The Rock that he was once a wrestler back in the day and I was giving The People’s Elbow to disease. You are keeping me humble and grounded. But I might’ve been more of the Ric Flair of doctors. I would challenge disease to a cage match. I gave diabetes a Finger Four like you wouldn’t believe.
Let’s talk about Role Models which is now on DVD.
Dr. Ken Jeong: And Blu-ray!
Please, who’s gonna pay to see you on Blu-ray?
Dr. Ken Jeong: Ha!
You were the King, the hated man in the realm of LARPing in the world within Role Models. You were a King, or a Duke, or something, and you were this big jerk.
Dr. Ken Jeong: I thought I was the only likable character.
They were kissing your ring, but it was a kiss from fear. Audiences were hissing you as if you were tying a woman to a railroad track.
Dr. Ken Jeong: King Argotron, yes, I admit, was the only true jerk in the movie.
Did you have any LARP experience prior to the film?
Dr. Ken Jeong: No. Definitely this was the hardest role I’ve done. I did research. I watched Darkon ten times. But then it came easy to me. I probably woulda been good at it. And the technical advisor Adrian Grady took me to real LARP events. And I learned to talk to the talk. Protection spells, for examples. There was some LARP improvisation there.
Should psionic abilities be allowed in LARPing?
Dr. Ken Jeong: All right, I’m a phony. I don’t know what that means. I decline to comment. I just saw Frost/Nixon and Kevin Bacon is going to stop this interview, soon.
Will there be a film, soon, wherein you, Dr. Ken, are the lead? People love you! And we love your viral videos like Million Dollar Strong.
Dr. Ken Jeong: Thanks for mentioning that. Mike O’Connell is a genius and it is all him. There’s talks of a movie, but nothing official. It’s not yet a no.
You will appear in the forthcoming film Funny People?
Dr. Ken Jeong: It’s a cameo. They may cut it. We’ll see.
They cut that if they want to lose comedy gold!
Dr. Ken Jeong: Ha! It’s an honor just to be cut from one of those movies. Seriously. Judd Apatow gave me my career. He’s really . . .I mean, I know Nobel winning doctors and Judd ranks with them. He’s up there with the Uranium guy. Seriously, I can’t believe how Judd just handed me my career. Knocked Up was on HBO the other day and I caught it and I turned to my wife and I said, “Can you believe I’m in this?!?”
I know I can’t.
Dr. Ken Jeong: Oh!
Role Models Ken Jeong
Kidding. You steal every scene. Everyone’s crazy about you. And you are in the new Adam McKay’s new film The Goods with Jeremy Piven.
Dr. Ken Jeong: Oh, yeah, this is an all-star thing. Really funny. Kathryn Hahn, Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, Tony Hale –
Is Tony Hale, by any chance, related to Alan Hale?
Dr. Ken Jeong: No. The Skipper is not in this film. But this movie is a riot, I saw a rough cut, Anchorman in a used car lot is basically the pitch and it is hilarious. And then there’s Hangover coming out this summer. Todd Philips, the guy who directed Old School did this one, and Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper. . .it’s really amazing.
Did you ever see Todd Philips’ documentary Hated about G.G. Allin?
Dr. Ken Jeong: I’ve heard about that.
Yeah, well, you might like it. It’s about a hardcore band and this guy who fronts it and these really insane things he does. Like he defecates on stage. It’s kinda like your act, in that regard.
Dr. Ken Jeong: Well, I think it is important that the audience understands the digestive system.
Yeah, Philips made that film when he was a student and it caused all sorts of controversy at NYU, got him in all sorts of trouble for booking the act and whatnot, but it led directly to his career. And now he’s working with you, so look how far he’s fallen.
Dr. Ken Jeong: I know. It’s terrible. I mean, I am, definitely, at the bottom, but I’m a really nice guy.
And it is great to have you on set because, you know, they have to keep the budgets down and if they hire you they don’t need a set doctor.
Dr. Ken Jeong: Precisely.
I kid because I love. In all sincerity. You are the greatest and Role Models was fantastic and you steal every scene. I saw it in a crowded theater and the place went bananas for you. And I’m looking forward to seeing you in these new projects.
Dr. Ken Jeong: Well, thank you, you are very kind.
Ken Jeong has been blending comedy & medicine all of his life. After graduating Duke University & attaining his MD at the University of North Carolina, Ken completed his Internal Medicine residency in New Orleans while developing a cult comedy following.
While in New Orleans, Ken won the Big Easy Laff-Off. Late NBC president Brandon Tartikoff and Improv founder Budd Friedman judged the competition and advised Ken to move to Los Angeles. Once residing in LA, Ken began performing regularly at the Improv & Laugh Factory. Soon after he appeared on ABC's The View and was named "The Funniest Doctor in America." Subsequent appearances on Comedy Central & BET cemented his reputation as a comic who appeals to a wide variety of audiences.
Ken's background in theater & improv has led to several television appearances including NBC's The Office, HBO's Entourage & Curb Your Enthusiasm, CBS' Two and a Half Men & Worst Week, ABC's Boston Legal, FX's The Shield, & FOX's 'Til Death & Starz' Party Down. He is a recurring voice on FOX's American Dad. Ken made his feature film debut in Judd Apatow's Knocked Up and appeared in Pineapple Express. He has a brief cameo in Step Brothers starring Will Ferrell. He completed filming All About Steve starring Sandra Bullock, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard starring Jeremy Piven, The Hangover directed by Todd Phillips (Old School), and brief cameos in Couples Retreat starring Vince Vaughn and Judd Apatow's Funny People starring Adam Sandler. He currently appears in Role Models starring Paul Rudd.
Ken Jeong has been blending comedy & medicine all of his life. After graduating Duke University & attaining his MD at the University of North Carolina, Ken completed his Internal Medicine residency in New Orleans while developing a cult comedy following.
While in New Orleans, Ken won the Big Easy Laff-Off. Late NBC president Brandon Tartikoff and Improv founder Budd Friedman judged the competition and advised Ken to move to Los Angeles. Once residing in LA, Ken began performing regularly at the Improv & Laugh Factory. Soon after he appeared on ABC's The View and was named "The Funniest Doctor in America." Subsequent appearances on Comedy Central & BET cemented his reputation as a comic who appeals to a wide variety of audiences.
Ken's background in theater & improv has led to several television appearances including NBC's The Office, HBO's Entourage & Curb Your Enthusiasm, CBS' Two and a Half Men, ABC's Boston Legal & FX's The Shield. Ken made his feature film debut in Knocked Up and will reteam with Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen in The Pineapple Express. He will appear in All About Steve starring Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, and Bradley Cooper(Wedding Crashers).
References
1. "Dr. Ken Jeong". Justforlaughs.com.