Ken Jeong has had an extraordinary career that started in medicine but skyrocketed in entertainment. Known for his scene-stealing role in The Hangover series, Jeong has also made a name for himself as a comedian, actor, and TV host. Today, his journey includes a thriving career in movies and TV shows, earning him an impressive net worth while keeping his medical background as part of his identity.
As of 2024, Ken Jeong’s success continues to grow, making him a household name not only for his on-screen roles but also as a beloved figure in pop culture. From his hit sitcom Dr. Ken to being a popular meme and GIF figure on the internet, Jeong’s influence is everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Ken Jeong is both an accomplished actor and a licensed physician, known for his iconic role in The Hangover series and Community.
- His estimated net worth as of 2024 is $14 million, built from a combination of acting, comedy, and TV hosting.
- Jeong is set to appear in new projects in 2024, including Fox’s anthology series Accused and his own daytime talk show.
Ken Jeong’s Early Life and Medical Career
Ken Jeong was born Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong on July 13, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised in a Korean-American family, he was academically focused from a young age. Jeong attended Duke University for his undergraduate degree and went on to earn his medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
Despite his medical career, Ken Jeong had always been passionate about comedy. He started performing stand-up while still practicing medicine and even won the "Big Easy Laff-Off" in 1995, judged by none other than late-night TV host Brandon Tartikoff.
Transition to Entertainment – The Doctor Turned Comedian
Although Ken Jeong had a successful career as a licensed physician, comedy was calling. His big break came with his role as the scene-stealing, eccentric Leslie Chow in The Hangover trilogy, which began in 2009. This role earned him international fame, and from there, Jeong’s career took off in both movies and television.
In addition to The Hangover, Jeong appeared in other successful movies like Knocked Up (2007), Role Models (2008), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018). On the TV front, he was part of the critically acclaimed comedy series Community as Ben Chang, a role that further cemented his status as a comedic actor.
| Ken Jeong’s Career Timeline | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|
| Practicing Medicine (1990s-2007) | Licensed Physician |
| The Hangover Trilogy (2009-2013) | Breakout Role as Leslie Chow |
| Community (2009-2015) | Played Ben Chang |
| Dr. Ken (2015-2017) | Created, wrote, and starred in the sitcom |
| The Masked Singer (2019-Present) | Popular TV host and judge |
| 2024 Projects | Accused and daytime talk show |
Ken Jeong’s Movies and TV Shows – A Comedic Powerhouse
Ken Jeong has built an extensive portfolio in Hollywood, with notable performances in both films and television. Some of his most memorable movies include Knocked Up (2007), Role Models (2008), The Hangover series (2009-2013), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018). His energetic, over-the-top style of comedy has made him a fan favorite, whether in small cameos or starring roles.
His work in TV is just as impressive, with roles in Community and Dr. Ken, the latter of which was a sitcom he created based on his real-life experience as a doctor-turned-actor. He is also a judge on The Masked Singer and I Can See Your Voice, adding TV hosting to his ever-expanding list of talents.
Ken Jeong’s Net Worth in 2024 – Building a Fortune
As of 2024, Ken Jeong’s net worth is estimated at $14 million. His earnings come from a combination of his acting roles, comedy gigs, and hosting duties. The Hangover series alone grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making his role as Leslie Chow a major contributor to his financial success.
Jeong’s career as a TV host has also been lucrative, with The Masked Singer becoming a massive hit and a key part of his income in recent years. Moreover, his upcoming daytime talk show and his role in the anthology series Accused are expected to add to his growing fortune.
Ken Jeong’s Personal Life – His Family and Role as a Doctor
Ken Jeong is married to Tran Ho, a Vietnamese-American family physician. Together, they have two children. Despite Jeong’s busy Hollywood career, his wife has remained a source of inspiration and support. Their shared medical background forms a unique bond, as both are licensed physicians.
Although Jeong no longer practices medicine, his background as a doctor has influenced many aspects of his career, particularly in Dr. Ken, where he portrayed a physician juggling his professional and family life.
Why Ken Jeong is a Pop Culture Icon – Memes, GIFs, and More
Ken Jeong’s comedic timing and exaggerated characters have made him a popular subject for memes and GIFs. His portrayal of Mr. Chow in The Hangover became a viral sensation, with many of his lines being quoted and shared across social media platforms. He has become a permanent fixture in internet culture, further solidifying his influence in modern comedy.
FAQs
Is Ken Jeong really a doctor?
Yes, Ken Jeong is a licensed physician. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina and completed his residency in internal medicine. Although he no longer practices, he remains a licensed physician in California.
What is Ken Jeong’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Ken Jeong’s net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. His wealth comes from his acting roles, TV hosting gigs, and other entertainment ventures.
What are some popular Ken Jeong movies?
Ken Jeong is best known for his roles in The Hangover series, Knocked Up, Role Models, and Crazy Rich Asians. He has also appeared in several TV shows like Community and Dr. Ken.
What is Ken Jeong doing in 2024?
In 2024, Ken Jeong is set to appear in the Fox legal anthology series Accused and is launching his own daytime talk show.
Who is Ken Jeong’s wife?
Ken Jeong is married to Tran Ho, who is also a physician. They have two children together.
What made Ken Jeong famous?
Ken Jeong became famous for his role as Leslie Chow in The Hangover series, which earned him international recognition for his comedic talent.
How did Ken Jeong start his comedy career?
Ken Jeong began performing stand-up comedy while practicing medicine. He won the "Big Easy Laff-Off" in 1995, which helped him gain attention in the entertainment industry.