Overview

Kendrick Kang‑Joh Jeong, known professionally as Ken Jeong, is an American comedian, actor and former physician. Born July 13, 1969 in Detroit, Michigan, he emerged from a medical background into a high‑profile entertainment career, becoming widely recognized for bold, physical comedy and eccentric characters.

Education and medical background

Jeong completed undergraduate studies at Duke University and earned a medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He practiced medicine early in his career while performing comedy on the side, a dual path that later informed both his stage persona and his sitcom about a physician.

Acting and comedy career

Transitioning into entertainment, Jeong began as a stand‑up comedian and improviser before winning recurring and breakout roles in television and film. He gained international recognition for playing the outrageous Leslie Chow in the ensemble comedy films The Hangover, The Hangover Part II and The Hangover Part III. On television he is well known for portraying the unpredictable Ben Chang on the sitcom Community, and for creating and starring in the semi‑autobiographical sitcom Dr. Ken.

Style, roles and significance

Jeong's comic style blends physicality, rapid delivery and an embrace of absurdity; he often plays high‑energy, scene‑stealing supporting characters. His success helped raise the visibility of Asian American performers in mainstream U.S. comedy and film, and he has worked across genres from broad comedy to voice acting and hosting appearances.

Selected works

  • The Hangover film series — breakout film role as Leslie Chow
  • Community — recurring and fan‑favorite role as Ben Chang
  • Dr. Ken — sitcom created by and starring Jeong
  • Various stand‑up, voice roles and television appearances

Personal life and legacy

Jeong is married to Tran Ho and they have two daughters. He continues to work in film and television while occasionally returning to stand‑up stages. His background as a trained physician turned entertainer remains a notable part of his public identity and is frequently referenced in profiles and interviews about his life and career. For more about his background or current projects, see related biographical entries and entertainment listings.

Further reading and sources: biographical overview, academic and alumni pages at Duke and UNC‑Chapel Hill, and film/television credits for the first Hangover and its sequels Part II and Part III, plus television coverage of Community.