Ken Jeong, a real-life physician who made the leap from medicine to entertainment, has become a familiar face in Hollywood thanks to his unforgettable comedic performances. You might know Ken Jeong from blockbuster comedies like “Knocked Up” (2007) and “The Hangover” (2009), where Ken Jeong absolutely stole the scene with his unique energy and timing. But long before he became a household name, Ken Jeong was balancing medical school in North Carolina with late-night stand-up gigs at local clubs. Even during his residency in New Orleans, Ken Jeong kept chasing his passion for comedy—something that paid off big time in 1995 when he won a major comedy contest judged by industry heavyweights Brandon Tartikoff and Budd Friedman. They both told Ken Jeong he should head to Hollywood, and so he did in 1998.
For a while, Ken Jeong actually worked as a practicing doctor while auditioning for small TV roles—a true double life. But everything changed in 2007 when Ken Jeong landed a memorable role as a quirky obstetrician in Judd Apatow’s hit film “Knocked Up.” That moment was the turning point. After that, Ken Jeong seemed to be everywhere—bringing hilarious intensity to movies like “Pineapple Express” (2008) and, of course, “The Hangover” series. Fans also came to love Ken Jeong as a series regular on the cult-favorite sitcom “Community,” which ran from 2009 to 2015 on NBC and later Yahoo!. By 2010, Ken Jeong had firmly established himself as a go-to comedic talent in Hollywood, proving that even with an MD under his belt, Ken Jeong’s true calling might just be making audiences laugh.
Well, when it comes to Ken Jeong’s film career, there’s definitely a standout in terms of critical reception. If you’re looking at the numbers, Ken Jeong’s highest rated movie so far is KPop Demon Hunters (2025), which really seemed to hit the mark with both audiences and critics alike. It’s one of those roles where Ken Jeong truly shines, bringing his signature comedic energy while still fitting perfectly into the film’s unique tone. On the flip side, Ken Jeong’s lowest rated film appears to be Saving Zoë (2019), which, despite its strong premise, didn’t quite resonate as well. Still, even in less successful projects, Ken Jeong manages to leave an impression. Overall, Ken Jeong continues to explore diverse roles, and fans are always excited to see what Ken Jeong takes on next.