Ken Jeong Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Ken Jeong’s Net Worth and Salary Details

With a net worth of $14 million, Ken Jeong is a versatile American actor, comedian, and physician. He kickstarted his career in stand-up comedy while pursuing his medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon his move to Los Angeles, Jeong continued to juggle acting and comedy with his medical practice.

Ken Jeong rose to fame after his role as the quirky gangster Leslie Chow in the popular comedy film “The Hangover” in 2009. He reprised this role in the subsequent sequels. His acting portfolio expanded to include movies like “Knocked Up,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” and “Ride Along 2.” On the small screen, Jeong made his mark as Ben Chang in the comedy series “Community” and headlined the sitcom “Dr. Ken” (2015-2017), a show he not only starred in but also created, wrote, and produced, drawing inspiration from his medical background.

Aside from his acting endeavors, Ken Jeong has continued to pursue stand-up comedy and has been a familiar face as a panelist on various television programs. Since its inception in 2019, Jeong has been a permanent host on “The Masked Singer.” He has also utilized his medical expertise to advocate for health issues and support the Asian-American community in the entertainment realm.

Early Life Background

Born as Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong on July 13th, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, Ken was raised by South Korean immigrant parents. After moving to North Carolina in his early years, he engaged in extracurricular activities during high school, participating in Quiz Bowl, playing the violin in the school orchestra, and being part of the student council.

Ken Jeong’s initial exposure to acting occurred during his time at Duke University. Despite attending drama classes while pursuing a pre-med major, he refrained from choosing drama as his primary focus. Even though he took theater courses post his graduation from Duke in 1991, he pursued and obtained his M.D. from the UNC School of Medicine in 1995.

Professional Journey

While completing his medical studies, Ken Jeong refined his comedic skills by attending open mic nights. Although maintaining his commitment to his medical career, Jeong emerged victorious at the Big Easy Laff-Off in 1995, a moment that led NBC president Brandon Tartikoff to persuade the budding doctor to relocate to Los Angeles.

By 1998, Jeong navigated a dual existence. By day, he practiced internal medicine in Woodland Hills, but by night, he frequented comedy clubs, steadily earning a reputation as a gifted stand-up comedian. This journey paved the way for appearances on TV shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office, and Entourage.

In 2002, Jeong made an appearance on Comedy Central’s Cosmic Groove. In 2006, he bid farewell to his medical practice to pursue acting and stand-up opportunities, though he retained his medical license. The shift in focus in 2007 led to his acting debut in Knocked Up.

Knocked Up opened doors to multiple film opportunities in movies such as Pineapple Express, Role Models, All About Steve, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, and Couples Retreat. He gained acclaim for his standout performance in The Hangover as Mr. Chow, subsequently appearing in The Hangover Part II and The Hangover Part III. Jeong also secured roles in Zookeeper, Pain & Gain, and Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon.

Known for his role as Senor Chang in Community, Jeong ventured into scriptwriting with a medical comedy pilot, Dr. Ken, in 2015. The show, in which he starred and executive produced, was picked up by ABC and aired from 2015 to 2017.

Life outside the Limelight

Ken Jeong is happily married to Tran Ho, a Vietnamese American. The couple shares twin daughters and resides in Calabasas, California.

Earning from The Hangover Part III

Ken Jeong received a substantial salary of $5 million for his involvement in The Hangover Part III.

Property Portfolio

In 2016, Ken Jeong invested in a property in Calabasas, California, valued at $3.95 million. This Tudor-style estate, constructed in 2006, boasts a temperature-controlled wine cellar accommodating 3,000 bottles. The sprawling 6,700-square-foot compound includes a formal dining area, a gym, a vast swimming pool, a private balcony, and lawns adorned with citrus trees.

Another Calabasas property was purchased by Ken Jeong in 2010 for $1.635 million. This Mediterranean-style abode encompasses 5,000 square feet of living space and features an interior courtyard. Jeong sold this property in 2017 for $2.4 million, reflecting a substantial return on his initial investment.