Ken Jeong Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Ken Jeong breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Knocked Up,' 'The Office,' 'Role Models,' 'The Hangover' trilogy, 'Community,' 'Bob's Burgers,' 'Dr. Ken,' 'Crazy Rich Asians,' 'The Masked Singer' and 'Ken Jeong: You Complete Me, Ho.'
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Ken Jeong Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@jakethemajikdog369]

He says he will always be Mr. Chow, but I'll never not see him as Senor Chang.

[@billyhernandez6554]

Same here!

[@brittnay279]

Yes, I think he surpassed chow when he started playing senior Chang.

[@leinadcruz96]

#6seasonsandamovie

[@cricketplays9694]

Jakers McSwaggerton “I know these vents like the back of my Chang”

[@caitlinbrennan9039]

He is always my vaseline guy in the vents.

[@el-pt5od]

“Are you ignoring me because I’m korean?” “You’re chinese.” “Oh there’s a difference?” Iconic.

[@cadancesimmons2946]

sardonic humor

[@StanHowse]

Can I love you?

[@Wernershnitzl]

I love how they carried it over into season 5. “Why are you reading that, it’s Korean.” ‘Oh, wait... what am I again?” “CHINESE!”

[@therealCrazyJake]

“Guys, I really feel like I’m Korean.” “You’re not, you’re Chinese!”

[@siaracastic2515]

"Math Club - you guys asian?" "Don't shoot me - shoot him he's white" 😂😂

[@leSmokySmoke]

WAIT, WHAT? that was improv? this first scene of senior chang is probably one of the most if not THE most iconic scene in the series!.. I can't believe we did not got more of this now... should have let you do your thing.. #feelsbadman

[@SuperSMT]

He got a little more improv later in the show, still maybe not as much as he shouldve

[@SuperSMT]

Here's Joe Russo, director of that episode any many future ones, talking about how much he absolutely loved making that scene. So maybe Harmon wasn't a fan, but it certainly wasn't completely discouraged. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXyZZamJf5p0pas. Ken talks more about it, too. He does say it took 2+ hours for like 30 seconds of screentime, not great when shooting for TV.

[@mov-e6612]

Perfect introduction

[@MrHenry-ru2xf]

"I will always be known as Mr. Chow" I Chang to differ

[@gracemariewalter]

YEP

[@TheWefikus]

Nice

[@westfinest20]

Mr. Chow biggest character by far. He does great with any role he has played.

[@claudial3875]

Senor Chang. The best Spanish non-speaker/teacher ever.

[@jossnovak7524]

Wouldn't it be non-spanish speaker teacher**?

[@gforskli4307]

@@jossnovak7524 maybe claudia is a spanish speaker cause the original comment makes sense to me (and I speak spanish lol)

[@Frawt]

@@gforskli4307 The original comment makes sense to me, and I don’t speak Spanish. There is nothing about Joss’s wording that makes more sense or anything; it’s just another case of a smartass who doesn’t really know what they’re talking about.

[@mickeye6428]

He speaks Spanish. He just can't teach.

[@jorgesargenton6548]

EL TIGRE CHINO

[@difup]

What’s funny is how Ken acts in interviews compared to his show presence. In his interviews he’s always calm and composed and in nearly every role he’s played in entertainment he’s over-the-top and absolutely cracks me up. Just seems like an awesome guy.

[@sierra3644]

Diffup its a pretty good balance

[@TerryFGM]

its called acting

[@user-mp7ce8yv2x]

Just like filthy frank 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BReedhomies]

Truth. Even these improv clips were funny

[@CandleKern]

This is what Robin Williams was talkin about. That spark of just going going at it~

[@incodwetrust]

Dan was furious about "el tigre chino" improv? That turned the show legendary for me.

[@krissy7342]

“Koreaned into med school”. I’m dead. 🤣 he actually said it. ⚰️

[@iyadnaseer8356]

Did he say he's waiting on the community movie???!?!?!?!?!?! SIX SEASONS AND A MOVIE YALL

[@listerstorm2009]

@@alexis-xg4iw On the end of the series finale (season 6) said #andamovie

[@iyadnaseer8356]

I have been waiting more than 5 years for this. Dan Harmon the creator of the show has been busy with Rick and Morty. It's only the new hype because of Netflix that's bringing all the attention back to community. I commented this 1 year ago after my 4th binge of community because most of us had already given up on a movie at the time.

[@arvin2738]

@@alexis-xg4iw haha lol me too

[@freshsquad2798]

@@listerstorm2009 it was in the last episode of season 3 too

[@smarkslowplay3512]

We are near

[@ChristopherHemsworthCreative]

Such a humble and normal seeming guy who is capable of completely letting go on camera. Super talented and inspiring!

[@jefreykoenig6774]

Totally. A dude I would actually like to get to know!

[@brette6854]

watch his special. he's not that humble.

[@saphired02]

I dont want to like your comment because i dont want to change the number, but i would like to tell you i like your comment.

[@natsinthebelfry]

@@brette6854 He shouldn't be, considering how talented he is!

[@squamish4244]

Living a 'normal' life for many years before he got famous probably helps.

[@averywilkinson3678]

The Hangover came out in 2009, the same year and month that my dad died of cancer. That movie was the first thing that made me laugh after that happened, and his character was my favourite part of the movie. It's still one of my comfort movies to this day.

[@dylangoodman9277]

If you’re looking for the break downs: 0:15: Knocked Up 3:28: The Office 5:39: Role Models 6:43: The Hangover 11:16: Community 13:00: Bobs Burgers 14:10: Dr Ken 15:30: Crazy Rich Asians 17:53: The Masked Singer 20:09: Ken Jeong: You Complete Me, Ho

[@SuperSMT]

He gives more time to his 30 second appearance on The Office than to his six years on Community... shame

[@hklegomaster]

@@SuperSMT remember he has changnesia

[@benhats9697]

Thanks bro neede to see him talk about chang

[@hklegomaster]

@@benhats9697 he has changnesia

[@TheWefikus]

@@SuperSMT lol that’s because being in a couple of mins of the Office is way more valuable than all of the seasons of Community

[@Eviomy]

Imagine having Dr. Ken as a Doctor then years later seeing him as Mr. Chow...

[@mikurunrunrun]

Imagine seeing him as Mr Chow,then getting him as your dr

[@SuperSMT]

@@mikurunrunrun He's sadly not a practicing doctor anymore

[@zombiesingularity]

Imagine Mr. Chow as your Doctor

[@thepubknight6144]

@@SuperSMT I noticed in interviews he had a doctor vibe then I found out he was a Cardiologist , he's such an amazing comedian ...

[@waywardmind]

That'd be pretty nuts. Not as insane as watching Mindhunter and seeing your kid's kindergarten teacher playing Ed Kemper, though.

[@cbglassiii9362]

His wife sounds like she's hilarious. I couldn't believe she made the joke about all the guys who leave The Hangover will feel better about themselves. That's funny stuff!

[@omorfarok6996]

her name is ho.... He married a ho

[@ifellforyourdreamsx3]

her name is Tran lol

[@ifellforyourdreamsx3]

i’m stupid sorry lol

[@juliaconnell]

oh I'm so glad someone else loved this bit - OMG - LOL - such a umm.. supportive? wife - just have so much respect for him not only making this choice but telling this story

[@spidey9504]

can someone explain the joke please?

[@myfinancialclimb3121]

So inspiring. Became a doctor but never gave up on his passion and dream of acting. You can see how he talks about all of it how he just really loves it. I love seeing people make it, doing the things that bring them joy.

[@daveaf5281]

The Hangover scene when he jumps out of the trunk is one of the funniest things to ever be in film.

[@Alexa-mu1px]

20 minutes of Ken jeong being the nicest man ever.

[@maxcornielje4169]

wrong, the nicest man ever is and stays keanu reeves

[@petetarantino5853]

Alexa wood-perez Keanu Reeves said hi

[@atme365]

I can't believe Community got 2.5 seconds

[@teamjacob4eva]

6 whole seasons and only so little time

[@AlexisCoooper]

oh boy don't watch his netflix special... he talks a bunch about the hangover and does never even once mention community.

[@mariewangi.mmonbebe9870]

@@AlexisCoooper i think it's because in community he didn't feel really free when acting. Like he said the director didn't like him when he improvised. Maybe he felt too constricted there.

[@AlexisCoooper]

@@mariewangi.mmonbebe9870 I get that feeling too. I'm just a huge fan of community I wish he would have mentioned it :p

[@wotmast]

Community is boring.

[@dianalee3059]

I’m such a Ken Jeong fan! His comedy chops are brilliant and I have great respect for the fact that he’s an MD. A Duke University alum also very admirable. Carry on, sir!

[@alexiaking5241]

He is so wholesome. I love that all the things he's been in and done are his favorite. I also love when the people GQ interviews talk a lot about the people they are in the films with. It shows so much appreciation and respect.

[@AlexanderDeLuca]

He is a force of nature

[@golden-sun]

you're a force of nature

[@Kongloshaa]

Rip force of nature

[@laneythelame]

We dont deserve him

[@Alburto_]

am i the only one that got the reference.. XD except the nature got the force on him...

[@bryanr9082]

He's an 8/8 with trample?

[@chasealexarayb.8566]

Community was the best show I have ever watched. I watched it at the age where my personality was being molded and it has defined my sense of humor.

[@SistoActivitatemAtm]

Chase B. Cool cool cool

[@yuricorrea2491]

Definetly Changd my personality too.

[@the-goat5157]

The office is better

[@yuricorrea2491]

@@the-goat5157 *The office is very good too

[@TerryFGM]

watch more shows

[@aliciamcbeth]

I know The Hangover was his breakthrough movie. And a lot of people see him as Mr Chow. But he will ALWAYS be chang to me. He was hilarious in The Hangover but he was even funnier in Community. And we got to see his humour a lot more in community because it was a tv show. A 6 season tv show. Not a trilogy of movies.

[@kea8349]

Just watched Ken’s stand up show on Netflix and what really stayed with me is just how genuinely grateful he feels towards those he worked with and were good to him. It’s so easy for people to get a big head once they find fame but this guy actually makes a specific point to praise and highlight how they helped him so that other people are aware of these people’s good deeds. That’s a genuine person right there. Humble and grateful.

[@fabionogueira6272]

El Tigre Chino

[@dw-oc7uj]

does chino mean chinese cause Kens korean

[@MxDandy]

forest princess yes it does. It is the nickname of his character in Community, Señor Chang.

[@dw-oc7uj]

Eli Estela Gonzalez oook thanks

[@ardipithecus11]

forest princess everyone with small or slanted eyes gets called chino in Latin America anyway. Even if they have absolutely nothing to do with Asia. Tigre Chino sounds better than Tigre Coreano too I guess.

[@ilovecaulk2542]

Is there any room in this pocket for a little spare Chang?

[@DirectorCM]

Hearing Dr. Ken talk about Asians in Hollywood still has me hoping that one day Native Americans will have a greater role other than the wacky Indian sidekick in a Western.

[@probablyaparent]

I feel confident there's a fair amount of future Graham Greene's waiting to be discovered, just need that tide to raise your boats.

[@18yazzie81]

Ewww no

[@chewychibi03]

DirectorCM there are a couple who have more roles, but the fact that I can’t remember their names is very telling. They need more exposure.

[@jen_greatguys2721]

Ammon Herrera Wind River had me in a feeling I haven’t felt in a long time

[@Dphgtp00]

thats beautiful

[@CatHarmonyAlways]

Ken just gave the most humble and heartfelt interview I’ve seen so far and that’s saying a lot!

[@drumptruck6268]

he's so humble. in every movie, he only has good things to say about everyone he's worked with.

[@sunshinemishasmommy5352]

I really like this guy..he is BEYOND funny and he seems like a nice person..I wish him continued success 😊

[@lammatt]

go watch the Hot One episode he was on dude is so chill

[@johnblack3204]

Now you're speaking my Changuage!

[@miguelblasascensio6819]

John Black You misspelled now

[@eugenebach5421]

I'm a Chang'ed man now!

[@nancybogart3899]

John Black , too FUNNY! U ROCK DUDE!

[@leslyminaya623]

😂😂😂

[@googleuser3665]

I can't believe he didn't mention his funny teacher role in The DUFF...love this guy! Super humble and funny with a pure good soul!

[@who7092]

Ken Jeong is one of the most down to earth celebrities

[@MrPiochan]

Gosh he enjoys his acting career so much, his eyes shine and his all face light up just talking about it. love him

[@drpizzagames1015]

This man needs to host the oscars

[@dallanarivera1610]

DR Pizza Games 101 I would love that!

[@JuanValdez-gf4ww]

DR Pizza Games 101 that is the best idea

[@ceyf8724]

Yes actually spot on right amount of class and humor and can appeal to a wide age spectrum

[@Lyf4rMusic]

I'll get up early and stream it live for that :D

[@mickeye6428]

What is up with your generation and your idiotic use of the word "need?"

[@cecilycook5592]

My favorite part about him is he truly embraces what MADE HIM to the point of where he is now!!!! (Very humbled man)

[@JoyfulMD]

You can tell he was a compassionate and detailed physician.

[@carlygardner9561]

Be the Chang you want to see

[@DannyTanimoto]

"ITS NOT EVEN CLEVER, YOU JUST KEEPING USING IT AS THE WORD 'CHANGE'!!!"

[@Purpleturtlehurtler]

There any room in this thread for a little spare Chang?

[@o-series2594]

@@DannyTanimoto God chang calm down lol

[@endrankluvsda4loko172]

Bear down for midterms!

[@chaosmadness4107]

And Never Chang for anyone

[@dw-oc7uj]

GQ has more realistic interviews better than the over rehearsed Vogue ones

[@AB-gz9yb]

grdn rs I agree

[@oekahe]

Agree, I hate those 73questions interview

[@deletedleaf2688]

Ken is a great interviewee, i could listen to his stories all day long 😀🤷🏻‍♀️💖

[@143yaknow]

I love the way he looks at comedy, and he really sells every character, what a gem

[@UntitledNameGangIsTouringAmmos]

Wow he sure has *CHANG-ed*

[@Berthology]

😂😂

[@gooddayahead2020]

@@@Berthology 😂😂

[@maddiequestionmark]

It's not funny just because you added your name!

[@alecescandon7631]

It’s not even clever, you just keep using it as the word change!

[@lasbrujazz]

DID YOU JUST---

[@generalpokeySK]

Not forever Mr Chow...CAUSE HE IS CHAAAAANG!

[@generalpokeySK]

He can't be killed!!!!

[@sassora]

Do you have room for a bit of Chang in your pocket?

[@moonlightflame7]

Hello. My name is Kevin. I have Changnesia.

[@goodlord370]

El tigre

[@SexyBilliam]

General Pokey and kevin

[@silenceftw9273]

I actually got tears in my eyes listening to this, hws si humble and genuine i absolutely love him

[@maundamablack1257]

You got me into Community and now it's one of my favorite comedys ever and that's largely because of you

[@Joelp1996]

Ken Jeong in interviews is like when Chang is held hostage for stealing the biology books and makes the confession. In fact I think he’s blinking help me in morse code.

[@PhilippBlum]

That was a bad idea to not let him act like he does in Community. That is an amazing scene!

[@KingofKnowhere]

Philipp Blum Yeah, I think it sucks, but I don’t blame Dan Harmon for being a perfectionist back then. I’m glad he loosened up when he got the groove of things on Community and you see more improv on the show

[@mov-e6612]

Agree. It's actually one of the funniest scenes in the first season

[@combat_chameleon]

yeah i'd probably like chang a lot more if ken was improvising rather than the chang that harmon wrote

[@thesecretwombat056]

I know i'm a bit late but other actors on community hae said that they had a lot of improv an dan would write something like "troy says something funny" in the script according to donald glover

[@mollyhall5269]

I can’t believe dan Harmon was furious with his first opening for community! It’s possibly one of Ken’s greatest scenes in the show. Absolutely phenomenal actor and hilarious person.

[@tnicole9734]

i love the way he talks about his projects and that he sees them all as a learning experience

[@yoshim616]

He can be so unhinged in movies and yet he seems so chill in real life.

[@mickeye6428]

Watch him talk about the idiots protesting the response to the pandemic.

[@BarelyClothed]

He played Mr Chow so well it was hard to think theres an actual person behind the actor. It was an amazing movie! I laughed so hard.

[@denniss7805]

These videos are so perfectly put together, becoming a huge fan of this channel

[@CatHarmonyAlways]

These interviews are actually really awesome

[@DrAdnan]

I wanna be like Ken Jeong when I finish medical school.

[@londonnoods2765]

Adnan A Damm this dude really a doctor soul never believe it 😂 damm

[@deadflag7030]

Well then don't just enjoy being a doctor have fun with it

[@Mas0808]

Cool

[@Jeff-qs4jk]

You can't he is Asian.

[@dhaonrisemlan]

You know you've made it when writers start writing characters specifically for you.

[@ethansears2490]

The world needs more people like Ken Jeong

[@lorenzodionlee3988]

MAN,...is he a MASTER of control or isn’t he? Very talented and really, really Funny! I think it’s his ability to go to great extremes in his delivery is what makes him funny to me. His specific style makes everything a pleasant surprise and even more funny regardless of the topic of script. It’s a refreshing way to laugh, when it’s unexpected in the way he gives it to us! Keep-on-keepin’’-On!!!

[@stevenb1928]

I was so surprised when his tv show was canceled. A misstake was made.

[@teanashookson3638]

Steven B he had a show? how long did it run before it was cancelled?

[@PreppyHeiress26]

@@teanashookson3638 2 seasons i think

[@prchix]

they really didn't give it a chance such a great show

[@kayxel2032]

PreppyHeiress26 name of the show?

[@michellevasquez1480]

@@kayxel2032 Dr. Ken

[@user-cj9pn8sr3f]

can ken jeong play the cabbage man in the new avatar series? please and thank you

[@jamiesalter2987]

Genius

[@danylo7768]

New avatar series???

[@thunderfist232]

@@danylo7768 Netflix is making a live action version

[@RasmusEklund]

The only valid choice besides Taika Waititi

[@RogueLola]

​@Dangerz Own Original creators are going to be the show runners so...there's hope

[@MrNupit]

saw him live at the hardrock theater 18/04/2019 at universal wow best stand up ever

[@James-ih5np]

Ken Jeong will always be Mr. Chow! Definitely his most iconic role!

[@kmoney6750]

That quick Bradley Cooper impression was pretty decent lol

[@chasescott7533]

“Alan falls out of car” Mr Leslie Chow-“Haha it’s funny cause he’s fat”😂😂😭

[@0FFICERPROBLEM]

OMG I didn't know he had a special, I watched it instantly. It was amazing!

[@douglaschung4420]

Been one of my favorite actors for a while now and he keeps getting better!

[@PrettyBoyKii]

Leslie Chow saying "holla, city of squala!" Was my ringtone for so long. I love it. The first thing I recall seeing Ken Jeong in was The Goods, and it was hilarious. But Leslie Chow will always have a place in my heart, Ken and Zack made that a franchise.

[@annnee6409]

“It feeds your soul, it’s what I love.” - Ken Jeong

[@vettebecker1]

I was head over heals in the hangover 2 movie, Chow’s boat “The Perfect Life” Wish I was able to acquire it ❤ Ken Jeong will always be great

[@jostrong2385]

It is so obvious acting feeds his soul, lucky for us. Great information. I enjoyed how he communicated the love for a specific role.

[@dw-oc7uj]

i know GQ it's a mans magazine so they have male entertainers on but i wish Vogue would have more natural interviewing style like this with their female entertainers

[@sierra3644]

forest princess SAME

[@abemagic10]

he has a vogue video too ( as tho working for anna W. ) I liked this better. That was a comedy bit.

[@Mas0808]

Lol Vogue would never do an organic interview. They're all fake and awkward

[@dw-oc7uj]

M lol

[@ionesco63]

forest princess I wish female entertainers would have something intelligent to say ever

[@JorgeSanchez-zo6iu]

For the eventual King of the Hill live action reboot, this is Khan

[@medallaman5603]

Jorge Sanchez dude, yes

[@ThaProd1gy]

Facts lol

[@PastorFunK]

I’m soo happy he mentioned “Role Models”! That’s one of my all time faves!!

[@jeffreybryan5548]

Feel good film of the Summer. Ken that was gold. Thanks for that performance and for fixing people.

[@Tomatotor]

I clicked instantly when i saw him !!!! So much fun this guy

[@numbxxx5024]

I Agree!!

[@fenkellboyz9460]

Really .why🤔

[@cash_eye]

Me too

[@elenam3798]

Hi. I’m ur 200th liker

[@beatsbykana]

you can tell he's a really awesome guy. hilarious too

[@thelordmoura]

I loved Dr.Ken, I wish there were more seasons!

[@chunkymilk9388]

My favorite part of the hangover is when he says “haha it’s funny cuz he’s fat”

[@Dtrollmancan]

EL TIGRE CHINOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! I love you Ken, you are a rare thing, and we need more people like you in this world

[@dangshnizzle6929]

Just here to hear about Chang

[@jackielynne76exaxtly86]

Hangover was so freaking hilarious...he was so unpredictable OMG I Love those movies ❣️❣️❣️💋

[@tiffanyjilliango6465]

What a humble guy. Wish I could meet him someday.

[@TheFREESTYLE2006]

Omg a most talented, humble professional. I really admire him because he is a good joker, handsome, and good actor.

[@arunnambiar3318]

Just finished watching his Netflix special this week, it's amazing to see how much energy and character he has as a performer, and how humble and sincere he is in person. One of my favorite actors.

[@tjcarney3250]

One of my favorite actors ever such an awesome man

[@zachmelton1114]

The opening scene of Senor Chang in S1E1 of Community is one of the greatest scenes in television history.

[@brittnay279]

Dude he’s so funny in community, in everything he’s great but senior Chang is a great character.

[@thirtysixzed]

6 seasons and a movie!!!!

[@lancelotjkg]

You will always be Senor Chang to me Ken!!!!!!

[@susiejo237]

“Fire can’t travel through walls, it’s not ghosts stupid”

[@madelineacosta5256]

I want to see him as a special guest on big mouth.

[@imthatgirldotcom]

Suga Boo YES

[@iVaLiX21]

Suga Boo this is the best comment i've seen in weeks

[@madelineacosta5256]

Stitch I’m glad other people want this too

[@adamn4406]

He is without a doubt the most likable guy. Every time he interviews, he's incredible.

[@diran0]

Before I watched this video, I had loved this guys comedy. Now I really like the dude, because he seems like an awesome, humble guy.

[@michaeljacksin9367]

chang remains one of the funniest characters in tv. detective chang might be the hardest ive ever laughed

[@Anna-ny7ks]

You can tell he really loves his job and he's still humble about it!

[@Houseofyards]

Mr. Chow is pure iconic.

[@ten20vision73]

what an awesome and intellectual person great interview

[@yomart105]

The first time I saw Ken Jeong on screen was in Transformers 3. I couldn’t stop laughing at his scenes when I was a kid 😂

[@squeddle]

chang is my fav ken jeong role

[@kayokaylol]

I love how much insight and information he gave!

[@benbresley]

just realized this dude my mentor. Ken you're a bloody incredible 'character'!

[@gregfrey1534]

So humble. Love Ken!