CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA: Ken Jeong is all set to return as 'I Can See You Voice' Season 3 host and it's the perfect time to know his net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the actor, comedian, and physician has a net worth of $14 million.
Jeong is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, and he has appeared in several movies over the years, including 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'The Hangover' series. Jeong is a licensed physician but he hasn't practiced since his breakthrough in the entertainment industry.
In 2006, Jeong gave up his practice after increased acting and stand-up opportunities, although he maintained his medical license. Jeong doubted his decision to quit his full-time job as a physician but he has come a long way in his career and is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 2024.
In an interview, Jeong reflected on his journey and said, "I quit my day job as a physician in the hopes of becoming a character actor."
Jeong further explained, "I didn't quit my job to be famous. I just love acting. I love comedy and I love performance."
Ken Jeong's early life
Ken Jeong aka Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong was born on July 13, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan. Jeong's parents were South Korean immigrants and he soon moved with his family to North Carolina where he spent most of his youth.
During his high school years, Jeong participated in the Quiz Bowl and played the violin in the school orchestra. He also served on the students' council.
Jeong had his first considered career in acting while attending Duke University. He attended drama classes while pursuing a pre-med major and resisted the temptation to become a drama major.
Although Jeong took theatre classes after graduating from Duke in 1991, he went on to obtain his MD at the UNC School of Medicine in 1995.
While he was still finishing up his MD, Jeong attended open mics and honed his comedic skills. However, Jeong's medical career remained a priority, and he completed his residency in New Orleans.
Jeong gave a shot at stand-up comedy and won the 'Big Easy Laff-Off' in 1995, and NBC president Brandon Tartikoff successfully convinced the young doctor to move to Los Angeles. However, Jeong was living a dual life by 1998.
Jeong used to spend his days practicing as a physician of internal medicine in Woodland Hills and attended comedy clubs at night. Jeong steadily built his reputation as an extremely talented stand-up comedian.
Jeong married Tran Ho in 2004 and they have twin daughters together.
Ken Jeong's filmography
After Ken Jeong became a prominent stand-up comedian, he landed some major television roles in shows, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 'The Office', and 'Entourage'. In 2002, Jeong appeared in Comedy Central's 'Cosmic Groove'.
In 2007, Jeong made his movie debut with 'Knocked Up', which led to a slew of film roles in movies like 'Pineapple Express', 'Role Models', 'All About Steve', 'The Goods: Live Hard', 'Sell Hard', and 'Couples Retreat'.
Jeong was widely credited with "stealing the show" in 'The Hangover' as Mr Chow and his unforgettable role led to appearances in its sequels. Jeong also starred in 'Zookeeper', 'Pain & Gain', and 'Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon'.
Jeong is also well-known for his starring role in 'Community' as Senor Chang. In 2015, he wrote a pilot for a new medical comedy titled 'Dr Ken'.
Jeong later starred in the show and acted as an executive producer. 'Dr Ken' was picked up by ABC and aired from 2015 to 2017.
Jeong has also hosted multiple shows, including 'I Can See You Voice' Season 3, and appeared in 'The Masked Singer' as a panelist.
Ken Jeong's salary
Ken Jeong was paid a salary of $5 million for his role in 'The Hangover Part III'. Meanwhile, Jeong would surely get a hefty cheque for his appearance in 'The Masked Singer' and 'I Can See You Voice'.
Although Jeong's salary for Fox's shows is not revealed, he was probably being compensated pretty well as he was one of the first judges to sign on 'The Masked Singer'.
Additionally, Jeong has become the centerpiece of 'I Can See You Voice' and has hosted all three seasons. Jeong is definitely taking home a sweet paycheck, thanks to 'I Can See You Voice'.
Ken Jeong owns a house worth around $4 million
Ken Jeong owns a lavish million-dollar house in Calabasas. In 2016, Jeong purchased a property in Calabasas, California, for $3.95 million.
According to an LA Times report, the Tudor-style estate was built in 2006, and it featured a temperature-controlled wine cellar capable of holding 3,000 bottles. The 6,700-square-foot property includes a large, formal dining room and a gym.
Jeong abode also featured a large swimming pool, private balcony, and lawns peppered with citrus trees. However, in 2017, Jeong sold his previous Mediterranean property which he purchased in 2010.
Jeong purchased his previous Calabasas property for a cool $1.635 million which featured 5,000 square feet of living space and an interior courtyard. However, Jeong sold the property for $2.4 million for a significant profit on his investment.
Ken Jeong's wife had breast cancer
Ken Jeong was at the peak of his career when his wife Tran Ho's health woes left him devastated. Jeong's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 after finding a hard lump in her breast while breastfeeding their newborn twins.
Both Jeong and Tran were trained physicians, and they initially thought she had a clogged milk duct or an infection. Tran underwent treatment while Ken was filming 'The Hangover'.
However, Tran responded well to her chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation and remains cancer-free to this day. Jeong reflected on his wife's cancer during a convocation speech.