Actors and comedians at any level can study Ken Jeong’s trajectory through the entertainment industry—particularly those breaking into it later in life, as he did at age 37. The fact that he’s also a licensed physician who left a career in medicine to pursue the arts makes him truly one of a kind. Naturally, Dr. Ken is something of an expert on balancing work and life, approaching any venture with a student’s mentality, and infusing personal experience into scripted and unscripted projects alike. “It really boils down to passion,” he tells his fellow performers. “A career, like your life, is a series of moments.”

After growing up and studying medicine in North Carolina, while also dabbling in improv and stand-up, Ken committed to acting full-time upon his breakout role—as a doctor—in “Knocked Up.” More Judd Apatow films followed, and Ken stole the show in the “Hangover” trilogy, the comedy “Community,” his writing and producing debut “Dr. Ken,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” multiple voiceover projects, a comedy special, and much more. He’s now known as a panelist on Fox’s award-winning “The Masked Singer” and host of “I Can See Your Voice.” Read more about the unscripted competition hit on backstage.com: https://bit.ly/3nXRSCJ

In this episode, Jack also recaps the notable highlights from the recently aired 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards, a ceremony like no other: https://bit.ly/2XPY459

---

Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

Follow Backstage and In the Envelope on social media:

- https://www.facebook.com/backstage

- https://www.twitter.com/backstage

- https://www.twitter.com/intheenvelope

- https://www.instagram.com/backstagecast

Looking to get cast? Subscribe here: www.backstage.com/subscribe

Browse Backstage casting listings: https://bit.ly/3mth68e

Check out our community-driven virtual programming, The Slate: https://bit.ly/2WDNXf0

Backstage stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement: https://bit.ly/3cuMBt5

Special thanks to...

- Host: Jack Smart

- Producer: Jamie Muffett

- Social media: Katie Minard, Alysa Cirelli

- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins

- Additional support: Christine McKenna-Tirella, Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis