For anyone who thinksKen Jeongis Americas busiest actor, you would be absolutely correct.
Since 2009, the comedian has been stepping into some of the funniest projects across film and television.
Its nothing Ive ever done before.
Image by NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television
I had, like, one line.
It wasnt with him, but it was just in the background as a crime photographer, he chuckles.
Fifteen years later, she is now, thankfully, cancer-free.
Image by NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television
I was only there in Vegas for three days for the movie.
I was not there the whole time filming, he says.
So for the first movie, I was only there filming for three days.
Image via Apple TV+
They flew me back and forth from filming.
As soon as I was done, Id go back to LA to be with Tran.
It really got me through the worst period of my life, he says before taking a pause.
Set in 1986, this coming-of-age comedy follows three teenage friends who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movie theaters. When one of them invites his crush along, the group’s dynamics are thrown into chaos, leading to a summer of humorous and poignant adventures.
As time goes by, the more I appreciate the behind-the-scenes love that everyone had.
I wasnt public with it.
Jeong says he didnt want to tell too many people, otherwise he would break down crying every day.
Theres a lot of behind-the-scenes love that was there.
I wasnt even thinking about that, to be really honest.
But even then, the actor admits its still a great experience to have.
It just gave me a career.
I wouldnt be here talking to you if it wasn’t forThe Hangover.
Those were the kinds of roles I was getting at that time, he says.
I really didnt, by nature, like to do that kind of role prior to that.
But then after [playing Chow], everything just changed.
I really keep telling myself, Just always go for it and be fearless.
Im not always like that.
I wasnt always like that, necessarily.
Yet its a scene-stealing performance that sets the film up for some hearty laughs.
I think [Mikes] just a frustrated producer-director, Jeong says.
Someone brought that up at [The 4:30 Movie] Q&A, he says.
I didnt think about that consciously, but looking back, I think subconsciously, I referenced that.
So there was a nostalgia even for what I do in the characters that I play.
But its not just Jeong bringing nostalgia to the comedy.
And to see how full circle it was for Kevin, I was just incredibly happy for himandthe cast.
I was not rebellious at all.
I was kind of a model kid who would attempt to do everything the right way.
I was not rebellious at all.
I was kind of a model kid who would have a go at do everything the right way.
Im going to college.
I dont want that on my record.
I was always paranoid about stuff like that, he laughs.
I think that would at least be the inspiration for a narrative.
That interests me just as a person, as an appreciator of art and film.
Id be interested in any tale of that ilk of what inspires you in your art.
Not only my career, obviously, but it changed me in how I approach everything.
That spilled over intoCommunity, where Chang is kind of a version of that; where he was insane.
Maybe I wouldnt have.
“Doing more than the minimum amount of work is my definition of failing.”
Its hard to think ofCommunitywithout Chang.
There are so many moments onCommunitythat made me a better actor, he says.
There are just too many to mention.
Thats such a special time of watching everybody in that cast.
Now everybodys a superstar except Joel McHale, of course.
Its amazing, its kind of having a college buddy that I got to know even more afterward.
It is just amazing how our lives keep intertwining, and its just a beautiful thing.
c’mon cut all these great things Im saying about Joel in the interview, he laughs.
Jeong admits its every actors lament once you hit the fifth season of a popular, groundbreaking series.
Oh, I can do more!
It really made me understand the amount of stakes.
I really understood the conundrum and the stakes involved in the future of the show.
Those were my real tears.
I just couldnt stop crying, even in between takes.
Except, one of the most transparent things about him is how all these fears pushed his career growth.
I said to myself, Im not that good an actor, and I cant do that.
Theres a musical flow, and I feel like his words are lyrics in many ways.
Those were my real tears.
I just couldnt stop crying, even in between takes.
But it is something he wants to tackle.
I actually think about what Dan did for me in that email.
Instantly, sense memory will get me misty-eyed and drive me to tears.
It was a dream on a dream on a dream come true, he smiles.
He adds that Chang was never intended to be Senor Chang, the Spanish teacher.
Mine was more pronounced, but it was no different from the evolution of a character on television.
I look atCommunityas a very emotional series.
I dont see, Oh, its a funny show.
I never think aboutCommunitythat way, even as a fan.
Its a very emotional series.
Hes taking the viewer on an emotional journey.
Im very excited about my dramatic lead debut.
To me, I feel like everything in my life has now been a wonderful bonus.
Ive accomplished everything Ive wanted to accomplish.
Ken Jeong can be seen inThe 4:30 Movie, now playing in theaters.
