Ken Jeong created and starred in the role of Dr. Ken, a sitcom that aired on ABC from 2015 to 2017. But, he wasn’t just playing doctor. Jeong was a real full-time practicing physician for years before shifting to focus primarily on acting and comedy. “Growing up, I only ever wanted to be a doctor. There was never a thought I’d go into acting,” Jeong told The Hollywood Reporter.

Jeong’s medical background includes pre-med at Duke, medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and residency at Oshsner Medical Center in New Orleans. During his 90-hour work weeks he found time to do standup every few months. He moved to LA to work at Kaiser Permanente, where he balanced treating patients with performing and auditioning. The rest is TV history.

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