From left: Ken Jeong, Nicole Scherzinger, host Nick Cannon, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg and Robin Thicke
In the second part of our interview with Ken Jeong, the 51-year-old physician-comedian clues us in on the serious soul behind the self-deprecating panelist of “The Masked Singer” (Thursdays at 9:45 p.m. on Blue Ant Entertainment).
Moreover, he discusses life during lockdown, and mulls over his life-changing decision to choose acting over treating patients.
Did you discover any hobby during lockdown?
I used to be a physician before I became an entertainer. [When the pandemic began] it was important that I went back into doctor mode and try to break down what was going on with the situation—how to stay safe, healthy, informed and updated. I make sure I wear a mask wherever I go, observe social distancing and wash my hands regularly and properly.
Outside of that, I’m just trying to find activities to do—like I just started a podcast with my friend Joel McHale, who’s in “Community” with me. That was born out of the pandemic that I never would have done otherwise, because we were quarantined and wanted to do an artistic exercise for ourselves. And it was a wonderful experience—something we want to continue doing when our schedules open up.
Were there misgivings from your family about your decision to switch professions—from doctor to actor?
When I was a kid and went to Duke University for premed and was just discovering my love of acting, I’ve never really done any theater even in high school. So, I didn’t know if I had any love for acting or performing. So, for me, my evolution came about in college, where I definitely was at a crossroads of what I wanted to do in life.
But it was a different time back then, about 30 years ago. There weren’t a lot of Asian-Americans at front and center of entertainment. So, I don’t think it’s surprising at all that anybody would be a little more hesitant.
I don’t see anything wrong with that, especially if you love your children—and I do. But what drives me more than the kind of singular, selfish pursuits is the fact that I do love it even more when there are so many other Asian-Americans on the scene that are thrust at front and center. I’ve always been an ensemble actor at heart. I’ve never wanted to be the one person from your community hogging all the fame, power and wealth.
I feel like “Crazy Rich Asians” really broke through, as well as “Fresh Off the Boat” and, to a smaller extent, my own sitcom, “Dr. Ken.” Those are all three deliberate “movements.” They weren’t just movies or TV shows. That’s what drives me.
I have many Asian-American friends in the business that I want to continue working with, whether on camera or off. We’re always talking about ways to work together, because I believe that putting a unified front and having as many Asian-Americans as possible at work just makes it more normal and habitual. It’s not just “a thing” anymore. I’m driven to show that it’s not that big a deal, so let’s try it out and see if it works. That’s the kind of thing I’d like to be a part of.
Do your costars seek medical advice from you?
I will never not be a doctor—I’ve come to realize that in this pandemic. It’s like that scene from “The Godfather: Part III” where Al Pacino says, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”
There’s a whole thing of, you know, “I will never not be a doctor,” even if I never practice medicine for the rest of my life. I don’t intend on practicing, mind you. But being a physician will always be a part of me.
So, the short answer is yes. Everyone has asked me medical questions on every single project I’ve ever done. And I don’t mind, because if it’s something I don’t know, I have a great resource at home—my wife, who is an active physician.
And so, I actually welcome it, if that makes any sense. I don’t mind getting asked for it because, if anything, it becomes a source of pride if I get a diagnosis correctly—or if it’s at least a step in the right direction.