‘I owe my career to Margaret Cho’: Ken Jeong surprises legendary comedian with heartwarming message

January 19, 2023

Ken Jeong recently surprised legendary comedian, actor and activist Margaret Cho with a heartwarming message to thank her for supporting him during his early days as a comedian.

While speaking with TV talk show host Tamron Hall on Jan. 11, Cho, 54, reflected on her impactful career as a decades-long trailblazer in entertainment on race and sexuality.

During the interview, Hall asked Cho if she sees herself as a “fairy godmother in the industry,” much like actor Jenifer Lewis, whom Cho adores.

“I think that’s probably my greatest achievement, that I was able to inspire a whole generation of Asian American and queer comedians,” Cho told Hall. “To me, that’s my legacy.”

In an unexpected twist, Hall then showed a prerecorded video of Jeong, who wanted to send Cho a “very special message.”

I owe my career to Margaret Cho. Literally. I was her opening act while I was in medical school, and she’s been nothing but supportive of me and my career ever since. And in fact, every Asian American comedian owes her a debt of gratitude. She’s a legend, she’s a pioneer, she’s an icon, but most importantly, she’s my friend.”

“I love you so much, Margaret,” the 53-year-old stand-up comedian and actor says before ending his message.

After hearing Jeong’s heartwarming words, Cho declared that she is “so proud” of him, even jokingly saying that for her, this is “job security.”

“These people are going to employ me for the rest of my life. Ken, Bowen Yang, Joel Kim Booster, Awkwafina, Ali Wong,” Cho explained. “They’re my children! I love them so much.”

Cho has starred in several films, TV shows and comedy specials for around four decades now.

She first gained popularity after starring in ABC’s “All-American Girl” from 1994 to 1995 before becoming a well-known stand-up comedian. In 2012, she notably received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Kim Jong-il on “30 Rock.” More recently, she starred in the 2022 romantic comedy film “Fire Island,” written by and starring Booster.

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