Ken Jeong is best known as Mr. Chow in the Hangover movie series.
As the Independent reports, many fans who don’t know him by name may refer to him as just “that Asian guy.”
Jeong is part of an increasing but small number of Asian American men who have increased their profile in Hollywood.
Jeong also starred in the ensemble cast of the cult hit on NBC, Community. and a new show based on his life is in development.
Some in the Asian American community have had a love hate relationship with Jeong.
They’ve been critical of some of his comedy bits in which he falls into a Korean accent.
Some protested his role in the movie, The Goods: Live Hard for what they considered a stereotypical and racist role.
He also lapses into a Korean accent for a Miller beer commercial.
“Everyone goes through something similar in acting. If it’s not race it’s something else,” he says. “You’re having meanings projected onto you based on how you look. The chances of getting any role in the acting world are remote. It’s just the way the business is.”
The third installment of the Hangover is out on DVD this week.
You can read more about how Jeong broke into comedy in the Independent.