Fresh Air
Comedian Ronny Chieng Didn't Tell His Parents He Got A 'Daily Show' Job
Dec 16, 2024
Ronny Chieng, a Malaysian-born comedian and star of The Daily Show, opens up about the challenges of balancing family expectations and his career. He kept his big news a secret to avoid bragging. Chieng reflects on his journey, including the impact of politics on comedy and navigating the media's perceptions. He also discusses his multicultural identity and how it shapes his humor, revealing a newfound appreciation from his father for his comedic success.
47:14
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Quick takeaways
- Ronny Chieng highlights how his immigrant background has shaped his comedy, enabling him to address nuanced topics and connect with diverse audiences.
- Chieng reveals his initial hesitation to share his career achievements with his parents, reflecting their supportive evolution despite early skepticism about comedy.
Deep dives
Ronnie Chang's Comedy Journey
Ronnie Chang, a comic and actor, shares insights into his journey into comedy, which began in Australia before transitioning to the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in comedic performance, noting that early on, he focused on surface-level jokes about America. However, over time, he learned to navigate his unique perspective as an immigrant, finding deeper connections with audiences by addressing more nuanced topics. Chang credits Trevor Noah for giving him a chance on The Daily Show, a platform he initially joined without fully understanding its impact on his career.
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