Fresh Air

Comedian Ronny Chieng Didn't Tell His Parents He Got A 'Daily Show' Job

14 snips
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.
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ANECDOTE

Keeping Success Quiet

  • Ronny Chieng didn't tell his parents he got hired on The Daily Show.
  • He wanted to avoid bragging and prove his worth through work.
INSIGHT

Testing Comedy on Apathetic Audiences

  • Chieng tested his comedy in environments where people didn't care about him.
  • He believed if he could make apathetic strangers laugh, he could succeed professionally.
ANECDOTE

Seinfeld Inspiration

  • Chieng's exposure to stand-up comedy came from watching Seinfeld reruns in Malaysia.
  • This sparked his interest in the art form at a young age.
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