Comedian Ronny Chieng Didn't Tell His Parents He Got A 'Daily Show' Job
Dec 16, 2024
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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.
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.
Family Dynamics and Comedy
Chang discusses the relationship with his parents, particularly their initial reaction to his career choice. His father expressed concerns about the viability of becoming a comedian, worried no one would support tickets to his shows. Initially, Chang chose not to inform his family about his achievements, including his role on The Daily Show, as he felt it was unnecessary bragging. Ultimately, as his career progressed and gained recognition, his parents became supportive, showcasing their caring nature despite initial skepticism.
Cultural Perspectives in Comedy
Growing up in Malaysia and later in the U.S., Chang's diverse background provides him with a rich comedic lens. He reflects on the gaps in representation within comedic narratives, especially regarding Asian voices in mainstream media. His experiences from different countries allowed him to craft humor that resonates across cultures, distinguishing him in American comedy. Chang’s role in the series Interior Chinatown exemplifies this exploration of identity and the stereotypes that often accompany it.
The American Political Landscape
As a correspondent for The Daily Show, Chang navigates the complexities of American political discourse through satire. He remarks on the unique ability comedians have to critique political figures and how American institutions afford them the freedom to do so without severe repercussions. Chang believes that despite the rise of more contentious political climates, humor remains a tool for resilience and engagement with societal issues. He expresses hope that the comedic landscape will continue to thrive in the U.S., serving as a vital voice in contemporary politics.
When Ronny Chieng got a job as a correspondent and then anchor at The Daily Show, he kept the news to himself. "I didn't want to brag," the Malaysia-born comic says. "I just wanted to do the work." Chieng now costars in the series Interior Chinatown, and has a new Netflix comedy special, Love to Hate It.
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