Ken Leung's early life unfolded in the vibrant Two Bridges section of the Lower East Side in New York City, where he was raised by his family before they relocated to the diverse Midwood neighborhood in Brooklyn. As he grew up, he eventually completed high school in Old Bridge, New Jersey, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
His educational journey took him to New York University, where he honed his acting skills under the guidance of esteemed instructors Catherine Russell and Nan Smithner, as well as the renowned Anne Jackson at HB Studio. This solid foundation allowed him to emerge as a talented performer from Manhattan's thriving downtown theater community in the 1990s.
During this period, Leung flourished in innovative productions, showcasing his versatility in a range of roles. He appeared in Jeff Weiss' provocative play Hot Keys, Terrence McNally's thought-provoking passion play Corpus Christi, and as Buckingham opposite Austin Pendleton's iconic portrayal of Richard III.
Leung's early career was marked by his associations with influential theater groups, including Ma-Yi, New Perspectives, and STAR, a traveling troupe of actors-educators based at Mount Sinai Hospital. In 2002, he made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, a milestone achievement in his burgeoning career.
As he continued to grow as an artist, Leung transitioned to mainstream features, collaborating with acclaimed directors like Spike Lee on two notable films, further solidifying his status as a talented and accomplished actor.
