Even though I’ve interviewed Ronny Chieng three times before (one was done via e-mail, though), I still get a bit nervous about speaking to him. (For the record, there could’ve been a fourth interview if 8 DAYS weren’t banned from the set of Crazy Rich Asians — that’s another story for another time.)
If you’ve seen the JB-born, US-based Malaysian comedian on stage or The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, then you know he’s kinda an angsty, grumpy dude. I always get this feeling that if you ask him a silly question, you might end up as his jokes on his shows. (That’s why I’m terrified of speaking to comedians in general — you're potential material.)
The truth is, Ronny, 33, is a lot more personable than his onscreen persona lets on. As long as you don’t’ ask him questions like what it’s like to do stand-up ( if you do, “I’ll hang up on you,” he warns us over the phone), you'll be fine. Ronny is in town for two shows at the Esplanade Theatre tonight (Nov 29). If you didn't get the tickets, don't fret: He also has a Netflix special dropping on Dec 17.
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1/41/4A show ahead of its time: Hossan Leong in 'The Donny Lee Show'. -
2/42/4Stop staring: Ronny is quietly plotting world domination. -
3/43/4Seek and destroy: Ronny in his upcoming Netflix comedy special 'Asian Comedian Destroys America'. -
4/44/4Bound for eBay: Ronny Chieng's business card is now a collector's item.