“Gong Xi Fa Cai means hope you get rich!”
It’s one of Ronny Chieng’s most popular lines from his breakout Netflix comedy special Ronnie Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America! (2022). In explaining the Chinese cultural obsession with wealth and prosperity, the sharply-dressed Chieng’s deadpan delivery and explanation of the ubiquitous Lunar New Year greeting made him a viral sensation overnight.
So, who is Ronny Chieng?
Ronny Xin Yi Chieng was born on November 21, 1985 in the state of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. But he spent much of his childhood in Singapore, where he attended school. Growing up in an Southeast Asian Chinese household, he was influenced by his family’s strong emphasis on academics and discipline. Nevertheless, his talent for humor and storytelling would soon lead him down an unconventional path in the future.
For higher education, Chieng relocated to Australia, where he enrolled at the University of Melbourne. He graduated with degrees in both Law and Commerce in 2009. Although he initially had no plans to enter the entertainment industry, his time at university introduced him to the world of stand-up comedy, and it wasn’t long before he began performing regularly in the local scene.
Rise in Comedy
Chieng’s comedic career began in earnest in Australia, where he quickly made a name for himself in the stand-up circuit. In 2012, his career took a significant leap when he was named Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for his show The Ron Way. His sharp wit, self-depricating and observational humor resonated with audiences, particularly his takes on cultural differences, Asian identity, and the absurdities of modern life.
Over the years, he built on his success, performing at major comedy festivals across Australia, including the Sydney Comedy Festival and the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, Canada. Eventually, his work earned him several awards, including Best Show at the Sydney Comedy Festival and Director’s Choice at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The Big Break
Chieng’s big international break came in 2015, when he was hired as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. His segments, often focused on racial issues, internet culture, and international politics, became viral hits. One of his most notable pieces was his takedown of racist Fox News coverage of New York’s Chinatown, which rightfully garnered widespread acclaim for its sharp humor and biting social commentary.
His time on The Daily Show allowed him to expand his audience beyond Australia and into the United States. He took the opportunity to develop his signature comedic style on a global platform, cementing his reputation as a unique and fearless voice in the comedy landscape.
Beyond Comedy
Beyond stand-up, like many comedians before him, Chieng pivoted into acting. His most high-profile role came in 2018 when he played Eddie Cheng in the box-office hit Crazy Rich Asians. The film, a cultural milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood, helped elevate Chieng’s status in the entertainment industry.
In addition to Crazy Rich Asians, he has appeared in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), and M3GAN (2022). Chieng also created and starred in the semi-autobiographical sitcom Ronny Chieng: International Student, which aired on ABC Australia and Comedy Central. The series, inspired by his experiences as a Malaysian student in Australia, was well received for its humor and relatability.
Most recently, he also starred alongside fellow comedian Jimmy O. Yang in Interior Chinatown.
Ronny Chieng’s rise from a law student in Australia to an internationally recognized comedian and actor is a testament to his talent, hard work, and sharp comedic instincts. But it’s also one about subverting expectations in an Asian household where stable careers and professional titles are par for the course as an adult — a theme Chieng touches on in his 2024 Netflix stand-up special, Love to Hate It. We’ll have to find out what else is in store for Chieng in 2025 — but going back to law looks to be out of the cards for sure.
Banner image via Grammy.
