Krista Marie Yu – Dr. Ken

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What can you tell us about the premise for “Dr. Ken” and about your character Molly?

A) “Dr. Ken” is a fun and silly ‘family next-door’ sitcom about a doctor with terrible bedside manner trying to juggle his life at work and his life as a parent and husband at home. Molly is Ken and Allison’s sixteen year old daughter. She’s smart and fashionable, but like any other teenager beginning to test her limits and boundaries in being treated like an adult. She’s very responsible, but is also a social butterfly and especially loves social media. In these beginning episodes, you’ll definitely notice that Molly has quite a sassy attitude that one can only assume she picks up from her dad. Definitely keep a look out for Molly’s fun outfits, too!

Q) Is there anything that you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Molly has many, many layers and as a teen so many complicated feelings and emotions. She can be very manipulative, but she can also be very loving. I’m excited to explore Molly beyond just a girl with attitude because she is oh, so much more!

Q) Is comedic timing something that has come naturally to you, or is it something that you study?

A) Comedic timing is definitely something that always keeps me on my toes. It’s always changing with the flow of the scene, the delivery from other actors and, of course, the audience response. It’s definitely an incredible learning experience to hone this skill by working with and watching firsthand the comedic genius of Ken Jeong, Dave Foley, Suzy Nakamura, Tisha Campell-Martin, Jonathan Slavin, and Albert Tsai. I learn something new from watching them every single day. The guest cast also has many incredible veteran actors that give each episode something extra special.

Q) What have you learned and taken away from your experiences both working with Ken [Jeong] and from being on the show?

A) Ken is such a hardworking actor, producer, writer, father and husband. He is so inspiring to watch and work with. He pours his heart into everything and is endlessly laughing and making us laugh along with him. He is the perfect example of someone who followed his dreams, which is such an important message and additionally an incredibly motivating story.

Q) What has been your favorite moment from filming?

A) I have a lot of favorite moments, but I especially love having a one-on-one scene with my little brother (played by Albert Tsai) in the Halloween episode. It’s fun to “team up” with him, and he is always a riot.

Q) Will you be doing anything special in celebration for the premiere?

A) I’m super pumped for the show to premiere. I will be proudly live tweeting and hope that viewers will join me and the rest of the cast in our excitement!

Q) You are a part of social media, are you looking forward to the interaction with fans and the instant feedback it provides?

A) Yes! I’m always thrilled to hear from people who are excited about the show! Positive support from viewers means the world to us. I’m on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @kristamarieyu

Q) What do you think it is about the show that will draw viewers in?

A) I think that the show is very relatable, both on the family front and on the work front. I think that this show brings a very quick, light and silly humor so people can go home on Fridays and just laugh and have fun. Ken Jeong is also so original and if his dance moves don’t draw viewers it…I’m not sure what else would! I also hope it draws the Asian American community, as having another Asian American show on TV is another step toward reflecting a realistic society.

Q) Will there be any special guest stars?

A) Yes! Many!! So many talented and special guest starts. We recently just had Margaret Cho guest star as Ken’s sister and my auntie. She is such a pioneer for Asian American actors – it was a really special episode. Truly, every single guest star has brought an extra special flare, joy and humor to the show.

Q) Is there anything else about the show you would like to share or tease?

A) I’m really proud to be representing an Asian-American teen girl on primetime TV. I hope that teenagers can relate to Molly’s problems and that parent’s can relate to the problems she causes! Thanks so much Starry Constellation!