Biography of Ken Perlstein
Ken Perlstein is a New York-based actor, writer, and comedian whose career includes theater, television, and stand-up comedy His professional path demonstrates a steady ability to transition between drama and comedy, with a focus on character-driven storytelling.
He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later studied acting and directing at Marshall University In 1994, he moved to New York to pursue his career His first job in the industry was as an NBC page, where he gained valuable behind-the-scenes experience with television production This early opportunity provided him with insight into the structure and discipline of the entertainment industry
Training and Development
Ken later completed his MFA in Acting at The Actors Studio MFA Program at The New School. There, he trained with members of The Actors Studio and learned from established working professionals This period of study allowed him to refine his skills, deepen his approach, and build confidence in his craft
Stage and Screen Work
He has taken part in stage productions such as Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Lost in Yonkers. On television, his work includes recurring roles on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and guest appearances on shows including Succession, The Americans, City on a Hill, Person of Interest, and FBI These performances showcase his versatility in playing both dramatic and comedic roles across various platforms
Writing and Producing
In addition to acting, Perlstein has pursued writing and producing He wrote, directed, and starred in the independent film "January, " which was screened at the Millennial Film Festival and the Miami Independent Film Festival. He also created and executive-produced the pilot "How Am I Doing?" , which was shown at festivals across the United States and is now available online Both projects were recognized for his directing and acting At present, he is developing a new original series and preparing the pitch deck.
Comedy Career
He has been active in stand-up comedy for more than two decades. His performances have been featured in well-known New York City venues, including Caroline’s, Comic Strip Live, Stand Up New York, and the British Comedy Festival He has also performed throughout the tri-state area and in Los Angeles His approach combines personal storytelling with character-driven humor, displaying his ability to connect with audiences through both writing and live performance
Advocacy and Service
Beyond his work as an entertainer, Ken is a certified peer recovery specialist with a Bronx-based mobile crisis unit In this role, he listens to individuals in crisis, provides support, and works with licensed social workers to connect people with essential resources His service reflects his dedication to advocacy and his ability to apply empathy outside of performance
Personal Skills and Interests
Ken also has abilities as a singer and impressionist, with accurate portrayals of public figures His athletic background includes football, wrestling, and swimming; however, his current focus is on swimming and cross-training as a means to stay active