Ken Leung is probably greatest recognized for his portrayal of ruthless banker Eric Tao on the HBO drama “Industry.”
The function has introduced him unprecedented ranges of consideration, however the actor admits there’s an sudden draw back to being such a important a part of the present’s success.
Based on Leung, he’s now often mistaken for an precise finance skilled, with individuals within the trade usually assuming he works in banking.
Satirically, Leung seems to be shifting even farther from the world of finance in actual life, lately increasing his portfolio to incorporate trend and modeling work.
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Ken Leung Says He’s Now Virtually Completely Acknowledged From His Function In ‘Trade’
Leung has been taking part in the function of Eric on “Trade” for greater than 5 years. In that point, the actor says the character has change into his most recognizable to the viewers.
“I’ve to say, virtually completely now, it’s ‘Trade,’” Leung stated throughout an interview with GQ Magazine. “It’s significantly individuals in finance who’re excited to inform me they’re in finance.”
Previous to “Trade,” Leung was most likely most recognized for taking part in Miles Straume in “Misplaced.” The NYC native talked about that there was a resurgence in fan engagement for the character.
“Just lately we had a 20-year anniversary of ‘Misplaced,’ which was so way back,” Leung stated. “It’s a little bit surreal to immediately hear about it once more.”
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The Actor Insists He’s Nothing Like His Character On The Present
Leung is fast to level out that there’s a significant distinction between his real-life character and that of Eric Tao on “Trade.” Chatting with GQ, Leung didn’t mince his phrases when describing the Pierpoint govt.
“Eric isn’t a pleasant particular person,” he stated.
Due to that, Leung admitted that he’s usually not sure how one can reply when followers inform him that Eric reminds them of somebody they know in actual life.
“A whole lot of occasions I’ve heard, ‘Oh, you remind me of this boss I had,’ and I all the time say, ‘I’m so sorry to listen to that,’” Leung stated. “And so they don’t imply it that method.”
Regardless of Eric’s ruthless status, Leung believes that the character should be able to change.
“[Eric] is extra more likely to come clear,” Leung defined. “In that he has the added agenda of discovering a path to his youngsters.”
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Ken Leung Makes Modeling Debut After Almost 30 Years In Hollywood
Leung is nearing 60 and has spent greater than half of his life working in Hollywood. Having constructed a profession largely outlined by appearing roles on tv and movie, the “Particular person of Curiosity” star is now gravitating in direction of trend and modeling for the primary time.
Based on Women’s Wear Daily, Leung is a part of a trend marketing campaign for Principle’s Spring 2026 assortment, in what’s the first main marketing campaign of his profession.
Leung is joined within the endeavor by “The Bear” star Molly Gordon, who spoke positively in regards to the clothes featured within the shoot.
“The garments really feel relaxed and thought of on the similar time, which makes them really feel extremely pure to put on,” she stated.
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Leung Credit His ‘Trade’ Costars For Pushing Him Into Style
Leung says his current foray into the world of trend was impressed by watching his castmates on “Trade” tackle related tasks.
Based on the veteran actor, being surrounded by performers who’re snug crossing into the style world sparked his personal curiosity.
“I’ve been witnessing my castmates on ‘Trade’ do plenty of issues like this,” Leung informed GQ.
“I’ve all the time admired how snug they’re with it, and I’ve been interested by what it’s like, as a result of it’s a world I’ve by no means gotten to step into,” he added.
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Ken Leung Explains Why Eric Tao Appears to be like Awkward Outdoors The Buying and selling Flooring
In Season 4 of “Trade,” Leung’s character leaves the agency with a large severance package deal following a monetary collapse and goes into retirement.
This flip of occasions introduced out a brand new aspect of Eric, together with a noticeably totally different wardrobe that contrasts sharply along with his traditional trading-floor put on.
Leung additionally spoke about this, explaining why the change is revealing.
“[Eric has] reached everybody’s dream,” Leung stated. “You’re employed all of your life to have the ability to do nothing, and that doesn’t work for him… he’s not carrying retirement fairly the way in which he perhaps dreamt about.”
