NIGEL NG

Introduction to Nigel Ng: The Comedian Behind Uncle Roger

Full Name: Nigel Ng Kin-ju
Date of Birth: March 15, 1991 (Age: 34)
Place of Birth: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Occupation: Stand-up Comedian, YouTuber, Actor, Restaurateur
Known For: Comedic character Uncle Roger, stand-up comedy, food critiques
Social Media Handles: YouTube: , Instagram: 

Early Life and Education

Nigel Ng was born on March 15, 1991, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Malaysian Chinese parents of Hokkien ancestry. He grew up in the Cheras district with his younger brother and sister. After graduating from Chong Hwa Independent High School in 2009, he moved to the United States to pursue higher education at Northwestern University in Illinois, majoring in engineering and minoring in philosophy. He graduated in 2014 and subsequently worked as a data scientist at Monzo Bank in the UK. 

Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame

Nigel's journey into comedy began during his time at university, where he performed at open mic nights. In 2018, he made his television debut on Comedy Central's Stand Up Central. However, it was his creation of the character "Uncle Roger" that catapulted him to international fame. In July 2020, he posted a video critiquing a BBC Food tutorial on egg fried rice, adopting the persona of Uncle Roger, a middle-aged Asian man with a pronounced Cantonese accent. The video went viral, amassing millions of views and leading to collaborations with renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay and appearances on cooking shows such as MasterChef Singapore and Junior MasterChef Indonesia.

YouTube Channel and Content

Nigel's YouTube channel,  features a mix of stand-up comedy, food critiques, and sketches. His videos often showcase him in character as Uncle Roger, providing humorous commentary on various cooking techniques and recipes. The channel has garnered over 10 million subscribers and 1.66 billion views, making him one of the most prominent Asian creators on the platform. 

Personal Life and Recent Developments

In 2023, Nigel relocated to Los Angeles, California. In late 2024, he announced his engagement to Sabrina, sharing photos from their engagement shoot in Taipei's markets. The couple has kept their relationship relatively private, with Sabrina making her first public appearance in a September 2024 video during a promotional event for Nigel's restaurant. 

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Expanding his brand, Nigel opened his first restaurant, "Fuiyoh! It’s Uncle Roger," in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in September 2024. The restaurant, themed around fried rice, quickly became popular, with long queues forming outside. In November 2024, a second branch opened at IPC Shopping Centre. Nigel has plans to expand the restaurant further into Asia and Western countries. 

Conclusion

Nigel Ng's rise from a data scientist to a global comedy sensation exemplifies the power of digital platforms in shaping modern entertainment careers. Through his unique character, Uncle Roger, he has bridged cultural gaps and brought attention to Asian culinary traditions in a humorous and engaging manner. As he continues to expand his ventures, Nigel remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry.