Ken Perlstein

Ken Perlstein is a New York-based actor, writer, and comedian whose career spans the stages, television, film, and stand-up comedy worlds. He has built his path by exploring both drama and comedy, with an emphasis on characters that bring honesty and depth to storytelling.

He grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he studied acting and directing at the University of Michigan. In 1994, he moved to New York to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. His first professional opportunity came as an NBC page. This role gave him firsthand experience behind the scenes of television and offered early lessons in discipline and consistency within the craft.

Ken went on to earn his MFA in Acting at The Actors Studio MFA Program at The New School. There, he trained with members of The Actors Studio and developed his technique under the guidance of experienced working professionals. This period of study allowed him to refine his performance skills and strengthen his artistic foundation.

On stage, he has performed in productions including Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Lost in Yonkers. His television career includes recurring appearances on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as well as guest roles on series such as Succession, The Americans, City on a Hill, Person of Interest, and FBI.

Perlstein has also written and produced original work. He created, directed, and starred in the independent film "January," which was screened at the Millennial Film Festival and the Miami Independent Film Festival. In addition, he wrote and executive-produced the pilot "How Am I Doing?", which was featured at festivals across the country and is now available online. Both projects earned recognition for his directing and acting, and he is currently developing a new original series while preparing its pitch deck.

His stand-up comedy career spans over two decades, with performances at 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 in the tri-state area and Los Angeles, combining personal storytelling with character-driven humor.

Beyond performance, Ken works as a certified peer recovery specialist with a mobile crisis unit in the Bronx. In this position, he provides support to individuals in crisis, working alongside licensed social workers to connect them with necessary resources. This work highlights his dedication to service and advocacy beyond the entertainment industry.

He is also skilled in impressions and has a background in athletics, including football, wrestling, and swimming, with his current fitness focused on swimming and cross-training.

Now living with his family in New York City, Ken Perlstein continues to build meaningful projects as an actor, writer, comedian, and advocate, remaining active in both creative and community-focused work.