Ken Perlstein is a New York-based actor, writer, and comedian whose career covers theater, television, film, and stand-up comedy. His work reflects a steady balance of dramatic and comedic roles, as well as a focus on stories driven by character and authenticity.
Ken was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and pursued his early training in acting and directing at Marshall University. In 1994, he relocated to New York to advance his career, starting with a position as an NBC page. That experience provided him with valuable insight into the workings of television production and laid an early foundation in the discipline required to succeed in the industry.
Perlstein continued his professional development by earning an MFA in Acting through The Actors Studio MFA Program at The New School. There, he trained with members of The Actors Studio and received guidance from established professionals, sharpening his craft and gaining a deeper understanding of performance.
On stage, he has appeared in productions such as Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Lost in Yonkers. His television career includes recurring work 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.
He has also transitioned into writing and producing, creating and starring in the independent film January, which was featured 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 shown at festivals across the United States and is now available online. Both projects earned recognition for his directing and acting, and he is currently developing a new series with a completed pitch deck.
His stand-up career spans more than twenty years, with performances at notable New York City venues such as Caroline’s, Comic Strip Live, Stand Up New York, and the British Comedy Festival. Ken has also performed in the tri-state area and Los Angeles, drawing on personal stories and character-driven humor to connect with audiences.
Outside of performing, he works as a certified peer recovery specialist with a mobile crisis team in the Bronx. In this role, he collaborates with licensed social workers to support individuals in crisis, providing guidance and connecting them to essential resources. This position highlights his commitment to advocacy and helping others.
He is also known for his skill in impressions, which enables him to capture the voices of well-known public figures. His athletic past includes football, wrestling, and swimming, though his current focus is on swimming and cross-training.
Residing in New York City with his family, Ken Perlstein continues to create, perform, and support his community, keeping his work meaningful both on and off the stage.
