Ken Perlstein
Actor, Writer, and Comic in New York, New York, United States
Ken Perlstein is a New York-based actor, writer, and comedian whose work spans theater, television, film, and stand-up comedy. His career reflects a steady commitment to performance, blending drama, humor, and character-driven storytelling in ways that show both his range and his focus on craft.
He was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he studied acting and directing at the University of Michigan. In 1994, he relocated to New York to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. His first industry position was as an NBC page, where he gained early exposure to television production and learned the importance of discipline and professionalism in the business.
Ken went on to complete his MFA in Acting at The Actors Studio MFA Program at The New School. While there, he worked closely with respected members of The Actors Studio and trained under accomplished artists who helped him refine his technique and deepen his understanding of the craft of performance.
On stage, he has appeared in plays such as Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Lost in Yonkers. His television credits include recurring roles on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and guest appearances on shows such as Succession, The Americans, City on a Hill, Person of Interest, and FBI.
In addition to acting, he has also worked as a writer and producer. He created, directed, and starred in the independent film "January," which was screened at the Millennial Film Festival and the Miami Independent Film Festival. Perlstein also wrote and executive-produced the pilot "How Am I Doing?", which was shown at festivals across the country and is now available online. Both projects earned recognition for his acting and directing, and he is now developing a new series with its pitch deck in progress.
For over twenty years, he has performed stand-up comedy in New York City at renowned venues such as Caroline’s, Comic Strip Live, Stand Up New York, and the British Comedy Festival. His comedy has also reached audiences in the tri-state area and Los Angeles, combining personal storytelling with strong character work.
Beyond performance, Ken serves as a certified peer recovery specialist with a Bronx-based mobile crisis unit. In that role, he provides support and connects individuals in crisis with resources, working closely alongside licensed social workers. This work demonstrates his commitment to helping others beyond the entertainment field.
He is also known for his skill in impressions and has a background in athletics, including football, wrestling, and swimming, with a current focus on swimming and cross-training.
Residing in New York City with his family, Ken Perlstein continues to create meaningful projects while remaining engaged as a performer, writer, comedian, and advocate, committed to both his craft and his community.