Ken Leung On How ‘Industry’ Fans Assume He’s A Banker

Ken Leung is probably finest identified 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.

In accordance with Leung, he’s now often mistaken for an precise finance skilled, with individuals within the trade usually assuming he works in banking.

Sarcastically, Leung seems to be transferring even farther from the world of finance in actual life, not too long ago increasing his portfolio to incorporate vogue and modeling work.

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 turn out to be his most recognizable to the viewers.

“I’ve to say, nearly solely now, it’s ‘Trade,’” Leung mentioned 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 identified 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 mentioned. “It’s a little bit surreal to immediately hear about it once more.”

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 shouldn’t be a pleasant individual,” he mentioned.

Due to that, Leung admitted that he’s usually uncertain reply when followers inform him that Eric reminds them of somebody they know in actual life.

“Loads of instances 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 mentioned. “They usually don’t imply it that means.”

Regardless of Eric’s ruthless status, Leung believes that the character should still be able to change.

“[Eric] is extra prone to come clear,” Leung defined. “In that he has the added agenda of discovering a path to his youngsters.”

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 the direction of vogue and modeling for the primary time.

In accordance with Women’s Wear Daily, Leung is a part of a vogue marketing campaign for Idea’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 identical time, which makes them really feel extremely pure to put on,” she mentioned.

Leung says his current foray into the world of vogue was impressed by watching his castmates on “Trade” tackle comparable tasks.

In accordance with the veteran actor, being surrounded by performers who’re comfy crossing into the style world sparked his personal curiosity.

“I’ve been witnessing my castmates on ‘Trade’ do a number of issues like this,” Leung informed GQ.