Ricky Kim

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ricky Kim

Role / Field:

Korean-American actor and model known for roles in Korean dramas and variety shows.

Born:

1981-06-19

Century / Era:

1981s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Ricky Lee Neely (Korean: 리키 김 리닐리; born June 19, 1981), known professionally as Ricky Kim (Korean: 리키 김) , is an American actor. Ricky Kim Leenelllee was born on June 19, 1981, to a Korean mother and an American father. He grew up in Kansas and Hawaii, and then studied mass communications at Kansas State University, with ambitions of becoming a lobbyist. In 2005 he arrived in South Korea to volunteer and teach English on the side, then left the country to continue traveling around the world. But having made the decision to pursue a career in entertainment, he returned four months later and began handing out his profile to modeling and talent agencies.

Career & Major Achievements

Under the stage name Ricky Kim, he made his acting debut in the 4-episode 2006 TV series Miracle. He first attracted notice for his supporting role in the 2008 hit show On Air, followed by his first leading role in the romantic comedy film My Darling FBI. He then joined the cast as Michelle Morris in the 2009 Korean staging of the musical Dreamgirls. In the 2010 period medical drama Jejungwon, he played Dr. John William Heron, Presbyterian missionary and hospital director of the first Western medical institution in Korea. Since 2009 he has been a regular on sports-reality show Let's Go Dream Team!

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He also appeared in several seasons of Law of the Jungle, a travel-reality show in which a cast of celebrities go to exotic locations such as Namibia, Papua, Vanuatu, Siberia, Madagascar, and New Zealand, and are left to explore and survive in nature. Kim met musical theatre actress Ryu Seung-joo while working with Compassion, an international NGO both are active in. After dating for two years, the couple married on May 4, 2009 at Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel. Their first child, daughter Taylor (Kim Tae-rin) was born on February 10, 2011. Their second child, son Asher William (Kim Tae-oh) was born on March 11, 2013.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1981 (1981-06-19): Birth of Ricky Kim — Korean-American actor and model known for roles in Korean dramas and variety shows.
2. 2005: 2005 Milestone — In 2005 he arrived in South Korea to volunteer and teach English on the side, then left the country to continue traveling around the world.
3. 2006: 2006 Milestone — Under the stage name Ricky Kim, he made his acting debut in the 4-episode 2006 TV series Miracle.
4. 2008: 2008 Milestone — He first attracted notice for his supporting role in the 2008 hit show On Air, followed by his first leading role in the romantic comedy film My Darling FBI.
5. 2009: 2009 Milestone — He then joined the cast as Michelle Morris in the 2009 Korean staging of the musical Dreamgirls.
6. 2010: 2010 Milestone — In the 2010 period medical drama Jejungwon, he played Dr.
7. 2011: 2011 Milestone — Their first child, daughter Taylor (Kim Tae-rin) was born on February 10, 2011.
8. 2013: 2013 Milestone — Their second child, son Asher William (Kim Tae-oh) was born on March 11, 2013.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ricky Kim

True or False: “Ricky Kim's initial career focus after studying mass communications was immediately acting.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He initially intended to pursue a career as a lobbyist before deciding on entertainment.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abel Gance — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): French cinematic pioneer, celebrated for his mastery of montage and epic filmmaking.
• Abigail Spencer — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Adriana Lima — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): Iconic Brazilian model, celebrated for her long tenure as a Victoria's Secret Angel.
• Aage Bohr — Shared historical date (06-19 · Born) (1922): Pioneering Danish nuclear physicist, Nobel laureate for atomic structure theory.
• Alberico Gentili — Shared historical date (06-19 · Died) (1608): Italian jurist, 'Father of international law', and Regius Professor at Oxford.
• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Historical peer (Died in 1981) (1981): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Albert Speer — Historical peer (Died in 1981) (1981): German architect and Nazi official, known for monumental designs and wartime ministry.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Akira Yoshizawa — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Japanese origamist, credited with elevating origami from a mere craft to a recognized living art.
• Aaron Spelling — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• 1981 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1981
• June 19 (06-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 19

Frequently Asked Questions about Ricky Kim