Ken Leung on Playing One of TV’s Most Toxic Bosses

Ken Leung on Playing One of TV’s Most Toxic Bosses

From The Assignment with Audie Cornish by CNN Podcasts

February 26, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 219

About this episode

Ken Leung discusses his role as a toxic boss in HBO's 'Industry' and the broader themes of masculinity and representation in media.

Actor Ken Leung is no stranger to the toxic male archetype. He embodies it as Eric Tao, the ruthless baseball-bat-carrying trading floor bully he plays on HBO’s “Industry.” Leung talks with Audie about what pushes characters like Eric—on screen and in real life—over the edge from family man to a name you could see in the Epstein files. They also discuss why women of color don’t get the “anti-hero” treatment, and how “Industry” has evolved into a portrait of the greed, corruption, and class conflict defining this moment. -- This episode was produced by Lori Galarreta and Jesse Remedios Senior Producer: Matt Martinez Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Audie Cornish

Guest: Ken Leung

Topics covered

  • toxic masculinity
  • anti-heroes
  • class conflict
  • greed
  • corruption
  • media representation

Keywords

  • Ken Leung
  • toxic male archetype
  • Industry
  • HBO
  • anti-hero
  • class conflict
  • greed
  • corruption

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HBO

Books & works: Industry

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