Christopher Chung, known for his role as the sardonic hacker Roddy Ho in the acclaimed espionage drama ‘Slow Horses,’ shares his experiences navigating the acting world. Before landing his dream role, Chung faced years of challenges, including odd jobs and battling pervasive stereotypes. In this exclusive interview, he discusses his journey, holding his own alongside acting legends like Gary Oldman, and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
Chung’s story is one of resilience and determination. From early experiences with stereotypical casting to his current success, he offers a unique perspective on diversity in Hollywood. This article explores Chung’s career, his thoughts on representation, and his insights into the challenges and triumphs of being an Asian actor in a predominantly Western industry. Read on to discover how Chung is redefining expectations and inspiring change.
We’ll delve into his experiences on ‘Slow Horses,’ his work as a personal trainer, and his upcoming roles. You’ll gain insights into:
- The challenges of breaking stereotypes in Hollywood
- His experiences working alongside Gary Oldman
- The impact of ‘Slow Horses’ on his career
- His personal journey and background
Battling Stereotypes and “Asian Parts”
Before landing his breakthrough role in ‘Slow Horses,’ Christopher Chung faced numerous challenges in the acting world. Arriving in the UK at 24, he encountered what he describes as “unconscious bias” and was often typecast in stereotypical roles. He recalls auditioning for parts such as “the takeaway worker or the Asian nurse – peripheral characters that don’t have any autonomy.”
Chung noted, “Directors would be like – this is the Asian part.’ When he was working on Waterloo Road, an executive producer suggested that a good storyline for Archie would have him go to China on a boat.” This kind of pigeonholing left him feeling “othered” and limited in his career aspirations. To gain more control over his acting choices, he started working as a personal trainer, allowing him the financial freedom to be more selective with the roles he pursued.
His experience highlights the broader issue of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Asian actors in Western media. Chung’s determination to break free from these constraints underscores his commitment to paving the way for more diverse and meaningful roles for actors of color.
“If I didn’t have that, then my career might be in a very different place.” He continues the work today: “I had a client this morning. I love it because it gives me an external focus, an hour that’s about the client, not me. That’s really healthy.”
The Game-Changer: Landing the Role of Roddy Ho
The role of Roddy Ho in ‘Slow Horses’ marked a turning point in Christopher Chung’s career. Initially, he was concerned about his physicality, feeling he was too muscular for the stereotypical image of a geeky hacker. However, the show’s creators embraced his physique, incorporating it into the character’s development.
Chung explains, “They were like: ‘No, no, no. We’re going to build all of that into the character.’ As soon as they said that, it was so liberating.” This acceptance allowed him to challenge his own preconceived notions about how an Asian character should be portrayed on screen, making Roddy a unique and multifaceted character.
Playing Roddy allowed Chung to express a side of himself that often remains internal. As he puts it, “Sometimes, the things that he vocalises are similar to my internal voice. So it’s a really fun character to play: I get to just say what I think.” The role has not only brought him critical acclaim but also opened doors to new and exciting opportunities.
Holding His Own Opposite Gary Oldman
Working alongside veteran actor Gary Oldman has been a transformative experience for Christopher Chung. Oldman, who plays the disheveled and brilliant Jackson Lamb, challenged Chung to bring his best to every scene. Chung describes the experience as demanding but rewarding, pushing him to elevate his performance.
“You’re trying to meet them at their level so that they don’t have a dud opposite.” Behind the scenes, the cast of the show are like a “dysfunctional family” with Oldman acting like a “very supportive” father figure. There’s a lot of banter and camaraderie between them all, he says, and when Oldman learned Chung could sing, the two of them recorded a version of Let It Be together “just for fun”.
The camaraderie on set and Oldman’s mentorship have helped Chung grow as an actor. He values the opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s finest, using the experience to hone his craft and expand his range.
New Horizons: Doctor Who, Blitz, and My Brilliant Career
Since his success in ‘Slow Horses,’ Christopher Chung’s career has taken off. He has been cast in a variety of roles that showcase his versatility as an actor. These include a hot-headed soldier in ‘Doctor Who,’ a villain’s sidekick in the Steve McQueen movie ‘Blitz,’ and the romantic lead in the Australian Netflix period drama ‘My Brilliant Career.’
“I always thought my career ambitions would be capped at being the best friend to the lead,” he says. “I never thought I’d get to take that myself.” These new roles represent a significant step forward, allowing him to break free from stereotypical casting and explore a wider range of characters. Chung is particularly excited about ‘My Brilliant Career,’ where he plays the handsome and wealthy Harry Beecham, a role that challenges traditional expectations.
His recent nominations and castings highlight his growing recognition within the industry and his increasing influence as a role model for aspiring Asian actors.
From Melbourne to London: Chung’s Personal Journey
Born to an Irish mother and a Malaysian Chinese father, Christopher Chung grew up in Mornington, a suburb of Melbourne. He recalls being one of the few Chinese kids in his school, often facing racial stereotypes. “I remember kids yelling out to me in the field: ‘Jackie Chan, do some kung fu,’ all the time.”
Despite these challenges, Chung was drawn to performing from a young age. He took acting courses in New York and Philadelphia before moving to London to pursue his dream. His multicultural background has shaped his perspective and fueled his passion for advocating for diversity in the entertainment industry.
Chung’s personal journey is a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles. His story resonates with many who have faced similar challenges, making him an inspiring figure in the fight for representation.
Advocating for Diversity and Breaking Race-Specific Roles
Christopher Chung is committed to breaking out of what he calls “race-specific” roles. He believes there needs to be more diversity “across the board, behind the camera, on the stage, the higher-ups,” arguing that this is where significant change begins.
He credits his wife, Scottish actor Frances Mayli McCann, for encouraging him to persevere in his career. Earlier this year, he was nominated for best supporting actor at the Bafta TV awards, becoming only the third East Asian male actor ever to be nominated. He sees this as a positive step but emphasizes that there is still much work to be done.
Chung’s advocacy extends beyond his own career, as he actively speaks out about the need for greater representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. His efforts are helping to create a more equitable and diverse landscape for future generations of actors.
Looking Ahead: Fame, Anxiety, and Personal Training
As ‘Slow Horses’ continues to gain popularity, Christopher Chung is aware of the potential impact on his life. While he appreciates the recognition, he admits to feeling “a little anxious about being a bit more central,” noting that “fame is not something that I ever chased.” He values his personal time and space, recognizing that increased fame could limit his ability to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Despite these concerns, Chung remains grounded and focused on his work. He continues to work as a personal trainer, finding it a healthy way to maintain an external focus. His clients are “thrilled” by his newfound fame, adding a touch of humor to his growing celebrity.
Final Thoughts: Chung’s Impact and Future in Entertainment
Christopher Chung’s journey from facing stereotypical roles to becoming a celebrated actor in ‘Slow Horses’ is a testament to his talent, resilience, and commitment to diversity. His story highlights the challenges faced by Asian actors in Western media and the importance of advocating for greater representation.
Key takeaways from Chung’s experiences include:
- The need to challenge and break down stereotypes in casting
- The importance of creating diverse and multifaceted characters
- The value of mentorship and support from industry peers
- The ongoing fight for greater representation behind and in front of the camera
As he continues to take on new roles and advocate for change, Christopher Chung is poised to have a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a call to action for those who seek to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
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