Interview by Roman Portnoy
Photography: Ryan West
Rich Ting was born in Los Angeles, California and is a 4th generation Asian American. Growing up as an athlete, Ting played collegiate football at Yale University while earning a B.A, and then went on to achieve a dual J.D./M.B.A. degree. Soon after achieving his scholastic goals, he realized that he needed to switch careers and pursue his passion for the entertainment industry and, specifically, as an actor.
How did you get into acting?
Throughout my undergraduate and graduate school careers, I trained (as a hobby) at different acting studios as a way of pursuing my childhood dream of being a Hollywood actor. After graduating from both law school and business school, I was coincidentally approached and asked by stunt coordinators in Hollywood if I would be willing to do stunts in some upcoming feature films. With absolutely zero knowledge or experience in the film making industry, I decided to take this challenge as an opportunity to learn and educate myself on set etiquette, film and television culture, as well as just “jumping right into the fire.”
I promised myself that I would work in stunts until I was able to completely cross over to the acting side of the industry. As a result, I was fortunate enough to work on various major Hollywood feature films gaining and obtaining an immense amount of knowledge and insight about the film making industry.
Do you prefer acting in television or film, and why?
At this point in my career, my team and I are always looking into various projects in both television and film. I honestly do not prefer one over the other and in fact, strive to do as much television and film productions as I can given my current schedule. Even though there are pluses and minuses to both worlds, I truly enjoy doing a variety of episodics as well as switching gears and being a part of a feature film cast.
Typically, we are given more prep and shooting time when doing feature films as opposed to episodics in television (due to the network schedules). However, the turnaround time from pre-production to airing an episode on television is a lot faster than completing a feature film and seeing it in the movie theater or on Netflix, for example.
Despite television and film each having their own distinct cultures, any opportunity to play a character that I identify with and desire allows me the experience to not only grow as an artist but to also work and develop relationships with various actors, directors, producers, and crew members on that particular production. I am always grateful for each and every production I am cast for.
What do you enjoy most about performing on camera?
I believe that entertainment industry has slowly evolved regarding the stereotypical roles for minority actors. As an Asian American actor, for example, I believe that writers and directors have begun to see past the historic stereotypical roles for Asian actors and are now allowing Asians as well as other underrepresented minorities to play roles and characters not typically written for minorities.
Prior to my career as an actor, I often asked myself (1) why there was not a famous “Asian American” leading man and (2) why were all Asian actors (like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan) martial artists or characters that could fight and fly through the air. Legends like Bruce Lee definitely inspired and motivated me (as well as millions around the world) to pursue the study of martial arts but I was always curious why there was never an Asian American “dad,” “boyfriend,” “policeman,” “firefighter,” “lawyer,” or “hero.”
All of my childhood friends had favorite actors that they could relate to ethnically and racially, however, I could never find that one Asian American leading man that represented my “hero.” As a result, I have had two dreams/goals: (1) the dream and pursuit of becoming not only an Asian American actor but a leading man in Hollywood and (2) represent that leading Asian American man (that I was always searching to find as a child) to other Asian American kids as well as other minorities throughout the globe.
We all grew up watching different feature films as well as television shows/programs as children and to actually be working as a professional actor in Hollywood has been a dream come true. If I can affect, influence, motivate, or inspire one Asian American or minority kid in the world by my on-camera performance then that would be the ultimate win for me as an actor in Hollywood.
As the entertainment industry continues to be more inclusive and diverse in its content, more and more viewers of all ages will have a larger pool of ethnic and cultural representation to not only identify with but to also learn from in the form of entertainment education. I never found or had that Hollywood actor that I could relate to or identify with when I was a child, and as a result, it has been my dream and personal goal to continue to influence, educate, and hopefully represent that “hero” to someone else someday.
What actor that you worked with has been the biggest influence in your career?
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, I had the opportunity to work with the “Dude” himself, Jeff Bridges, on his new FX series for Hulu called The Old Man. Having spent three months with Jeff prepping and filming for the longest and most complex action sequence of my career so far, I not only developed a true friendship with him but was also able to observe and learn from the one of great Hollywood legends.
At times, it honestly felt as though I was taking a master class with Jeff from the moment he arrived to the studio for rehearsals in pre-production. His positive attitude, vibe, and willingness to still be open for notes and direction at the age of 70 years-old was truly amazing to witness in person.
His detail to each and every scene as well as attention to all of our action and stunt choreography was second to none. Watching him put his readers on every morning to go over his various notes on his scripts to him whispering and recommending minor adjustments to me on set are moments I will never forget and always treasure as an actor.
Without any exaggeration, he always had a smile on his face when he greeted me in the morning and after every take would smile again and say, “This is wild!”. I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a legend and will never forget his words of advice to me as a fellow artist in this industry.
If you can play any character on any tv show, who would it be and why?
Ever since I began my career as a professional actor, I have approached every project as if it were my last. Whether I have been cast as a guest star, recurring, or lead, I have always been extremely proud and humbled to be chosen for that particular character and project.
I continue to study and learn from each individual project in perfecting my craft as an actor. Whether it is from set conditions to fellow actors to the various directions and notes from directors and producers, I always treat and approach each project as an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist in the industry.
However, to date, I can say that my dream role was playing the character of ‘Bolo’ on HBOmax’s Warrior. To be one of the main cast on a television series created by my childhood idol (and greatest martial artist of all time) playing the most iconic and hyper-masculine Asian character known throughout the world is simply a dream come true.
Is there anyone you would love to work with someday?
Even though I have already had the opportunity to work with Angelina Jolie on “Salt” in 2010, it would a dream of mine to work with her again as either a fellow actor or under her direction, as she has been directing more of her recent projects.
Besides her obvious beauty and skill, I have come to respect and truly appreciate her more current films that she has directed and developed behind the camera. I think she is an extremely creative and brilliant filmmaker, and I would jump at the opportunity to work with her again in the future.
After working with her on “Salt,” I cannot put into words how incredible, professional, and loving she is as a person. I remember telling my mom after wrapping this film, “I now know why every woman wants to be like Angelina Jolie.”
I will never forget this memorable time working with her as an actor but more importantly getting to know her as a person. It would be such an honor to say that I have not only worked with her as a fellow actor but have also been directed by her.
What do you look for when you’re choosing your next project?
With any future project, my team and I are always looking for character roles that I can identify with and feel comfortable and confident portraying.
Throughout my career so far, I have had the opportunities to play not only heroes and villains but also a cowboy, a gay husband and father, a detective, a military captain, various Asian gangsters, a corporate VP, etc.
My team and I have always aimed for leading man roles that allow me to play a wide variety of characters despite different genres, time periods, and demographics. My team and I also work together to decide whether or not a particular character role is a good fit for me as well as the overall project.
What was your favorite role?
Playing the iconic character of ‘Bolo’ in HBOmax’s Warrior has been my most favorite role of my career so far. Known for his notorious characters in “Enter the Dragon” and “Blood Sport,” Bolo Yeung (the real person the character of ‘Bolo’ was modeled after) has been someone I have also idolized due to his muscular physique and overall strong character acting.
In our initial meeting, at HBO headquarters, Shannon Lee (executive producer), Justin Lin (executive producer), Danielle Woodrow (executive producer), and Jonathan Tropper (writer and showrunner) all emphasized that they were impressed with my martial arts background but cast me based on my audition performance.
While the character of ‘Bolo’ is a tribute to the real Bolo Yeung, long time friend and co-star of Bruce, they wanted me to bring my own character and depth to his portrayal. In prepping for this project, I did extensive work and training combining character choices and context for my character as ‘Bolo.’
The most rewarding part of being cast as ‘Bolo’ was the fact that all the producers and writers told me that I did not have to mimic or imitate the real Bolo Yeung. They stressed that I was cast for this particular role because of who I am and what I could bring to the character as “Rich Ting.” I had the freedom to interpret and create a version of ‘Bolo’ that was very true to me as well as attributing certain qualities to the original Bolo Yeung.
Additionally, for Warrior, I remember Justin Lin asking me if I could put on about 10lbs of extra muscle without losing flexibility or fluidity of motion. It was the first time in my acting career that a producer asked me to gain weight and gave me the freedom to work out and train in the gym. It was music to my ears! I not only enjoyed this shift in my physicality but it definitely impacted and added to my character analysis and portrayal of ‘Bolo’.
What motivates you as an actor?
Every time I am cast for a role and production, I always approach each individual project, whether it is a TV series or feature film, with the same intensity, commitment, and perseverance. When cast for a particular project, I always reflect on my journey in the entertainment industry. I remember all of my wins and adversities from when I worked as an extra to receiving my SAG AFTRA card to booking my first feature film.
It is the most humbling and flattering feeling to be chosen to represent a character in a production that was written and created by another person. They have chosen you to fulfill their vision, idea, and story and want to pay you to be that specific character. Whether it is a guest star, recurring, or lead role, every single production that I have been a part of represents not only a “win” but the reality that I am living my childhood dream of working as an actor in Hollywood.
With each new booking and win in my acting career, it has allowed me the opportunity to learn, progress, and elevate to a higher platform in the industry. I am committed in using these new platforms to gain exposure and more opportunities to impact and inspire younger generations of all ethnic demographics throughout the world.
I have been and will continue to be grateful and humbled for every opportunity I receive to be in front of the camera. I am committed and promise all my fans and supporters that I will always strive for excellence and will continue to play and create characters that hopefully everyone will be able to enjoy, relate to, and be inspired by.
What’s the toughest part about acting?
I think auditions are the most difficult and toughest part of being an actor. In the beginning, it can be extremely intimidating to enter a casting office and audition in front of casting directors, producers, writers, etc.
However, throughout the years, I have learned to embrace these opportunities and focus completely on the positives that lie within the audition rooms. Each audition an actor gets is a gift and as a result, I treat each and every audition whether it is a sitcom or major motion picture exactly the same. Casting directors, producers, and writers are calling you in to audition for them because they believe you are a potential choice for their project. In this hectic industry, no one has time to waste and as a result, I believe that you must always prepare and fully commit to that audition to the best of your ability.
As I mentioned before, auditions are gifts, and my preparation and performance in the room is my way of saying “Thank You” for the opportunity, time, and consideration. My process of auditioning has evolved from being nervous and anxious to now being gracious and humbled for the opportunity to be seen and considered.
What has been your most rewarding project so far?
HBOmax’s Warrior has without a doubt been the most rewarding project of my career thus far. It has been such an honor to be not only cast for this amazing project but to also be playing the real character of martial arts legend and close friend of Bruce Lee, Bolo Yeung.
This project has impacted me in so many ways due to my childhood connection with Bruce Lee, as he was the sole reason for why I began studying martial arts at the age of 4-years old and continues to be one of my lifelong idols.
Having the opportunity to work with his daughter, Shannon Lee, and the entire team, words cannot express how honored I am to bring to life an idea, vision, and dream of the legendary martial artist and my childhood idol, Bruce Lee.
If you didn’t pursue acting, what would you be doing?
If I did not pursue acting, I think I would have initially worked in the legal corporate sector upon graduating from law school and business school, eventually focusing on more of the business development side. I have also had a true passion and interest in fashion and could definitely imagine myself pursuing a career in the fashion industry hopefully creating my own designer label and apparel.
What advice would you give to young Asian-American actors trying to break into Hollywood?
To any young Asian-American actors trying to break into Hollywood, I would definitely recommend taking an acting class and getting into some sort of actor’s studio. Like anything else in life, the more you train, study, and focus on bettering yourself for that particular job or task, the more prepared you will be when that opportunity presents itself.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is what my parents have preached to me my entire life: “to always keep working at something and never stop.” I believe that everyone who is successful in life at whatever they do has had some sort of luck on their side.
However, I believe that one can only be lucky if they work and continue to work as hard as they possibly can at whatever they are pursuing in life. Luck does not come without action or perseverance.
As a result, one can potentially place themselves in a situation with a higher percentage or chance of being, doing, and having what they want and desire by continuing to focus and work as hard as they possibly can.
I continue to live by one of the famous quotes from my lifelong idol, Bruce Lee: “Running water never grows stale, so you got to just keep on flowing.” Similar to what my parents preached and taught me when I was a child, I continue to stay motivated, committed to my craft, and to never stop “flowing.”
Can you tell us a bit about your next project?
This summer 2022, I will be seen on FX’s new series, The Old Man, playing opposite of Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winner, Jeff Bridges, on the streaming service Hulu. I also play the character of ‘Carter Min’ on the upcoming Netflix legal drama series, Partner Track premiering this Fall as well as the character of ‘Hikaru Makoto’ on Apple’s Hello Tomorrow.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
