Rich Ting, known for his commanding screen presence, takes on the role of Sergeant Tyson Koyama in Wolf Entertainment and Prime Video’s On Call. In a Mitch Yee’s first interview, Ting discussed his preparation for the role, the importance of accurate representation, and his pride in showcasing a side of law enforcement rarely seen on screen. Ting’s thoughtful approach to the character and his passion for honoring his roots add a deeply personal touch to this groundbreaking series.
Sergeant Tyson Koyama: The Ultimate Badass
Ting describes Sergeant Koyama as a dream role—combining action, leadership, and depth.
“If I had to use your words, badass, Sergeant Koyama is the ultimate badass. I’m not dressed in your typical blues. I’m in streetwear, kind of an undercover look with tactical equipment on. That right there would make anyone feel like a badass, I think,” Ting shared.
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The character’s distinct look and commanding presence set him apart from conventional portrayals of police officers. Ting’s description highlights the intentional effort to create a fresh take on law enforcement leadership, combining street-level relatability with tactical precision.
Training for the Role: Ride-Alongs and Tactical Mastery
To prepare for the role, Ting immersed himself in the world of law enforcement, engaging in ride-alongs with Long Beach police officers and undergoing tactical training with Hollywood’s best.
“The ride-alongs were huge for me,” Ting explained. “It wasn’t so much about seeing the environment, but understanding the dynamics of the city and its people. Long Beach is such a mix of different cultures and neighborhoods, and I wanted to capture that.”
The ride-alongs provided Ting with firsthand insight into the diversity and complexity of Long Beach, giving his performance an added layer of realism. By observing officers on the job, Ting was able to infuse his portrayal with authenticity, ensuring viewers experience the true essence of the city through his character.
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Ting also honed his technical skills by training with Taran Tactical, a renowned expert in police and military action choreography.
“I wanted every police officer watching my character to believe I’ve got 20 years in the game. From shooting and accuracy to drawing and holstering, it was about making every movement authentic,” Ting said.
Ting’s commitment to mastering even the smallest details underscores his dedication to respecting the profession he portrays. His focus on the technical aspects ensures that Sergeant Koyama’s presence feels both convincing and lived-in, adding credibility to his performance.
Representation Matters
As a fourth-generation Asian-American, Ting takes great pride in playing a role that honors his heritage and breaks stereotypes.
“I’m representing for all Asian-American law enforcement officers, and that means so much to me. We never see that real, visceral, masculine Asian-American cop or detective on screen. They’re out there, but they don’t get the representation they deserve,” Ting said.
This statement reflects Ting’s mission to broaden the scope of representation in media. By bringing an authentic Asian-American character to life, Ting not only acknowledges the contributions of real-life officers but also challenges Hollywood’s traditional casting choices. His work paves the way for more diverse storytelling in law enforcement narratives.
Sergeant Koyama’s character is deeply personal to Ting, incorporating elements of his own background. The name “Koyama” honors his Japanese heritage, further connecting him to the role.
“To play this character, finally, in a Dick Wolf show, no less, is huge. It’s full circle for me because, as a kid, I wanted to be a police officer. Now, I’m honoring Asian-American men and law enforcement officers, and I hope they’re proud of what I’ve done,” Ting shared.
This full-circle moment emphasizes the significance of Ting’s casting. By combining his personal experiences with his professional skills, he creates a role that resonates on a cultural and emotional level, leaving a lasting impact.
A Groundbreaking Performance
For Ting, On Call is not just another acting role—it’s an opportunity to inspire and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
“At the end of the day, if the officers I’m representing are proud of what I’ve done, that’s all I care about,” Ting said.
This statement encapsulates Ting’s ultimate goal: to earn the respect of the real-life officers his character is modeled after. His dedication to authenticity and representation ensures that Sergeant Koyama is not only believable but also inspirational.
Are You Ready to Meet Sergeant Tyson Koyama?
Rich Ting’s portrayal of Sergeant Tyson Koyama in On Call combines grit, heart, and representation, offering viewers a character they can connect with on multiple levels. With Ting’s richly developed character, the series promises to set a new standard for the genre. Be sure to catch the series exclusively on Prime Video on January 9, 2025.
About On Call
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Creators: Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf
Executive Producers: Dick Wolf, Tim Walsh, Elliot Wolf, Eriq LaSalle, Peter Jankowski
Production: Universal Television, Amazon MGM Studios, Wolf Entertainment
Cast: Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Lori Loughlin, Rich Ting, Eriq La Salle
Synopsis
On Call, a thrilling new half-hour drama series from Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, is an adrenalized and visceral police drama that follows a rookie and veteran officer duo as they go on patrol in Long Beach, California. Incorporating a mixture of bodycam, dash-camera, and cellphone footage to create a cinema verité effect, the innovative series explores the morality of protecting and serving a community.
How do you think Ting’s commitment to authenticity will influence the series? What excites you most about seeing Long Beach through the lens of On Call? Let us know what you think on social media!
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