Christopher Chung, the talented actor known for his role as the abrasive hacker Roddy Ho in the hit spy drama “Slow Horses,” is embracing the unexpected public reactions to his character with a sense of humor and acceptance. The 37-year-old Australian actor is familiar with both the playful insults and affectionate remarks from fans, which he considers an affirmation of his impactful performance.
Playing Roddy Ho has been a dream role for Chung, offering him the freedom to portray a character without the usual constraints of empathy. Roddy is a character whom Chung describes as “slightly on the spectrum” and “misunderstood,” capturing the complexity of someone who, despite being egocentric, is not inherently malicious. For Chung, Roddy’s lack of a filter resonates with his own internal voice, making the role not only fun but liberating.
During our meeting in Soho, London, not far from his character’s haunt, the Slough House, Chung reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career. Over the years, navigating the entertainment industry with East Asian heritage posed significant challenges. Initially limited to stereotypical roles, Chung found a way to balance his love for acting by working as a personal trainer, which provided both financial stability and a necessary external focus.
The role of Roddy Ho marked a turning point for Chung, allowing him to defy stereotypes by portraying a geeky yet physically attractive character, unlike the depictions in the novels where the hacker is defined by his thick black glasses. Freed from preconceived notions, Chung embraced this role, which challenged norms and provided a platform to show a broader range of talent.
Working alongside a cast of established actors, including Gary Oldman, has been an exciting challenge for Chung. He describes the camaraderie on the set of “Slow Horses” as akin to being part of a “dysfunctional family,” with Oldman serving as a supportive father figure. The positive dynamics extend beyond filming, as evidenced by Chung and Oldman recording a rendition of “Let It Be” for fun.
Since “Slow Horses,” Chung’s career has flourished, landing roles in “Doctor Who” and the Steve McQueen movie “Blitz,” among others. He expresses pride in transcending his early career limitations and taking on roles that break away from race-specific casting, advocating for broader diversity in the industry.
As the new season of “Slow Horses” approaches, Chung admits to feeling some anxiety about the spotlight but remains grounded, valuing his privacy and down-to-earth routine. His personal training clients are equally delighted by his screen success, finding humor in having a TV star as their trainer.
The release of “Slow Horses” season five on Apple TV+ continues to illustrate Chung’s burgeoning career, marking another milestone for an actor who once doubted he’d ever escape marginal roles. His journey is an inspiring testament to persistence, talent, and the power of breaking down barriers in the entertainment industry.