Rich Ting’s career is the epitome of persistence meeting opportunity.
With roles spanning continents and genres, Ting has not only captured the attention of audiences but also solidified his place in Hollywood’s most iconic universes.
His latest role as Sergeant Tyson Koyama in On Call marks another milestone in a career built on versatility and authenticity.
From Stunts to Acting: Rich Ting’s Journey
Rich Ting’s introduction to Hollywood came through the action-packed world of stunts, a career path influenced by his cousin, John Koyama.
Ting, who initially returned to Los Angeles to pursue a law career, found himself at a crossroads when his cousin offered him an opportunity to work on a Warner Bros. production. “I had just accepted an offer to a firm,” Ting recalled, “but the partners encouraged me to go for it. That’s how it all began.”
For Ting, the transition into stunts was more than just a job; it was an education.
“I spent the first two years of my career in stunts, being a sponge on set, learning set etiquette, learning how directors, writers, actors, crew, how they all work together, things that I was truly lucky to have experience at that age because you can’t learn those things in an acting studio or an acting class.”
He credits this experience with providing insights that can’t be taught in acting classes. “You can go to great schools like Yale and major in drama and theater, but you’ll never get that on-set experience,” Ting said.
This foundation not only honed his skills but also instilled a deep respect for the craft. “Stunt work is humbling and demanding,” Ting explained. “You’re first on set, the last one to leave, and you’re responsible for all the action. You’re responsible for taking care of everyone on set, including the crew.”
Ting retained that lesson of discipline and hard work, setting the tone for everything he’s done since.
The Significance of On-Call
In On Call, Ting takes on the role of Sergeant Tyson Koyama, a name that carries profound personal significance. Showrunner Tim Walsh gave Ting the rare honor of choosing his character’s name.
Ting’s mother’s maiden name is Koyoma, and it was his cousin, John Koyoma, who gave him the jump start into stunts. Choosing a name reflecting their roles in his success hits close to his heart.
“It’s super touching, for lack of words, because I’m in this business because of him. I’m in this business because my mom has always supported me and really backed me, as well as my dad,” Ting laughed, “But I’m a mama’s boy.”
The show, set in Long Beach, California, shines a spotlight on the city’s diverse communities, particularly the Japanese American and Cambodian populations. “Growing up in the South Bay, Long Beach was in my backyard, but nobody knows about it,” Ting noted.
Ting thanks Walsh and Elliot Wolf “for putting Long Beach on the map for the first time for the world to see.” Ting’s portrayal not only honors his heritage but also reflects the production’s commitment to authenticity and representation.
The decision to allow Ting to choose his character’s name is just one example of the care taken by the creators. “I couldn’t be more thankful and more proud to be representing my family, but more importantly, the show under the Dick Wolf umbrella.”
Crafting Realism in Police Dramas
Unlike traditional police procedurals, On Call immerses viewers in the lives of police officers through fast-paced, 30-minute episodes.
Ting emphasized the meticulous approach to storytelling. “We don’t have one wasted minute showing a random scene or any wasted dialogue. Everything has a purpose,” he said, making for a visceral experience.
To prepare for the role, Ting participated in ride-a-longs with the Long Beach Police Department and noted that it was as intense as it looked on screen.
“It’s life-threatening,” he said, recounting how the show uses body cameras, steady cams, and other techniques to create a documentary-like feel and capture the experience. “We want viewers to feel like they’re in the front seat of a police car,” Ting explained.
The show also breaks from convention by focusing less on precinct life and more on the streets.
“We’re always on the go,” Ting said, promising that the show will leave viewers breathless but also give them moments to catch their breath. “There are not a lot of them,” he laughed.
Like executive producer, director, and costar Eriq La Salle, Ting emphasized that On Call is a character-driven show, which puts officers in the driver’s seat without moralizing on behalf of the audience. It shows officers on a personal level and on a professional level.
“We want to show that they are forced into certain situations in which they have to react. We want to force the question to the audience,” Ting explains. “If you were a police officer, would you have done the same? How would you have reacted?”
“We want it to really showcase that these are all real people, just like us as viewers, with real problems and with real jobs, except these police officers happen to risk their lives every second that they’re on the clock and even sometimes off the clock.”
They aren’t telling people how to view policing but inviting them to share the experience and form opinions for themselves in a 30-minute adrenaline-fueled format.
Balancing Roles: From Drug Lord to Drug Enforcement
Rich Ting’s versatility is on full display with his recent roles.
On Tulsa King, he played Jackie Ming, a menacing drug lord. The stark contrast with Sergeant Koyama in On Call highlights Ting’s range as an actor. “Only in Hollywood can you go from drug lord to drug enforcement team,” he joked.
Working on Tulsa King was a dream come true for Ting, who grew up idolizing Sylvester Stallone.
“I had to pinch myself a few times, being right next to Sly. Growing up a fan of everything he’s done, literally from the Rockys to the Rambos to Demolition Man, and now I’m standing next to this man, reading lines and watching him can control and direct a set.
“It was surreal, to say the least, but that’s what I signed up for,” Ting shared.
Despite the intensity of his character’s storyline and his big finish, Ting relished the opportunity to be part of the Taylor Sheridan universe.
The transition to On Call felt like a fresh start. From the wardrobe to the character’s clean-cut demeanor, everything about Koyama represents a shift. “I’m on the good side of the law this time. What a cool way to end one thing and then start a whole new show with my On Call family.”
Ting is grateful for his fans, new and old, who watched him on Tulsa King, but he has a message for them. “I know it was on Paramount+, but if you guys can switch over to Prime now and check out On Call, I would really appreciate that,” he chuckled.
Rich Ting’s Place in Iconic Universes
With roles in both Taylor Sheridan’s and Dick Wolf’s productions, Ting has cemented his place in two of television’s most influential storytelling empires.
Ting has spent nearly two decades keeping his head down and focusing on the work, and stepping back to the realization he’s a part of these worlds is overwhelming.
Ting’s gratitude for these opportunities is palpable. “I am so grateful. One thing that I have to actually be better at is really taking a moment and really understanding what’s going on,” he said, visibly moved,
“And, when you just say I’m part of Taylor Sheridan’s world and Dick Wolf’s world, it’s such an incredible honor.”
What’s Next for On Call
As anticipation builds for On Call Season 1, discussions about a potential second season are already underway. While Ting couldn’t divulge specifics, his excitement was evident.
“I’ve heard the buzz,” he said. “I’m very close to Tim Walsh. and I can’t be more excited for the fans to watch Season 1 so we can show them a Season 2, I’ll leave it at that.”
Closing Thoughts
Rich Ting’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and gratitude. From his early days in stunts to starring in two of television’s biggest universes, Ting has proven his ability to captivate audiences and bring depth to his roles.
With On Call, Ting not only honors his heritage but also sets a new standard for representation and storytelling.
As On Call premieres, one thing is clear: Rich Ting’s star is only beginning to rise.
On Call is available to stream now on Prime Video.
Watch On Call Online
