Rich Ting Talks Playing Sergeant Tyson Koyama in Prime Video’s On Call and His Journey from Action Roles to Leadership on Screen

Rich Ting has had a busy few years, and 2024 is shaping up to be no different with his latest role as Sergeant Tyson Koyama in Prime Video’s new police drama On Call. The series, produced by TV titan Dick Wolf, premieres on January 9th, and Ting shared exciting behind-the-scenes details and personal anecdotes during his interview on Pop Culture Unplugged.

Here are some key highlights from our conversation with Rich Ting:

On Landing His Role as Sergeant Tyson Koyama

Ting revealed that On Call initially came to him through a traditional audition process. However, he quickly realized the project had a special touch, led by series creators Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, who were deeply invested in ensuring cultural accuracy.

Originally written as a Cambodian character, Tyson Koyama’s background was later adjusted to reflect Ting’s own Japanese heritage. In a touching tribute to his family, the character’s last name, “Koyama,” is actually his mother’s maiden name.

“It’s kind of cool to have a full-circle moment. My mom is a huge Dick Wolf fan, so to have this role pay homage to her and my Japanese heritage was very special.”

On Playing a Police Officer and Prepping for the Role

Ting’s character, Sergeant Tyson Koyama, is a leader in the Drug Enforcement Unit of Long Beach’s police department. It’s a role that required Ting to fully immerse himself in police culture through real-life ride-alongs with the Long Beach PD and tactical training sessions.

“I’ve always wanted to play a police officer since I was a kid. To finally step into this role felt like fulfilling a childhood dream. We did ride-alongs with the gang unit and trained with terrain tactical experts, which really helped me feel confident going into the show.”

On the Show’s Unique Cinematic Style

One of the standout features of On Call is its documentary-style filming approach, using a mix of body cams, dash cams, and handheld cameras. Ting shared how this filming style added authenticity and intensity to the series.

“It feels like a ride-along. You’re pulled right into the action with the characters, and the 30-minute episodes feel like an hour because you’re so engaged. It’s exhausting in the best way possible.”

On Working with a Stellar Cast and Director Eriq La Salle

Ting praised his castmates, including Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Laurie Holden, and series director and co-star Eriq La Salle. He spoke about his respect for La Salle, both as a director and a fellow actor.

“Eriq is a player-coach. He knows how to communicate with actors because he’s one himself. My goal was to have him give me as few notes as possible because that meant I was doing my job right. He’s a legend, and being directed by him was a surreal experience.”

On the Themes of the Show and Tyson’s Leadership Style

Ting’s character is described as the “Obi-Wan” to Officer Tracy Harmon, played by Troian Bellisario. As a mentor and former training officer, Koyama’s leadership style is rooted in respect and care for those he works with.

“Tyson is a great police officer, but he’s also vulnerable. I always want to show the humanity in these tough characters. There are moments where you’ll see his love and desire to protect others, which makes him more than just a one-dimensional tough guy.”

On On Call’s Real-Life Stories and Intensity

The series draws from real police calls, making every episode feel grounded in reality. Ting emphasized how this adds to the show’s authenticity.

“Every call you see is based on real events. It’s not just a way to kick off the episode — each one is intense and significant. It keeps you engaged because it’s real, raw, and relentless.”

On the Season Finale and Hopes for Season 2

Without giving away spoilers, Ting expressed his excitement for the season finale, which he described as a powerful payoff for the season’s intense build-up.

“The finale is epic. It’s my favorite episode, and I think viewers are going to want more when it ends. Hopefully, we’ll be back for Season 2, because there’s so much more to explore with these characters.”

On His Role in Tulsa King and Working with Taylor Sheridan

Ting also reflected on his role in Tulsa King Season 2, sharing what it was like to work with Sylvester Stallone and Taylor Sheridan.

“It was a dream come true. I’ve been a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s universe for a long time, so to be part of it was surreal. I never thought someone who looks like me would fit into that world, but it worked, and I’m grateful for the experience.”

What’s Next for Rich Ting?

When asked about upcoming projects, Ting teased that he has some exciting things on the horizon but couldn’t share details just yet. He’s hopeful to continue exploring his character in On Call and has his fingers crossed for more projects in Taylor Sheridan’s universe.

Where to Find Rich Ting

Fans can follow Rich Ting on social media to keep up with his latest projects:

Instagram/Twitter: @RichTingWorld

Final Thoughts

Rich Ting’s portrayal of Sergeant Tyson Koyama in On Call promises to bring depth, authenticity, and emotion to the small screen. With a unique blend of real-life police stories, intense action, and character-driven drama, the series is set to be a hit when it premieres on Prime Video on January 9th.

As Ting shared, “You’ll be exhausted in the best way possible — and wanting more.”