Christopher Chung, a dedicated personal trainer at Fred’s Gym located in the vibrant Hampstead neighborhood of London, remains committed to a select group of clients. However, as we sit together at the Horseshoe pub, conveniently located next to the gym, there's an undeniable sense that his life is on the verge of significant transformation—one that may soon overshadow those intense workout sessions.
Chung plays the character Roddy Ho, an arrogant and somewhat clueless computer expert in the critically acclaimed series “Slow Horses.” The highly anticipated fifth season, premiering Wednesday on Apple TV+, marks a pivotal moment for Ho, featuring an intricate storyline filled with unexpected plot twists that fans of this beloved British spy series will appreciate. For Chung, now 37, this moment represents a culmination of his slow-burn career journey, which began in his native Australia before taking him to New York and ultimately to London. His diverse experiences include performing in musical theater and starring in the BBC series “Waterloo Road” before landing the role in “Slow Horses” in 2020.
Over a delightful crab salad and sparkling water, Chung reflects on the critical juncture the show faces. “This is the moment where shows can falter and be like, ‘Yeah, it’s just not as good as it was,’ or ‘They tried something here and it just didn’t land,’” he notes. He likens his character, Ho, to seasoning in a dish: “A lot of him is a lot. Enough of him is just right.” While Chung possesses a witty and self-aware demeanor, contrasting sharply with Ho’s character, his time spent portraying the role has allowed him to cultivate a unique empathy for the character.
In preparing for the role, Chung researched computer hackers and discovered that Ho shares a common trait with many in the field: a misguided belief that he is acting for the greater good. “But his greater good in his world is very different from the reality of the greater good for the actual world,” Chung explains. Fortunately for him, Ho, aside from the character Lamb, stands out as the show’s most eccentric, off-putting, yet hilariously entertaining character. His portrayal of the nerdy I.T. guy—who can fix your laptop while scolding you for using your birth date as a password—strikes a relatable chord with viewers.
While his adventurous colleague River Cartwright (played by Jack Lowden) is out chasing bad guys, Ho remains at the office, indulging in junk food while conducting searches on suspects’ credit ratings and scrutinizing surveillance footage. The importance of signals intelligence, which involves intercepting calls, texts, and emails, is increasingly evident in MI5's operations. According to author and historian, Macintyre, whose book “The Siege” is being adapted into a series by Will Smith, the showrunner of “Slow Horses,” there are far more Roddy Hos than River Cartwrights in the intelligence community.
Mick Herron, the bestselling author behind the series, admitted he conducts no research before writing. “Research and I are not on speaking terms,” he quipped. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that in today’s digital landscape, “Roddy is probably nearer to the work that is actually done,” even if “they’d probably keep him in a cupboard.” In the series' early days, when technology was less integral, Ho's role was also diminished. Herron provided Ho with only a basic backstory: his family emigrated from Hong Kong before the territory’s return to Chinese sovereignty, he spent his teenage years immersed in Dungeons and Dragons, and he was fortunate enough to own a house. Herron aimed to create a character who was challenging to like, noting that Ho exhibited no potential for growth. Yet, contrary to Herron’s expectations, Ho has emerged as one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Ho's character is not without hidden talents, which include dancing both in nightclubs and on the street, to music only he can hear through his headphones. Chung emphasized the importance of this aspect to the show’s choreographer, stating, “He shouldn’t be rubbish at it... he either goes to a dance class or watches heaps of YouTube videos to impress the ladies.” Chung’s performance style aims to ensure that viewers are laughing with Ho rather than at him.
Before “Slow Horses,” Chung had a successful stage career, including performances in “Heathers, the Musical” in London’s West End and “Romeo and Juliet” at Shakespeare’s Globe. His role in “Waterloo Road” as Archie Wong marked his significant breakthrough; however, he felt disappointed when his character was written off without proper development, leading him to believe the role was merely a diversity checkbox. Reflecting on that experience, Chung has gained clarity over time, recognizing the industry’s shortcomings.
Growing up outside Melbourne with a Malaysian Chinese father and an Irish mother, Chung expresses his desire not to be a spokesperson for East Asian actors, labeling such a stance as self-righteous. However, he takes pride when young Asian actors tell him, “Dude, you’re doing it, and you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for us,” highlighting his impact on representation in the entertainment industry.
These days, Chung finds himself recognized on the London subway, where fans discreetly snap photos of him. While he hasn't reached Brad Pitt levels of fame, he enjoys working alongside esteemed actors like Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas. Herron notes, “He’s having the time of his life. He’s terrific, and audiences love him.” Despite his newfound fame, Chung remains committed to maintaining his role at Fred’s Gym, where he continues to train clients and keep fit. When asked whether he worries about being too fit to play an I.T. guy, he quips, “There are people like this, that are kind of geeky, nerdy, really good at computers, but that are in incredible physical shape. I’ll send you some videos.”
