We recently spoke with actor Ronin Wong about playing Mike Lam in season 4 of The Sinner, which premiered on October 13 on USA Network. Ronin tells us about his character, what we can expect from this season, and how he got into becoming a storyteller.

When did you decide that storytelling was something you wanted to do?

RW: I think that I’ve always been a storyteller. Even as a small child, when I told my parents about something that had happened, instead of just telling them, I would re-enact the scene. I don’t remember ever learning to do that.  It was just something I did. Much later, as a young adult, I realized that I would never be happy unless I was frequently creating and telling stories. And, the only way to do that, was to actually work in a medium like film, television, theatre, music, or literature. At one time or another, I have worked in all of these fields.  

What can people expect from season 4 of The Sinner?

RW: Once more, we’ll explore Detective Harry Ambrose’s [Bill Pullman] search for redemption, as he grapples with another mystifying case. This season features a diverse ensemble cast. The characters they portray are deeply interwoven with each other in ways that will not be clear at first. But, over time, Ambrose works his way through the many twists and turns as he unravels the secrets of two feuding families amidst the backdrop of an idyllic town, which is harboring deep secrets of its own. This is an ambitious season that deals with current social issues and skillfully weaves them into the fabric of The Sinner’s whydunit framework.  

What can you tell us about your character?

RW: Mike Lam is a hard-working family man who immigrated from Hong Kong to a small fishing town in Maine more than 20 years ago. Despite having lived in the town for a long time, he still struggles to be fully accepted by the locals. Mike has maintained an air of calmness and reason despite the hardship and trauma he’s suffered in his life. But, things are about to turn violent and Mike will be forced to reckon with the horrible compromises he’s made to get to where he is.

What is the best thing about being a storyteller in your opinion?

RW: If I can get lost in it, I find storytelling to be pure joy. I can forget about my fears and my own day to day problems. I’m just in play mode but it’s a very serious form of play. The stakes are high when you work in the arts: quality counts. I love the challenge of having to be in top form, while under pressure, and making my job look easy.   

What has been the best life advice you have ever been given?

RW: This is the best life advice I’ve been given: Don’t worry too much about what other people think. Decide what you want to play and how you are going to play it. Go for it: play hard, play big. Keep focused but have fun.  Keep a balance between being driven and being just alive and experiencing. Enjoy the company of others, but most of all, enjoy your own company.

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