Tayme Thapthimthong, the rising star from The White Lotus, recently shared his unconventional career journey that led him to his role in the hit show. The 35-year-old actor, who plays Gaitok in season 3, opened up about his varied experiences before finally pursuing his passion for acting.
“I’ve always wanted to be an actor,” Thapthimthong shared. His acting journey began when he was 18 or 19, studying a performing dance course at Kingston University near London. The course included a drama module, and that was where he first dabbled in acting, although the focus was on Shakespeare. Despite the classic nature of the material, it was this experience that made him realize his passion for acting. “It just felt right. It just felt good,” he said.
In addition to acting, Thapthimthong developed a love for dance, experimenting with various styles including contemporary, ballet, African, Indian, and hip-hop. However, his career path was far from traditional. Before breaking into acting, he spent several years in the military. He trained with the Royal Marines as a cadet in England and later served as a Lieutenant in the Thai Army. After three years in the military, he transitioned into the private sector, where he worked as a bodyguard for two years.
It wasn’t long before The White Lotus came calling, and Thapthimthong’s career began to soar. The actor, who has gained recognition for his role, is now eager to continue expanding his acting career. He expressed a particular interest in starring in action films, saying, “I’d love to be a Thai James Bond!” He added that he is open to a variety of roles, whether they involve guns, swords, or anything else, and feels there’s much more he has to offer in the world of film.
With his dynamic background and growing acting career, Thapthimthong is quickly becoming a name to watch in Hollywood, and fans can’t wait to see where his talents take him next.
