Sam Rockwell makes surprise cameo in ‘The White Lotus’
The most recent episode of The White Lotus featured surprise guest Sam Rockwell. The actor briefly joined the complex web of well-heeled travellers in one of the season’s most explosive episodes, delivering a show-stopping monologue at a glitzy bar.
Rockwell doesn’t show up to the White Lotus resort but instead meets one of this year’s main characters, Rick (Walton Goggins), for drinks in Bangkok. Rick is there to settle an old score, and it is implied that Rockwell is a former associate from some shady dealings in the US.
Rather than just adding a famous face to the show, however, Rockwell is given one of the show’s most memorable monologues. After revealing to Rick that he is now sober, he launches into a lengthy, soul-searching story in which he elaborates on his addiction to sex, attraction to Asian women, and slow recognition that he is queer.
It is a stand-out moment in an episode full of jaw-dropping moments and a scene that the Oscar-winner seizes with both hands.
Rockwell was never listed as part of the cast, which made his appearance a complete surprise. However, he has been in a relationship with actor Leslie Bibb, who plays Kate in the show, since 2007. The two previously appeared together in Iron Man 2 and Don Verdean.
It is not clear whether Rockwell’s character arc on The White Lotus is complete. In their scene together, Rick said that he might call on him for a favour to “do a bit of role-play” while he’s in Bangkok confronting the man he believes to be his father’s killer.
Either way, the one monologue Rockwell had in last night’s episode might be enough to get conversations going about the ‘Outstanding Guest Actor’ award when the Emmys roll around.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.