Sam Rockwell discusses his viral White Lotus monologue, acting style, and surprising career moments.

Last summer, while shooting a picture in South Africa, Sam Rockwell received a call from Mike White. White, the creator of The White Lotus, need an actor to deliver an important speech in the third season. The scene would occur halfway through the season in Thailand. He expected the 56-year-old actor to deliver it. At the time, Rockwell was already preparing a speech for another project. He was apprehensive that taking on another one and flying thousands of miles might interfere with his preparedness. But after two cast members, his partner Leslie Bibb and best buddy Walton Goggins, advised him to take the risk, Rockwell caved. "I was sort of teetering," he told GQ. "And then I made a few pitches to Mike and we decided to do it."

This collaboration worked out well. In the fifth episode of the season, Rick (Goggins) travels to Bangkok to meet his old friend Frank (Rockwell). Rick intends to obtain a weapon and find the person who murdered his father. However, their meeting rapidly develops into a confession. Frank describes the crazy side of his experience in Thailand. For a few minutes, he discusses the twisted specifics of his previous sexual activities. He also expresses a profound epiphany regarding his own race and gender. He describes how these experiences led him to choose a Buddhist way of life, emphasizing sobriety and detachment. Rick can only sit there in quiet disbelief.

Rockwell's powerful but honest remarks, as well as his strong and unexpected involvement in three additional episodes, sparked immediate online discussion. It also resulted in numerous memes. The majority of these memes included Goggins' skeptical expressions at Rockwell's list of strange stories. It also clarified the season's focus on comprehension. A few months after the play finished, Rockwell spoke about that speech and his collaboration with Goggins. He also talked about joining White's show.

The Story Behind Sam Rockwell's Iconic White Lotus Season 3 Appearance

How Mike White Convinced the Actor to Take On Such A Challenging Role

Rockwell acknowledged he was a little nervous about taking on the part. "Yeah, it was only two-and-a-half, three weeks, but it was more about how to approach the role and if I could get off book with the monologue and stuff like that—and just that fear of sucking." He appreciates his preparation time greatly. He went on to say that he does not want to cut corners because it eliminates the need to think about acting. If you are prepared, you will act less. You live it more, and it's more enjoyable that way.

The speech itself had a disturbing tone. Rockwell was partially prepared for it, so he expected something unusual. But he thought it was awesome. He discovered that the majority of the labor was spent ensuring that the remainder of the portion worked properly. The speech remained largely the same as when he originally read it. He had little time to memorize it, therefore that was the primary issue. He stated you should allow three months for a two-and-a-half-page speech. He barely had approximately four or six weeks. This was not optimal for fully understanding the lines.

Rockwell performs both the memorizing and acting tasks at the same time. He emphasizes the mechanical aspect of memorization by repeating lines. He then works with an acting coach. If a character requires a different manner of speaking, he practices it. He also conducts research. He had previously investigated addiction and expat life for other films in preparation for this role. He even considered being sober for a film called Drunks, where he attended meetings. So Buddhism was his sole new subject. He viewed documentaries and read about it. He also learned to pray. This demonstrates his deep commitment to entering a character's thoughts.

Sam Rockwell's Extensive Preparation For His White Lotus Character Frank, And The Monologue

Integrating Personal Experience and New Research for Authentic Performance

Rockwell revealed that he frequently draws inspiration from films and documentaries. He considered Apocalypse Now for this part. But he understood there was a risk of playing it like the Dennis Hopper character in the film. He felt the speech should be more like the Martin Sheen or Marlon Brando figure. This is because the speech is already so crazy. He sought to make the outside appearance more macho. This would contrast with the speech's strong feelings. It also adds to the entertainment value of the act.

The script suggested that Rockwell and Goggins' characters had a shady background. They might have been ex-military or mercenary. Rockwell took it seriously. He got a Navy SEAL tattoo on his arm. He also got scars on his face and shaved his head. He was slim at the moment. He figured it would look fine next to Goggins, who had long hair. He believes they were an excellent fit for this proposal. Mike White makes creative use of the speech. He incorporates concepts from throughout the season. It discusses the conflict between self-interest and seeking spiritual purpose. It emphasizes the season's central theme.

Rockwell employs the Meisner acting approach. This is an effective technique to work on a script. It provides performers with tools for their trade. He remarked that performing Shakespeare is similar to speaking another language. You might need to rephrase things. The Meisner technique emphasizes "what if" situations over "what happened" in real life. Other methods, such as Strasburg's "The Method," rely on emotional experiences from the actor's history. Meisner contends that you cannot always use your real life. Many character behaviors you've never performed. You need to use your imagination. This strategy relies on imagination and daydreaming. This is an important component of acting.

Sam Rockwell Reflects On His Acting Partners And The Show's Deeper Meanings

The Power of Working with Old Friends and Capturing Complex Themes on Screen

Rockwell stated that the enlightenment section of the speech was the most difficult for him to deliver. He worked on it with his coach. For some reason, he made it seem melancholy. He recognized this was the incorrect way to go. He continued wanting to travel down that tragic path. This was due to the character's traumatic past. However, the main reason for the speech is that the character has become enlightened. So this is a very great speech. That was the risk. These were the things he needed to avoid.

In this regard, it resembles Dennis Hopper's speech in Apocalypse Now. The character says, "Hey man, here's the answer. I discovered the solution to life, and while it was not simple, this is the path I chose. "Let me tell you about it." Rockwell stated that he would consider whatsoever in his life or what he believes may be in his life to be the closest to enlightenment. He'd imagine that. The closest he has been to enlightenment is the exhilaration he gets from performing on stage or experiencing a profound realization in a film, such as crying without stopping in a scene.

Having Walton Goggins there was critical. Rockwell stated he couldn't give the speech without Goggins. Goggins is his "tennis player." Rockwell found working with Goggins really beneficial. They've been buddies for a long time. They were playing pals on the show. Rockwell and Goggins have witnessed events in real life that Rockwell sometimes wonders if they actually occurred. He'd phone Goggins to confirm. Goggins would answer, "Yeah, dude, that really happened." He highlighted the insane things they've been through since they met in the film Cowboys and Aliens. They once flew in a helicopter and sipped margaritas alongside Harrison Ford. They questioned if it had actually happened. Rick and Frank share a similar bond on the show. Rockwell knew right away that he and Goggins would have it naturally. Both Mike White and Leslie Bibb were aware of this. This was quite useful.

Rockwell could make Goggins laugh at any time. He did not include any extra lines in the show. But at one point, he said his goodbyes to Goggins. "You got my number?" he asked. Goggins answered, "Yeah." Rockwell said, "Lose it." Goggins laughed. Having Goggins there was critical. Rockwell also stated that the speech was quite humorous. He recently attended a function. They showed the speech, which drew a lot of laughs. He understood that was both funny and made others uneasy. He thinks it's anxious laughter.

Beyond the White Lotus: Sam Rockwell's Previous Audition Surprises and Future Plans

From a drunken G.I. Jane incident to exciting new film projects in the horizon.

Rockwell joked to Mike White and the producers that he might require an earpiece for the lines. He feared he wouldn't remember them. However, Leslie Bibb paid him a visit while filming another movie. She helped him practice the lines repeatedly while they were on vacation in Africa. They had an earpiece ready, but he never used it. He completed the first take of the speech in one go. He did it in close-up. Mike inquired if he wanted the close-up or the wide photo first. Rockwell said "Let's do the close-up." He wanted to keep it fresh for everyone, including the crew and Goggins. He wanted the freshness to be in his close-up. This was because his character was sharing a very secret part of himself. It should feel a little scary and like a confession. If they had done it the other way it would have felt old. He wanted it to be a little dangerous and scary in his close-up. He said it is all about the camera. And yes, Bibb helped him with lines while they were looking at elephants, leopards, hyenas, and lions.

Rockwell was surprised that the details of his role in The White Lotus did not get out before the show aired. He was "shocked" because he thought for sure he would end up on the poster. But they had a contract that kept it a secret. He thinks it worked better as a surprise. It created more excitement. It was a smart plan. The show also let him add some ideas. He pitched a bar fight where his character defends a transgender waitress. They filmed it but it was cut. He also suggested following Goggins’ character into the hallway at the end. Mike liked that and wrote the scene. Rockwell even pitched some wilder ideas like smoking crack and stabbing something. Mike liked many of his ideas. His acting coach suggested wearing a hat for the director alter ego. And some lines were ad-libbed.

Rockwell also shared a funny story about leaving the 1997 film G.I. Jane. He said part of the reason was the intense training. "Well, I realized that when you play a Navy SEAL in BUD/S training, you have to be in the water a lot. So I probably should have read the script more thoroughly," he told Jimmy Kimmel Live. He was in the water more than he wanted to be. He was very skinny at the time and did not have much body fat. He started getting early hypothermia. He did the boot camp and then he left. But he did meet Demi Moore. Moore had just done the movie Striptease. She got a strip club and brought strippers, Navy SEALs, and the actors. She got them drunk on tequila. The strippers and Demi Moore shaved their heads. They got drunk with Navy SEALs and got lap dances. That certainly sounds like a memorable night.

Rockwell has several projects coming up. One is called Wild Horse Nine. It is directed by Martin McDonagh, who he has worked with often. Parker Posey, Steve Buscemi, and John Malkovich also star in it. He is also excited about Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, directed by Verbinski. Zazie Beetz and Juno Temple are in it. Rockwell is proud of that one. He described it as a bit like a Terry Gilliam movie. He wears a heavy suit designed by Gore. It is about a homeless guy from the future trying to go back in time to stop AI from getting out of control. That sounds very current. He is still hoping his Merle Haggard movie will happen too. We will have to wait and see.