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Desmond Chiam
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Desmond Chiam is an Australian actor. He is best known for his roles as Wyatt Cole on Reef Break, General Riga on The Shannara Chronicles, and Dovich on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Chiam was born to parents of Chinese Singaporean descent.[1] As a child, he spent a third of the year in Singapore due to his father's job.[2] He holds a law degree from the University of Melbourne and a master's degree in screenwriting from University of Southern California.[3][2]
Career
[edit]Chiam began working as a lawyer after he graduated from the University of Melbourne. After becoming unsatisfied with a law career, he decided to pursue breakdancing and acting.[3][4][5]
He began acting in Australian short films before eventually appearing in Australian television series such as Neighbours and Better Man. He eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.[6][7] Chiam has had roles in multiple American television series including NCIS: Los Angeles and Bones. He has also appeared in Con Man, a webseries by Alan Tudyk.[8]
In February 2017, he joined the main cast of Spike TV's The Shannara Chronicles (the series was formerly on MTV) in the show's second season where he played the villain, General Riga.[9] In 2018, he was cast as Jethro in the Starz series Now Apocalypse starring Avan Jogia.[10] He then joined the cast of the Manila-set film Empty by Design, which featured alongside Chris Pang, Osric Chau, and Yoshi Sudarso.[11]
In December 2018, he was cast as Wyatt Cole, the male lead in ABC and M6's 2019 crime series Reef Break opposite Poppy Montgomery.[12][13][14][15][16] Following Reef Break's cancellation, Chiam joined the cast of the Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier as Dovich.[17]
Chiam appears as Nick Zhao in Amazon's With Love, a romantic comedy television series that aired from 2021 to 2023.[18] He provided the English voice of Werewolf Cookie in the video game Cookie Run: Kingdom.[19]
In 2022, he appeared in Netflix's Partner Track, which starred Arden Cho.[20] Chiam starred alongside Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, Ashley Park, and Sabrina Wu in Joy Ride (2023), Adele Lim's directorial debut.[21]
Personal life
[edit]Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Neighbours | Jack Dutton | 1 episode | |
| 2013 | Better Man | Hong | Film | |
| 2016 | Bones | 1 episode | [8] | |
| 2016 | NCIS: Los Angeles | Edward Lee | 1 episode | |
| 2016 | Con Man | 1 episode | [8] | |
| 2017 | The Shannara Chronicles | General Riga | Main cast (season 2) | |
| 2018 | Hawaii Five-0 | Kazuya Nemoto | 1 episode | |
| 2018 | Asian Bachelorette 2 | Aden | YouTube film from Wong Fu Productions | [8] |
| 2018 | We Were Tomorrow | Kuo | 4 episodes | |
| 2019 | Empty by Design | Chance | [8] | |
| 2019 | Now Apocalypse | Jethro | Main cast | |
| 2019 | Reef Break | Wyatt Cole | Main cast; lead role | |
| 2020 | Magic Camp | Xerxes | Film | [8] |
| 2021 | The Falcon and the Winter Soldier | Dovich | Miniseries; 6 episodes | [24] |
| 2021 | Cookie Run: Kingdom | Werewolf Cookie | Video game | [25] |
| 2021–2023 | With Love | Nick Zhao | Main cast | [18] |
| 2022 | Partner Track | Z Min | [20] | |
| 2023 | So Help Me Todd | Peter Chen | Episode: "Wall of Fire" | |
| 2023 | Joy Ride | Clarence | [21] | |
| 2024 | Five Blind Dates | Apollo | Amazon Prime | |
| 2025 | Mortal Kombat II | King Jerrod | Film; post-production |
References
[edit]- ^ "How 'bad guy' roles have evolved for people of color". Public Radio International. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Desmond Chiam on Landing His Childhood Fantasy Role in 'Shannara Chronicles'". Kore Asian Media. 10 November 2017. Archived from the original on 23 November 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Exclusive Interview: Talking Nerdy with Shannara Chronicles' Desmond Chiam". TalkNerdyWithUs. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ "From Weekday Lawyer to War Lord: "The Shannara Chronicles'" Desmond Chiam Makes a Case for the Magic of Asian Elves". Hyphen Magazine. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ "Pop-Culturalist Chats with Desmond Chiam - Pop-Culturalist.com". Pop-Culturalist.com. 22 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Desmond Chiam: The Asian-Australian Actor You Need to Follow Right Now". Cold Tea Collective. 20 June 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ "From Real-Life Lawyer To TV Detective: Here's Why Desmond Chiam Left The Law Behind". Character Media. 15 August 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f "Desmond Chiam". IMDb. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
- ^ Petski, Denise (1 February 2017). "'The Shannara Chronicles' Rounds Out Season 2 Cast As Production Begins In New Zealand". Deadline. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ Petski, Denise (20 June 2018). "'Now Apocalypse': Desmond Chiam & Taylor Hart Set To Recur On Starz Comedy Series". Deadline. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (20 August 2018). "Danny Pudi Set For 'Babysplitters'; 'Crazy Rich Asians' Star Chris Pang Joins Osric Chau In 'Empty By Design'". Deadline. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (7 December 2018). "'Reef Break': Desmond Chiam To Star In ABC/M6 Crime Drama Series". Deadline. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- ^ Anop, Nirat. "Reef Break - Desmond Chiam to Star in ABC Summer Series". SpoilerTV. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- ^ Nguyen, Hanh (20 June 2019). "'Reef Break' Review: ABC's Goofy Drama Rides the Crime Wave for Escapist Summer Fare". IndieWire. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
- ^ "After 'Crazy Rich' smash, Hollywood embraces Asian faces". Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ "Want More Wyatt On 'Reef Break'? Me Too". Romper. 8 August 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (13 December 2019). "'The Falcon And The Winter Soldier' Adds 'Reef Break' Star Desmond Chiam And 'The Terror's Miki Ishikawa". Deadline. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
- ^ a b Petski, Denise (9 June 2021). "'With Love': Rome Flynn, Isis King, Todd Grinnell, Desmond Chiam Join Gloria Calderón Kellett's Amazon Series". Deadline. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ "Werewolf Cookie". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (29 October 2021). "'Partner Track': Desmond Chiam And Tehmina Sunny Join Netflix Series As Recurring". Deadline. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (5 October 2021). "Desmond Chiam, Alexander Hodge & Chris Pang Board Adele Lim Comedy From Lionsgate & Point Grey". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
- ^ SPH Razor (25 July 2013), The most eligible bachelor in Singapore (Cleo 50 Most Eligible Bachelor 2011 Pt 1), retrieved 19 November 2018
- ^ "'With Love' Star Desmond Chiam Has 'Long Delayed' Wedding Ceremony 9 Years After Marrying Wife in Vegas". People.com. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
- ^ "Desmond Chiam talks 'Falcon and the Winter Soldier,' love of Marvel Universe". www.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Desmond Chiam (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
External links
[edit]Desmond Chiam
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Desmond Chiam is a Singaporean-Australian actor best known for his supporting role as Dovich in the Marvel Cinematic Universe miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) and his leading performance as Clarence in the comedy film Joy Ride (2023).[1][2] Born on 30 July 1987 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, to Chinese Singaporean parents, Chiam spent a portion of his childhood in Singapore due to his father's work.[1][2]
Chiam initially pursued a career in law, earning a Bachelor of Laws with honors from the University of Melbourne before transitioning to the arts with a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from the University of Southern California.[3][1] His acting breakthrough came in 2016 with the recurring role of the elven warrior General Riga in the fantasy series The Shannara Chronicles.[1] This led to further opportunities, including his starring role as detective Wyatt Cole in the 2019 ABC drama Reef Break.[1][4]
Throughout the early 2020s, Chiam expanded his portfolio with diverse roles, including Jethro in the Starz series Now Apocalypse (2019), a supporting part in Disney's Magic Camp (2020), Nick Zhao in the Amazon Prime romantic comedy With Love (2022–2023), and Kuo in the Australian series We Were Tomorrow (2024).[1][5] He also appeared as Z Min in the Netflix series Partner Track (2022) and Peter Chen in So Help Me Todd (2023).[6] In film, beyond Joy Ride, he starred as Apollo in the romantic comedy Five Blind Dates (2024).[2] Chiam is set to portray King Jerrod in the upcoming action film Mortal Kombat 2 (2026).[7][8] Based in Los Angeles, he is represented by agencies including Gersh and The Rosenzweig Group.[3][1]
Early life and education
Early years
Desmond Chiam was born on 30 July 1987 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, to parents of Chinese Singaporean descent.[9][10] His upbringing was marked by a strong bicultural influence, as his father's work in Singapore required the family to spend approximately one-third of each year there during his childhood.[11] This frequent travel between Australia and Singapore fostered Chiam's dual Singaporean-Australian identity, exposing him to diverse cultural environments from an early age.[12] He also engaged in rigorous physical activities, including early morning swim practices, which built the discipline and fitness habits that later supported his physically demanding roles in acting.[13]Education
Chiam earned a Bachelor of Laws with honors from the University of Melbourne, completing his undergraduate studies in the late 2000s.[9] During this period, he also spent time at the University of California, Irvine, in 2008, immersing himself in diverse creative environments that broadened his exposure beyond legal academics.[14] Following graduation, he briefly practiced law at a firm in Melbourne for approximately three months, but grew dissatisfied with the profession's demands and lack of fulfillment.[15][16] This short stint culminated in his resignation after a candid conversation with a senior partner highlighted the pervasive unhappiness in the field, prompting Chiam to reassess his career path.[15] Around 2010–2011, he recognized that law did not align with his passions, leading to a decisive pivot toward the creative arts and acting. To support this transition, Chiam pursued a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting at the University of Southern California, where he ranked among the top three graduates in the program and further developed his storytelling skills.[9][17][3] During this transitional phase, Chiam's emerging public profile gained early recognition when he was named CLEO Singapore's Bachelor of the Year in 2011, an accolade that underscored his charisma and marked the beginning of his visibility in entertainment circles.[18][19] This period effectively closed his pre-acting phase, as he relocated to Los Angeles to fully commit to a career in the industry.[12]Career
Television roles
Chiam's television career began to gain international traction with his role as the formidable General Riga, a ruthless elf warrior leading an army in the fantasy series The Shannara Chronicles, which aired from 2016 to 2017 on MTV.[20] This recurring part marked his first significant exposure on American television, filmed in New Zealand, where he portrayed a physically demanding antagonist in a high-stakes battle for the Four Lands.[21] The role highlighted his ability to embody intense, action-oriented characters, drawing from his theater background.[22] Building on this momentum, Chiam secured a lead role as Detective Wyatt Cole in the 2019 ABC crime drama Reef Break, a summer series co-produced with France's M6 that ran for one season of 13 episodes. As the principled yet conflicted law enforcement officer navigating island mysteries alongside Poppy Montgomery's Cat Chambers, Chiam demonstrated his range in action-drama, blending physical stunts with emotional depth in a tropical setting.[23] The series, inspired by real-life reef adventures, elevated his visibility in Hollywood, showcasing his chemistry in ensemble dynamics.[24] Chiam's versatility expanded into superhero territory with his portrayal of Dovich, a loyal Flag Smasher operative, in the 2021 Disney+ Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.[25] Appearing in five episodes, he brought intensity to the role of a physically capable antagonist in the politically charged narrative, performing alongside Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan in high-action sequences that emphasized global threats.[26] Subsequent supporting roles further diversified his portfolio: as the self-absorbed actor Jethro in the 2019 Starz comedy Now Apocalypse for a recurring arc, as Z Min in the 2022 Netflix legal drama Partner Track, and as Nick Zhao, a charming romantic lead entangled in family dynamics, in Amazon's With Love across two seasons from 2021 to 2023.[27][28][29] In With Love, his 11-episode stint as the best friend harboring unrequited love allowed him to explore lighter, rom-com elements, contrasting his earlier intense portrayals. In recent years, Chiam continued to take on guest and supporting parts that underscored his adaptability across genres. He appeared as Peter Chen in four episodes of CBS's legal dramedy So Help Me Todd in 2023, contributing to procedural intrigue in a season focused on family and courtroom tensions.[30] These roles, spanning fantasy, action, superhero, thriller, and romance, have solidified Chiam's reputation for embodying physically demanding, multifaceted characters who often navigate moral complexities, paving the way for broader opportunities in streaming and network television up to 2025.[4]Film roles
Desmond Chiam made his feature film debut in the 2020 Disney family comedy Magic Camp, where he portrayed the supporting role of Xerxes, a charismatic camp counselor who aids in mentoring young magicians and contributes to the film's lighthearted exploration of self-discovery and teamwork.[1] The movie, directed by Mark Waters, received praise for its wholesome appeal and ensemble dynamics, with Chiam's performance adding energy to the supporting cast amid the film's focus on youthful wonder and adult redemption arcs.[31] This role marked Chiam's initial foray into Hollywood cinema following his television work, providing a foothold in family-oriented projects and showcasing his versatility in ensemble settings. Chiam's breakthrough in film came with the 2023 road-trip comedy Joy Ride, directed by Adele Lim, in which he played Clarence, the devoted fiancé of one of the lead characters and a key figure in the group's chaotic adventures across China.[32] The film, which follows four Asian-American friends on a quest blending humor, cultural identity, and raunchy escapades, earned acclaim for its bold comedic timing and strong ensemble chemistry, with critics highlighting Chiam's contribution to the movie's infectious energy and heartfelt moments.[33] Joy Ride's positive reception, including a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscored Chiam's ability to blend charm and wit, helping elevate the narrative's themes of friendship and self-acceptance. In 2021, Chiam appeared in the TV movie Hot Mess Holiday, taking on the role of Daniel Li, a participant in a Diwali-themed heist comedy that mixes cultural celebration with slapstick antics in Chicago.[34] Though formatted for television, the project allowed Chiam to explore comedic ensemble work in a feature-length story, bridging his TV background with cinematic storytelling. His performance as the affable Daniel added to the film's festive chaos, aligning with his growing profile in genre-blending comedies. Chiam continued expanding his film portfolio with the 2024 romantic comedy Five Blind Dates, where he portrayed Apollo Wang, one of the potential love interests in a story about a tea shop owner navigating family-arranged dates to save her business.[35] Released on Amazon Prime Video, the Australian production received mixed reviews for its predictable rom-com tropes but was noted for its cultural specificity and light cultural humor, with Chiam's role providing a grounded contrast to the protagonist's journey.[36] Looking ahead, Chiam takes on a prominent action role as King Jerrod in Mortal Kombat 2, the sequel to the 2021 reboot, set for theatrical release on May 8, 2026.[37] Announced in 2023, this franchise entry builds on the series' martial arts spectacle, positioning Chiam in a high-stakes ensemble that leverages his physicality and dramatic range developed in prior projects.[38] Chiam's film career reflects a deliberate transition from serialized television narratives to self-contained cinematic projects, beginning with supporting roles in accessible comedies like Magic Camp and evolving toward more prominent parts in ensemble hits such as Joy Ride. This progression has diversified his portfolio beyond action-oriented TV characters, incorporating romantic, comedic, and fantastical elements while earning recognition for his adaptability and on-screen presence in critically appreciated works.[15]Personal life
Marriage and family
Desmond Chiam has been in a long-term relationship with Samantha de Castro, known professionally as Sami Jayne, since around 2008. The couple, who met early in Chiam's career, married in a low-key courthouse ceremony in Las Vegas on June 26, 2015.[39] After nearly a decade, they held a formal vow renewal ceremony on June 23, 2024, in Los Angeles, celebrating their enduring partnership with family and friends.[39][40] Over the course of their 16-year relationship as of 2024, Chiam and de Castro navigated five years of long-distance due to his acting commitments. De Castro has been a steadfast supporter, described by Chiam as his "fiercest protector" and a reliable source of comfort during challenging periods.[39] Her encouragement played a key role in his career transitions, including his relocation to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in film and television.[39] As of 2025, the couple has no children and continues to prioritize their partnership amid professional demands. Their relationship underscores a foundation of mutual support, with de Castro often accompanying Chiam to industry events.[39]Residence and interests
Chiam has resided in Los Angeles, California, since relocating there around 2013 to advance his acting career, a move that has allowed him to balance professional opportunities with personal stability alongside his wife, who also works in the industry.[41] A key aspect of his lifestyle involves a rigorous fitness regimen, which he maintains through regular gym sessions essential for preparing for demanding action roles; this commitment stems from his earlier experiences with early morning swim practices during high school and dance training in college, activities that instilled a lifelong discipline and leave him feeling restless if skipped.[13] Beyond physical wellness, Chiam pursues interests in travel and culinary exploration, reflecting a broader appreciation for cultural experiences that complement his multicultural background. He actively engages in advocacy for enhanced Asian and Asian-Australian representation in media, participating in roundtable discussions and interviews that highlight the need for diverse narratives and roles to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.[42][41][43] Chiam maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where he shares glimpses into his personal life, travels, and professional milestones, fostering a connection with fans interested in his off-screen persona.[12]Filmography
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Neighbours | Jack Dutton | 1 | Guest role in Australian soap opera.[44] |
| 2016 | Con Man | Auditioner | 1 | Guest role in web series.[45] |
| 2016 | NCIS: Los Angeles | Edward Lee | 1 | Guest role.[46] |
| 2016 | Bones | Valet | 1 | Guest role ("The Jewel in the Crown").[47] |
| 2018 | Hawaii Five-0 | Kazuya Nemoto | 1 | Guest role.[46] |
| 2016–2017 | The Shannara Chronicles | General Riga | 10 | Recurring role.[48] |
| 2019 | Reef Break | Wyatt Cole | 13 | Main role.[48] |
| 2019 | Now Apocalypse | Jethro | 1 | Guest role.[45] |
| 2021 | The Falcon and the Winter Soldier | Dovich | 3 | Recurring role.[49] |
| 2022 | Partner Track | Zi-Xin 'Z' Min | 10 | Recurring role.[48] |
| 2021–2023 | With Love | Nick Zhao | Multiple | Recurring role.[48] |
| 2023 | So Help Me Todd | Peter Chen | 1 | Guest role.[6] |
Film
Desmond Chiam's feature film appearances, presented chronologically, include the following roles.[48]| Year | Title | Role | Genre(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Empty by Design | Chance | Drama |
| 2020 | Magic Camp | Xerxes | Adventure, Comedy, Family |
| 2021 | Hot Mess Holiday | Daniel Li | Comedy |
| 2023 | Joy Ride | Clarence | Comedy |
| 2024 | Five Blind Dates | Apollo | Comedy, Romance |
| 2026 | Mortal Kombat 2 | King Jerrod | Action, Adventure, Fantasy (upcoming) |