Sam Rockwell, the Oscar-winning actor famous for his roles in Iron Man 2 and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, has made a darkly comedic cameo in The White Lotus Season 3. His unexpected appearance in Episode 5, “Full-Moon Party,” has become one of the most talked-about moments of the season.
But who does Sam Rockwell play, and how does his character fit into the chaotic world of The White Lotus?
WARNING: Spoilers below!
Was Sam Rockwell in The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5?
In The White Lotus Season 3, Sam Rockwell plays Frank, an old friend of Rick Hatchett’s (Walton Goggins).
Rick, a man on a dangerous mission, travels to Bangkok to seek revenge against Jim Hollinger, the owner of The White Lotus Thai Resort. Rick believes Jim is responsible for his father’s death. But before he can confront him, he meets up with Frank.
Rockwell’s introduction in The White Lotus Season 3 is both shocking and darkly comedic. He hands Rick an unmarked black bag containing a handgun, hinting he’s shady. But it’s Frank’s bizarre backstory that steals the scene. He reveals that after moving to Thailand, he spent years indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle, which included dressing as an Asian woman and hiring men to have sex with him while another woman watched.
“I thought I looked pretty hot,” Frank says, leaving Rick stunned and unsure how to respond. Frank’s wild past eventually led him to Buddhism, which he claims helped him break free from his destructive habits. Despite his newfound spirituality, his criminal ties are evident.
Rockwell’s appearance in The White Lotus came as a surprise to viewers. Fans believe there was a subtle clue pointing to his cameo: his longtime partner, Leslie Bibb. Bibb, who plays Kate in the show, has been with Rockwell since they met on the set of Iron Man 2 in 2007. All in all, this made Rockwell’s cameo feel like a natural fit.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
