In 2022, viewing habits were familiar: Streaming yet again dominated viewing screens, whatever size. But while fictional worlds run aplenty in this year’s top ranks, Netflix has also touched upon those that lean onto reality, including the likes of Inventing Anna, The Crown, and famously (or infamously!), DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
The controversial biographical drama, which delved into one of the world’s most notorious real-life serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer, racked up its fair share of viewers since its premiere with its current status as Netflix’s third most-watched series of all time, ranking just below fellow hits Squid Game and Stranger Things.
True crime stories have been a topic of interest for a lot of audiences, but when it comes to adaptations, actors play a significant hand in telling the story of a real person. Among the show’s compelling cast includes Filipino-American actor Kieran Tamondong, who took on the role of Konerak Sinthasomphone, the youngest known victim of Jeffrey Dahmer.
The Los Angeles-born actor, whose acting prep included meticulous research to properly portray the role, is a budding multi-hyphenate: Long before entering the Hollywood scene, Kieran was a 12-year-old karate black belt, eventually earning a status as a 17-time world champion. He’s also a university student, on the way to becoming a physical therapist. But in between all that, he’s an actor to watch out for—if Monster wasn’t already enough of a big hint!
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In this exclusive interview with Preview, we sat down with Kieran and discussed his time during DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, his Filipino favorites, and what we may expect from his next.
Preview Exclusive: Filipino-American Actor Kieran Tamondong on Playing Konerak Sinthasomphone in Netflix Series "DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"
Congrats on the success of DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story! What was the experience and atmosphere like during filming? How was the camaraderie among the cast?
“Thank you, it is much appreciated! I can’t even describe the joy it brought me. Waking up before 6 a.m., driving to the production studio Starbucks coffee in hand, and greeting the delightful crew helped me focus and work in the right headspace. Whether it was on set or on location outside in 30-degree [Fahrenheit] weather, I was having the best time of my life.”
“The camaraderie is one of many things I am so grateful for. Each day, the cast who portrayed my family in the series gave me that delight and spring in my step, which was heavily needed in order to work on a dark production such as Dahmer.”
What was the audition process like? What drew you into playing Konerak Sinthasomphone?
“The audition process occurred during peak COVID-19 times. Having just quarantined at home, we were all stuck to our devices and stayed indoors. During all of this, auditions became strictly self-taped.”
“I received the request for Dahmer in December 2020. Information was limited—they only gave me the title of the project, the network, and the name of the role. I was drawn by his closed-off behavior and hesitant dialogue which became a clearer conversation, making him appear attentive and observant.”
What was your reaction when you got the role? During the start, was there any initial hesitancy in playing this role from you, your family, or friends?
“My most prominent memory from that email was the personal message left by Ryan Murphy’s team and himself telling me how they thoroughly enjoyed my tape and were looking forward to working with me.”
“I wouldn’t say there was any hesitation in taking on the role. For a time during the pandemic when even auditions were scarce, this was an opportunity that I was not about to miss out on. I even had to choose between this production and another one, but because of conflicting dates, I was fully invested and committed to working on Monster.”
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To you, what’s the difference in preparing for a role based on a real person as opposed to a fictional character? Can you walk us through your process in preparing to play Konerak Sinthasomphone?
“I tried to approach Konerak by looking at the facts and how people described him, but more importantly how he might have felt about himself. I sort of wanted to tap into his self-identity and figure out what his reactions might be to the situation he was facing. I just wanted to spark truth from within me while portraying him.”
“When I play a character, I decide that for myself and create a concept of originality from what I’ve researched. Portraying Konerak meant that I had to use what was already available to me and then use my imagination from there. My process was to look into the details of Laotian culture because if there was anything to know about Konerak, it was the background he would most likely associate with. I researched food like Baguette Pate. There were historical figures, festivals, events, and religion.”
“I also wanted to know about Konerak himself, but since the internet had limited information on him, I turned to a lot of documentaries and new stations that analyzed his case. Even those did not feel like enough, so I started to expand his qualities by reflecting on my own. What I found is that I was somehow building a character to make me feel more personally connected to Konerak.”
As a karate champion, are there any disciplines and learnings from martial arts that you’re able to apply to acting?
“I can apply the same emotional state in myself to bring out the best performances. But there are differences also which made acting harder to transfer over. For instance, a lot of Kumite (or sparring) is a sense of prediction and making your opponent do what you want them to. It’s a battle of controlling the space. In acting, you have to let go of control, it’s all reactive and one key piece is to listen, and I mean truly listen. The specific thoughts and feelings that bubble up between two or more characters are what make my scenes fiercer and vibrant.”
What was your experience like growing up in Los Angeles as a Filipino-American?
“I’m glad we have a lot of influence translated into Los Angeles. We have plenty of representation and Filipino culture imprinted in certain areas of the city. Jollibee, Island Pacific, and Seafood City are the three largest chains that you can find scattered throughout LA becoming more widespread. Growing up, I was confused about my identity as a Filipino, since I was not attuned to what the culture was like outside of the US. I want to fully immerse myself and someday visit the Philippines in the coming years.”
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What were the typical Filipino activities you enjoyed growing up? Any favorite Filipino dishes?
“Chicken adobo and lumpia are my two favorite dishes in the world. My mother cooks chicken adobo on special occasions and prepares it using milk for the broth. It’s my favorite way of cooking it.”
As a television and film enthusiast yourself, are you familiar with Filipino series and movies, too? Are there any Filipino actors you’re particularly influenced by?
“I like the movie Isa Pa with Feelings. It features one of my favorite OPM songs, Buwan by Juan Karlos. I’m not heavily influenced by many Filipino actors, but I do admire some Filipino singers!”
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If you were to step foot in the Philippines now, what would be on your itinerary?
“The first place I’ll visit is Manila where my mother grew up and see family. I want to head to the busiest places and ride in a jeep for the first time. I think one spot I really want to visit is the Chocolate Hills, because as a kid I thought there was a land in the Philippines made of chocolate. Going there, I might finally have closure with my childhood pipe dream!”
What can viewers expect from you next?
“Reflecting on the achievements I’ve made so far, I’m honestly astonished by where I am at right now. I could not have accomplished this all alone–working on all the commercials, films, music videos, and shows was a team effort.”
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“I am still learning about a lot of things and people who are supportive of my dream continue to take the pressure off my shoulders. What I hope people get to see from me is more of the same. I’ve been very passionate about working as an actor and Dahmer only solidified that dream so I’m tackling every obstacle with no regrets. Every little step motivates me because each is a stepping stone forward to continue doing what I love.”
Photography by Ryan WestFashion Styling by Veronica GrayeGrooming by Colleen Dominique
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