Sandra Oh ‘Spoke Up’ on Behalf of Hoa Xuande on Set of The Sympathizer: ‘A Dream’ (Exclusive)
Walking onto the set of “The Sympathizer,” Hoa Xuande found unexpected support from his costars Sandra Oh and Robert Downey Jr. The Australian actor, known for his leading role in the HBO series, shared with PEOPLE how both Oh and Downey Jr. stood by him during filming.
“Sandra really stood by me throughout all of the shooting period because she knew what it was like for a young actor to start out,” Xuande said. “She really spoke up on my behalf when I felt like I couldn’t. I really appreciated that.”
Downey Jr. also offered guidance and humor to Xuande, making him feel comfortable and confident in his role. Xuande expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he received from his experienced costars.
Playing a spy known as “The Captain” in the series, Xuande faced challenges with the story’s nonlinear timeline. Despite the difficulties, he found the experience rewarding and believed that the complex narrative allowed for multiple viewings to uncover hidden clues.
“The Sympathizer,” based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel, is now available for streaming on HBO Max. The series follows Captain’s journey as a spy for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, navigating a deep and dark yet humorous storyline.
The premiere of “The Sympathizer” was celebrated in Los Angeles, where Oh, Xuande, and Downey Jr. gathered for the event. Xuande reflected on the incredible opportunity to work alongside such talented and supportive professionals in the industry.
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