Photography Henry Wu @hello.henry Styling Lisa N. Hoang @lisanhoang Grooming Kimberly Bragalone @kimberlybragalone Interview Ambika Sanjana @styledbyambika Publicist Erica Tucker at AM PR Group @amprgroup Production + Location Bello Media Group @BelloMediaGroup X Maison Privée @MaisonPriveePR_LA
As The Residence builds momentum in the Emmy conversation, Randall Park is once again in the spotlight—but this time, the glow is presidential. In Netflix’s murder-mystery-meets-political-drama, Park steps into the role of FBI Special Agent Edwin Park, a by-the-book investigator navigating the chaos of a scandal within the White House. The show, created by Paul William Davies and produced by Shondaland, is a sharp, smart reimagining of the classic whodunit—and it’s Park’s grounded performance alongside Uzo Aduba that gives the story its emotional weight.
In this exclusive conversation with VULKAN, Park opens up about finding humor in the serious, the elegance of subtlety, and the rare chemistry that makes The Residence a standout contender this awards season.
What initially drew you to the role of FBI Special Agent Edwin Park in The Residence, especially after portraying similar characters in the MCU?
What drew me in most was the material. I just loved Paul William Davies’ writing. And when I discovered that Uzo Aduba would be playing Cordelia Cupp, it felt like it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Also, the thought of working in Shondaland was super exciting to me. They just don’t miss.
How did you develop the dynamic between yourself and Uzo Aduba’s detective, Cordelia Cupp, to create that classic “Sherlock‑and‑Watson” chemistry?
To be honest, we didn’t need to think too hard on developing our dynamic. From the moment we met, we just clicked—Uzo felt like an old friend. Also again, it was already captured in Paul’s writing. All we had to do was have fun with performing his words, which was easy to do with Uzo and the rest of this incredible cast.
Working with Uzo Aduba, you both shared off-screen rituals like singing theme songs and reminiscing about Pizza Hut décor—how did these moments enhance on-screen camaraderie?
I think being on the top of the call sheet is a great responsibility. That actor truly sets the tone for the rest of the cast and crew. And Uzo is such a fun, gracious, incredibly kind human—that spirit radiated throughout the set. And because we were all comfortable enough to be free, to be silly, we were able to have fun in our work, to take chances and to fall on our face without judgment.
The show was shot on one of the most authentic White House sets. What was the most striking detail and how did it influence your performance?
Every detail on those sets was striking to me. Our production designer François Audouy and his team did painstaking work to create a truly authentic White House. Which made the stakes feel so much higher. The weight of the history of that building was present at every turn. It felt like every president, every staff member, was there, watching us, wanting us to solve this murder.
You embraced a by-the-book character overshadowed by a more eccentric detective. What was your creative process for allowing Edwin to shine through subtle reactions and expressions?
My thought process on Edwin is that even though he is “by-the-book”, he also knows of Cordelia Cupp’s reputation, and he respects her regardless of her eccentricities. Because what’s most important for both of them is finding the truth. And at the end of the day, he learns from Cordelia. He sees that the weird things about her are actually gifts that can be used in detective work. I like to think that deep down, Edwin is a bit weird himself. You see glimpses of it in the show. And those subtle reactions and expressions are a bit of that weirdness showing itself.
Netflix and Shondaland have discussed upgrading The Residence for Emmy submission. What does it feel like to see your work being recognized at that level?
To be honest, I don’t think too much about that stuff. But I am always happy to work with Netflix. And of course, being a part of the Shondaland family is such an honor.
You’ve seamlessly balanced comedy, drama, and now a classic whodunit. How do you select projects that allow you to explore different genres, from Fresh Off the Boat to The Residence?
My main thing is to just follow the fun. Whatever seems like it’ll be a good time, a fun new challenge, an opportunity to work with good, talented people—that’s at the forefront of all the decisions I make.
You’re also an accomplished writer and director (Shortcomings, Always Be My Maybe). What’s next behind the camera for you, and how does your acting inform your directing?
I’m working on several projects right now for me to possibly direct next. Not sure which one will fall into place, but whatever I direct will be something that I’m passionate about. More likely, it’ll be something that I’m writing. And I’m always writing, so there’s no shortage of possibilities.
As one of the few Asian American actors in leading roles—especially as a high-level White House official—how significant is that representation to you personally and professionally?
This is also something I try not to overthink. I used to be way more conscious of my role in the community—how to represent properly, how to blaze trails and break ground. But as I get older, I’m realizing that the best thing I can do for anyone is to be myself. And because I am a proud Asian American, a lot of what I do will reflect that in some way. And if that ends up inspiring folks, then that’s really cool.
You have longtime relationships with casts and crews—a testament to your versatility and approachability. What do you look for in a cast‑and‑crew dynamic, and how do you contribute to that atmosphere?
The best thing about this job is I get to make new friends constantly. That can’t be said for a lot of jobs out there. And to be an adult, meeting new people all the time, making new friends, is a real gift in this life. So I don’t take that for granted. I guess I bring that spirit to most of the jobs I take, especially if I’m there for a longer period of time. In a cast and crew, I value professionalism, camaraderie, kindness. And if I find myself with my castmates, singing old TV theme songs, then I really hit the jackpot.
