Welsh actor Sam C Wilson has been rubbing shoulders with major Hollywood names, but still makes time for his family and tutoring students. The Cardiff-born star plays Trap-Jaw in the new Masters of the Universe film, based on the DC comics, animated series, and Mattel action figures.
Despite enjoying acting in school productions, Sam didn't feel opportunities existed for him to pursue acting as a career in the 1990s. He said: "My parents would always say... we'd be watching Die Hard or something and they go, 'they can all sing and dance'. Bless them, I think they really believed that every actor had to be like triple threat like Judy Garland."
Sam later decided he wanted to become a doctor and studied maths and science in school, but went on to study journalism at university. Whilst at Leeds University, he took part in numerous theatre productions and fell in love with the art, later applying to drama school.
At drama school, the actor started tutoring students in maths and science, something he still does to this day. He said: "I spent a lot of my time in London going around on a motorbike tutoring maths and science, and I became almost like a de facto maths tutor. I still do now. It kept me buoyant while I was able to get work."
Sam later landed the role of Bill Sikes on the BBC series Dodger, before moving on to the Game of Thrones spin-off, HBO's House of the Dragon. Then came calls for further exciting roles: Blade Runner, Masters of the Universe, and Under Salt Marsh all in one period.
When Masters of the Universe was released in cinemas on June 5, Sam was relieved he could prove to his friends he wasn't lying about starring in the major movie. He described the experience as some "weird fever dream" and couldn't believe he received an action figure of his character from Mattel.
Sam shared that it was surreal when he first watched the movie at a premiere in LA. He said: "I got out the car in the LA heat in a suit and people were shouting, wanting me to sign stuff. They shut down Hollywood Boulevard and built Castle Greyskull up the front. I was on the carpet with Idris Elba."
Despite mingling with Hollywood stars and his wave of successful roles, Sam still tutors students in math. He said: "In truth it feels amazing and I'm very grateful, but I also have to be honest in that I'm still teaching maths lessons to my students. I still have periods of time where I don't work. I still audition."
When he's not on-screen, Sam enjoys writing and hopes to showcase the beauty and grittiness of Wales. He said: "I just think that there's so much amazing Welsh talent. I've written a few things in the hope that Welsh stories will get further. The ideal dream would be working in Wales, telling Welsh stories."
After travelling around America promoting Masters of the Universe, and even though he now lives in Brighton, he says Wales will always be home. "Whenever I say to someone that I'm going home, that's what that means. My parents still live in Cardiff, all my proper friends are in Cardiff."
