Hollywood called and Bermudian actor Sergio Harford has answered.

The actor will be starring in a new CBS sci-fi series, Extant, alongside Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry. It premieres tonight on ZBM Channel 9 at 10pm.

Mr Harford scored the role of Marcus Rawlins, Ms Berry’s former love interest in the series which chronicles the life of an astronaut, who returns home to her family inexplicably pregnant after a year in outer space.

The show also features a host of well-known stars, including Steven Spielberg who served as an executive producer.

Mr Harford, the son of Bermudian Marquita Thomas, described the series as the opportunity of a lifetime.

“This doesn’t happen to a lot of people, especially as your breakthrough moment and as a young African American male who was born in Bermuda and raised in South Carolina,” he said.

“So to have this as a jump start in my acting career is a blessing and it can only go up from here because I feel this role is such a high note.”

Mr Harford was previously known mostly for his work in commercials, print campaigns and a few guest starring roles on television. However, this is his first recurring role in a series.

He said working with such well-known actors could only open more doors for him. It has already helped to boost his professional confidence.

“Learning from Halle Berry, watching her work and getting encouragement and support from all these stage and screen icons, it only gives me confidence for the next job,” he explained.

“I have had some great projects presented to me and we will see what happens when the series starts to get going.

“Hopefully we come back for a second season because I love this team, the actors, cast and everyone involved with it, so to continue on with it would be amazing and a dream come true.”

Mr Harford auditioned for the part in January and started filming for the project two weeks later. He admitted the past six months have felt like a “rollercoaster”, but he’s excited the television premiere date is finally here.

“I can’t really say it’s been a long time coming because most of the shows on TV have a much longer process with shooting a pilot season, getting picked up by a network and waiting a year before it airs,” he said.

“But it’s been like Christmas, something you know is close, but can’t contain your excitement because it’s finally here.”

Described as a straight-to-series order, the project has been extremely fast moving — and as one episode is being filmed, the script for the next one is being written.

Mr Harford said this made it more exciting for the cast as they eagerly await to see how the plot progresses.

One of the biggest challenges for him so far has been adapting to the speed and tempo of shooting, but he said the cast, particularly Ms Berry, have been extremely warm and supportive.

The first time he met the superstar was at a table-read (an organised reading of the script around a table by the actors).

He said: “I thought I would have time to be slowly introduced to her, but she was the first person I met when I walked in.

“She immediately dispelled any nervousness I was feeling. I went in for a hand shake, but she politely brushed my hand away and gave me this big hug.

“She told me she felt I was perfect for the role and immediately upon meeting her we were like family or long-time friends.”

All of his scenes have had Ms Berry in it — Mr Harford said the talented actress “has a way of pulling out the best in you”.

He encouraged people to tune in for tonight’s first episode and believes “there’s a little bit of something in it for everyone”.

“Steven Spielberg is the executive producer and everyone knows his aesthetic in terms of his film work and projects.

“And it’s not just sci-fi alone, there is so much more heart to it. There’s a family aspect and you get to explore the family theme; there’s a drama, some lightheartedness and a little comedy as well.

“And with all the big names attached there’s a bit of something for everybody. I feel people will really grab on to this, enjoy it and want to go for the ride.”

Extant will premiere on ZBM Channel 9, tonight at 10pm.