After years of waiting, the phone finally rang for aspiring actor Matthew Goodwin.

This summer, the 26-year-old landed his first movie role in the Norwegian comedic horror flick Grendel, which premiered this month.

“Everyone says it’s hard to get into acting,” said Mr Goodwin. “It is hard. I try not to panic when the phone doesn’t ring after an audition.”

Mr Goodwin was born in Bermuda, but left the Island in 1996 with his parents, Mark and Christine Goodwin. Since then, he has lived in Spain, Los Angeles, California and now Manchester, England.

The Royal Gazette recently caught up with Mr Goodwin to learn more about his life and career.

Q: How did you land this role?

A: I met one of the producers for Grendel when I was living in Los Angeles. We got to be good friends. When he told me about this, I sent over a tape and it went from there. I think it is going to be a hit in Norway.

Q: Is there a booming film industry in Norway?

A: There isn’t one, so I was surprised to land this role, in a good way. They don’t make many movies there. It is filmed in Norwegian, but my character is English, so all my lines were in English.

Q: How did you get into acting?

A: I took lessons while I was in high school in Spain. Then I went to a golf academy in Spain, but after two years, I realised it wasn’t for me and focused on acting again.

Q: I understand you’re now writing a screenplay?

A: I have written a couple of scripts. It’s something I did because I really enjoyed writing. After I wrote my first one, I kept getting more ideas. I am currently working on a script for a sitcom about working in a car dealership. It’s based on my experiences working part-time in one and I really like it. It is a small place and we get a lot of repeat customers. I am a nerd and like television shows like Top Gear.

Q: Which do you prefer more, the writing or acting?

A: Honestly, it’s about the same. There is something really rewarding about finishing off something you have been writing awhile and getting those ideas onto paper.

Q: How often do you audition for roles?

A: I probably do a couple a week. It is easy to get discouraged.

Q: Is the film going to be shown anywhere else?

A: I don’t think so because most of it is in Norwegian.

Q: Any advice for young Bermudians who want to get into the industry?

A: Just do it. Get some good training behind you and go for it and don’t give up.

Q: What do you miss about Bermuda?

A: It is a nice place to live and grow up in. I miss weekends out in the boat. There aren’t many opportunities to do that here. I haven’t been back to Bermuda in about ten years. It is hard to find the time.

Q: Have you spotted Bermudian singer Mia Chambray in Manchester?

A: Yes, she was performing in a pub in my local village. I was in there with my family. It turned out that my dad knew her grandfather very well. It is a small world.