Acclaimed Bermudian actor Earl Cameron yesterday spoke with children at Victor Scott Primary School where he studied more than 80 years ago.

Mr Cameron, 93, returned to the Island this week as part of a documentary being filmed about his life and 69-year acting career.

Mr Cameron as a child attended the Central School which, later became the Victor Scott School.

Speaking to the students in the school hall, Mr Cameron said he was shy growing up, and started acting almost by accident.

“I didn't do any theatre work in Bermuda when I was young. I was far too shy,” he said.

“I was 24 years old in London and I got into a show called 'Chu Chin Chow', and then that led to another stage show.

“I didn't train to be an actor. I started training after I came into acting. I got involved almost by accident.”

In 1951, Mr Cameron was cast to play the lead role in 'Pool of London', making him one of the first black actors to star in a film. Since then, he has appeared in almost 40 films, including 'The Queen', 'The Interpreter', 'Thunderball', and this summer's blockbuster, 'Inception'.

In 2009, he was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen for his contributions to drama.

Now filmmaker Marcus Thompson is shooting a documentary about Mr Cameron, featuring interviews with some of the actor's friends and co-stars including film legends Sidney Poitier, Helen Mirren and Sean Connery.

As part of the documentary 'Shore Leave' Mr Cameron returned to the Island.

“It really is absolutely wonderful to be back here,” he said. “It's been nice travelling and visiting all the old places where I grew up.

“We shot a lot in St. George's. We actually found a small boy to play a young me. He did a terrific job.”

He told the school that he found acting to be great fun, and answered numerous questions about his family, and his memories about attending the school.

“I remember being called into assembly on many occasions. Our principal loved music, so he would call in to hear various performances,” he said.