From Middlesbrough to Movies: An Extra’s Starstruck Adventures with Julia Roberts & More!

Carl Wilson-Downie, an actor and producer from Middlesbrough, has had the unique opportunity to work alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars. His career has taken him to the sets of major productions such as Gladiator II, directed by Sir Ridley Scott, and the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. Most recently, Carl appeared in a scene with Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts in her latest psychological thriller, After the Hunt. He described this experience as a 'career highlight,' especially since he was able to interact directly with Roberts during filming.

In his scene, Carl played a maintenance man tasked with removing a sign from a wall using a screwdriver. Things did not go smoothly at first, and Carl found himself struggling with the task. Julia Roberts noticed and stepped in to help, showing him how to use the screwdriver more effectively. Carl was starstruck, recalling how he started to sweat and felt nervous when he realized he was working so closely with such a famous actress. However, Roberts was friendly and supportive, even touching his shoulder and making jokes to help him feel at ease. Carl said she was 'wonderful' to work with and that her kindness made the experience unforgettable.

Beyond his work with Julia Roberts, Carl spent the summer as Laurence Fishburne's body double in the latest season of Netflix's The Witcher. This role required him to study Fishburne's movements and voice closely so he could accurately mimic the actor during certain scenes, such as running or minor action sequences. Carl described working with Fishburne as the best acting lesson he has ever had, praising the star's technique and professionalism. Despite his impressive resume, Carl joked that while his nieces and nephews think he is the coolest person ever, his daughter remains unimpressed. He continues to work on his own projects with the Middlesbrough-based talent agency Smoggie Bloom and looks forward to more opportunities to learn and grow in the industry. Carl's journey shows how exciting and challenging it can be to work behind the scenes with Hollywood stars, and he is grateful for every moment.