Samuel Bottomley may only be 21 but the kid is already a veteran of the acting game.
He made professional debut aged nine in Paddy Considine's 2011 film Tyrannosaur and has remained in more or less constant employment ever since. (Including starring opposite Max Harwood in last year's Everybody's Talking About Jamie.)
His most recent project is Channel 4 show Somewhere Boy, which has won rave reviews across the board.
Spend a few minutes with a true acting prodigy in our latest Life / Style.
Life
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
I don’t know if I can talk about the job I’m on at the moment, but I can say it’s a very testing one that I’m looking forward to people seeing, as it’s focusing on a really important subject.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
I couldn’t put my finger on just one, but I think overcoming difficult roles always makes me proud and to share the screen with as many amazing actors as I have always makes me feel very lucky.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything about my career. There are a lot of people I still wish to work with, but my hope is that I can eventually look back on my career and still feel like there is nothing I would have changed.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
I’m always trying to get better everyday at what I do, so hopefully I’ll get to a stage where people have me in mind when making their projects. That would be cool.
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
Growing up I loved watching Steve McQueen in The Great Escape and I remember being glued to the telly when he came on. Other than that, I struggle to find just one person who really inspires me. It’s probably more an amalgamation of loads of special people.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
From when I wake up in the morning until I go to sleep, I’ve always got songs in my head. I think more so than most people – I’m like a jukebox!
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
My favourite piece of clothing at the moment is probably an orange and black Nike waterproof I’m wearing loads and it’s got a bit of a spooky halloween vibe to it.
I bought a few years ago and been waiting for it to fit me right.
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
I don’t wear jewellery often really, but I wear a Rotary watch daily which my dad bought me for my 21st this year.
What items do you take on holiday and why?
My iPad is the main must-have for me when travelling or working away.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
I really loved a blue Harrington jacket I had when I was around 14. That with black jeans and some adidas completed my look.
What’s next on your shopping list?
My next buy is a Fred Perry paisley long sleeved shirt. It’s actually a ladies shirt but I think it’s really cool!
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Somewhere Boy starts on Sunday 16th October at 10pm on Channel 4. All episodes will also be available on All 4.
