Sam Wilson, a former wrestler, aims for a career in acting at Stella Adler Studio.
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Sam Wilson, a 25-year-old wrestler from Aberdeen, is set to take a significant leap into the world of acting after being accepted into the renowned Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. Known in the wrestling ring as Leo Ironside, Wilson’s journey from grappling to acting is both inspiring and ambitious, as he dreams of one day portraying a villain in a Marvel film.
From wrestling to acting: a transformative journey
Wilson’s wrestling career began at the age of 16 under the guidance of Aberdeen wrestling legend Len Ironside. His dedication to the sport led him to the World Wrestling Network Academy in Florida at just 19 years old.
However, it was during his time in the United States that he realized the vast differences in training and competition levels. “Going from Scottish and British wrestling to America is kind of like taking your first boxing class and then getting thrown into the world championships overnight,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges he faced in adapting to a more competitive environment.
A health scare and a new passion
In July 2023, Wilson experienced a health scare that forced him to take a step back from wrestling. This unexpected break allowed him to reassess his life and explore new avenues. It was during this time that he took his first acting class, where he analyzed the film The Pianist starring Adrien Brody. This experience ignited a passion for acting that he had not anticipated. “For some weird reason, it was like a spark hit in the back of my head,” he shared, drawing parallels between his initial experiences in wrestling and acting.
Preparing for a new chapter
As Wilson prepares to start his studies at the Stella Adler Studio in June, he is also working tirelessly to establish himself in the acting industry. He is currently juggling a demanding schedule, working 90-hour weeks across various acting jobs and other smaller gigs. Notably, he is being mentored by Skip Woods, the writer of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, who is helping him navigate the complexities of the entertainment world.
Looking ahead, Wilson is excited about several upcoming projects and expresses a strong desire to play a villain in a major film. “It’s a bit of a long-shot but I wouldn’t mind doing a Marvel movie. I’d love to play a villain. I think that’s always been the fun aspect of wrestling,” he stated, showcasing his enthusiasm for embracing new challenges in his career.
