AN ACTOR has swapped the West End for the big screen and lived out his dream of rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Michael Bilkus, from Westcliff, spent several days on-set with Russell Crowe and Ray Winstone during filming for Amazon Prime's new movie, Prizefighter: The true-life story of Jem Belcher.
The film, which will be released tomorrow, tells the story of Jem Belcher, who in 1800 became the youngest-ever prizefighting Champion of England aged just 19 – a record that has yet to be broken.
Mr Bilkus, who has been acting for almost 30 years and appeared in shows at Drury Lane Theatre in London, plays the part of a referee in some of the bouts featured in the film.
“I have been in the acting game for many years, but to finally be involved in such a big production was a dream come true," he said.
“Jem’s story is a very inspiring one, and one that not many people will have heard of before, despite the pivotal role he played in the birth of boxing as a legal sport.”
Starring Matt Hookings as Jem Belcher, with Russell Crowe and Ray Winstone also playing leading roles, Mr Bilkus says it was a pleasure to mix with the A-list stars.
“It was a highlight of my career, to be on set with these bug name guys," Mr Bilkus said.
“Russell Crowe and Ray Wilkins were both fantastic. I spent a lot of time on set with them and they were an absolute joy to work with.
"It was a magical experience.”
Mr Blikus was on-set in Wales for three days and says he will never forget the experience.
“The work that went in behind the scene to make the sets, costumes and feel 100 per cent authentic was mind-blowing.
“I will forever cherish the memories of being a part of this film.”
Boxing at the time was very different to the sport we know now.
Contests could drag on for hours, and in 1799 Jem Belcher fought a 51-round contest with current champion Jack Bartholomew which ended in a draw.
“The films does a great job of showing how boxing evolved and exploring its fascinating and bloody history,” Mr Bilkus said.
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