Mayo man tells of his role in Netflix smash hit series Wednesday

A MAYO man has told of his 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience of being involved in a Netflix smash hit.

John Walsh, Charles Street, Castlebar, is a background actor (special extra) in the new season of the series Wednesday, a drama about how Wednesday Addams investigates strange mysteries while making new friends — and foes — at Nevermore Academy.

He told The Connaught Telegraph: "Being part of season two was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.

"The work days often started at 6.30 a.m. and went on until the early hours — long, cold nights, but unforgettable.

"One of my favourite moments was when actress Catherine Zeta-Jones referred to me as 'a gentleman'. To be clear, she meant “I believe that gentleman is before me," which made me laugh.

"Watching such talented actors up close, and seeing renowned film-maker Tim Burton at work, was truly a dream come true.

"It also mattered to me on a personal level. As a little person, it meant a lot to feel included on screen.

"If someone with a similar condition happens to spot me in the background, maybe it helps them feel a bit less isolated, and a bit more represented.

"I think representation matters — it acclimatises audiences to people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, and makes the screen a more welcoming place."

John, who works as a chemist in Vantive (formerly Baxter), Castlebar, is a son of Anthony and the late Nancy Walsh.

Wednesday is a record-breaking series, its first season becoming Netflix's most-viewed English-language series in history, accumulating billions of hours viewed and reaching the Top 10 in 93 countries.

The second season continues this success, with its first part garnering 50 million views within its first five days, matching season one's debut.