Today we’d like to introduce you to Oswald Hunter
Hi Oswald, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in a small village in the Netherlands, and from an early age, my life was filled with challenges. I grew up in a home where I faced both mental and physical abuse from my father and older brothers. School wasn’t an escape either—I experienced relentless bullying from both classmates and teachers. But through it all, my mother remained my one source of unconditional love.
At 13, I found myself in very distressing circumstances. It was a dark time, but that struggle sparked a fire in me. I refused to let my past define me, and I became determined to rebuild my life on my own terms. By 17, I was working in high-risk security, throwing myself into a career that required resilience and focus. However, everything changed when I had a serious motorcycle accident. My arm was paralyzed for nearly two years, and I had to relearn how to walk properly. That experience forced me to slow down, reassess my path, and find a new purpose.
I transitioned into healthcare, specializing in caring for individuals with severe mental and psychological conditions. Working in closed-facility care, I learned discipline, patience, and how to navigate high-pressure situations. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t meant to stay in that world forever. Acting had always been my dream, though I never thought it could become my reality.
At 31, I moved to Sweden in search of something more—a chance to truly discover who I was. I continued working in healthcare and even worked as a nightclub bouncer, but in my free time, I started to explore acting and dancing. The moment I stepped on stage, everything changed. I felt a sense of belonging I had never experienced before. That feeling was enough to push me to take acting seriously.
I studied at a renowned acting school in Stockholm, diving deep into techniques from Meisner, Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, and Stella Adler. The more I learned, the more I realized I couldn’t do this halfway. So at a certain point I made a bold decision—I quit my stable jobs, sold everything I owned, and lived in a tiny motorhome for a year, surviving on a limited budget just to fully commit to acting. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I barely had enough to eat. But despite the struggles, I knew I was finally on the right path.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my creative work beyond acting. I’ve written three books—two of which are already published, with the third on its way. Writing has given me another outlet to tell stories and connect with people on a deep level.
I also run a product line called Offstage Originals, where I create unique designs and products inspired by my creative journey. Balancing business with my artistic work has been a challenge, but it’s something I love doing.
However, my biggest focus right now is my feature film, Faces. This project is consuming most of my time and energy, but in the best way possible. I’m not just directing and acting in it—I’m bringing my vision to life. I want this film to do more than entertain. I want it to start conversations, provoke deeper thinking, and make people see the world differently.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting an acting career was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I had no financial safety net, no major industry connections, and no clear path forward. I just had passion and an unshakable belief that this was what I was meant to do.
I moved to Sweden at 31, searching for a fresh start. I balanced multiple jobs—working in healthcare during the day and as a nightclub bouncer at night—while taking acting classes and attending workshops in every spare moment. Eventually, I made the boldest move of my life: I quit my stable jobs, sold everything I owned, and lived in a tiny motorhome with a minimal budget, fully committing myself to acting.
The road since then has been anything but easy. I’ve faced relentless rejection. I’ve applied for countless roles, reached out to agencies and casting directors, and often been met with silence. Financial instability has been a constant battle, with days where I barely had enough to eat. There have been moments where I questioned everything—wondering if I made the right choice, if I was good enough, if I would ever make it.
One of the hardest parts of this journey is the uncertainty. Acting isn’t a career with a clear roadmap. There’s no guaranteed next job, no steady paycheck, and no set timeline for success. You can land a great role one day and then face months of silence afterward. That unpredictability can be mentally exhausting.
Another challenge is the pressure to constantly improve. Acting is an art form that requires endless learning. No matter how good you get, there’s always more to master. That realization can be overwhelming at times, but I’ve learned to embrace it rather than fear it.
And, of course, there’s the loneliness that comes with this path. Pursuing acting meant leaving behind stability, familiarity, and at times, even relationships. The industry is competitive, and it can feel isolating when you’re constantly putting yourself out there and facing rejection.
Despite all the struggles, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Every time I step in front of the camera or onto a stage, I’m reminded why I do this. Acting allows me to tell stories that matter, to connect with people in ways that words alone can’t. That feeling—the adrenaline, the passion, the raw emotional connection—is what keeps me going.
And now, I’m pushing myself even further by making my own feature film, Faces. This project isn’t just about filmmaking—it’s about proving to myself that I can take control of my own narrative, that I don’t have to wait for opportunities to come to me. I can create them.
So, has it been a smooth road? Not even close. But it’s been worth every struggle, every setback, and every moment of doubt. Because I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m a storyteller. Whether it’s through acting, filmmaking, writing, or creative design, my goal is always the same—to create something that resonates, sparks emotion, and leaves a lasting impact.
I specialize in dramatic acting, with a strong focus on roles that challenge me emotionally and mentally. My life experiences have given me a unique ability to tap into deep emotions and bring authenticity to my performances. I’ve worked internationally as an actor and model, taking on diverse roles that have helped shape my craft.
Right now, one of my proudest achievements is that my short film For Better or Worse is a finalist at the Cannes World Film Festival. This is an exciting moment in my career, and I’m eagerly awaiting further developments. Seeing that project receive such recognition is both humbling and motivating, pushing me to continue striving for excellence in my work.
Beyond acting, my biggest personal project is my feature film, Faces. This isn’t just another movie—it’s a passion project that I’m fully committed to bringing to life. My goal with this film is to go beyond entertainment—I want to make people think, feel, and engage in deeper conversations about the themes it presents. Right now, it’s taking up most of my time, and I’m pouring every ounce of my energy into making it the best it can be.
I also run Offstage Originals, a product line that merges my creative vision with original designs. It’s another way I express myself outside of acting, giving me the freedom to bring my artistic ideas to life in different forms.
What I’m most proud of is that I never let my past define me. My journey has been filled with struggles, setbacks, and moments where giving up felt like the easier choice. But I kept pushing forward, not because it was easy, but because I knew this was my purpose.
Professionally, my proudest moment was stepping on stage for the first time. That moment changed everything. The nervousness I felt beforehand disappeared the second I stepped into character. I felt free, alive, and completely in my element. It confirmed that acting wasn’t just something I loved—it was something I needed to do.
Another defining moment was when I decided to go all-in on my dreams. Selling everything I owned, living in a tiny motorhome, and surviving on a limited budget just to fully commit to acting was one of the riskiest things I’ve ever done. But looking back, it was the best decision of my life. It proved to me that I was willing to do whatever it took to make this dream a reality.
I think what truly sets me apart is my ability to embrace and enjoy the present moment—especially under pressure. Many actors struggle with nerves, but I thrive in them. Whether it’s performing on stage, stepping in front of the camera, or competing at an international event like IPOP! in L.A., I don’t let fear or pressure take over. Instead, I use that energy to fuel my performance, staying fully present and connected.
Another thing that makes me different is my life experience. I didn’t come from a privileged background. I didn’t have connections in the industry or an easy path into acting. Every opportunity I’ve had, I fought for. And because of that, I bring real, raw emotion into my work. I don’t just act—I pull from my own life, my struggles, and my victories to create something authentic.
Lastly, I don’t just wait for opportunities—I create them. Many actors spend years waiting for the perfect role, the right call, or the right agent. I decided early on that I wouldn’t let my career be dictated by chance. That’s why I’m writing, directing, and producing my own feature film. That’s why I started Offstage Originals. That’s why I keep pushing forward, no matter how many obstacles stand in my way.
Right now, my focus is on making Faces the best film it can be. At the same time, I’m constantly looking for ways to grow as an artist, take on new roles, and expand my creative work. Whether it’s through acting, writing, or designing, my goal is to tell stories that matter and leave an impact that lasts beyond the moment.
This is what I was meant to do. And I’m just getting started.
What are your plans for the future?
The future holds some big changes for me—both personally and professionally.
One of the most significant changes coming up is that I’ll be moving to another country. It’s a major transition, but I see it as an exciting new chapter—one that will bring fresh experiences, new challenges, and unexpected opportunities. While adjusting to a new environment, I plan to continue building my acting career internationally, traveling between Europe, the U.S., and beyond to take on new roles and strengthen my position in the industry. My long-term goal is to establish myself in Hollywood, and I’m fully committed to making that happen.
Right now, my biggest creative focus is my feature film, Faces. This project is incredibly important to me—not just as a filmmaker but as a storyteller. I want to create a movie that captivates the audience, provokes deep thought, and sparks meaningful conversations. Every day, I’m pouring my energy into making this vision a reality, from pre-production to assembling the right team to bring the story to life.
Beyond Faces, I’m committed to taking on more challenging acting roles, particularly in drama. I want to keep growing as an actor, pushing myself to explore deeper emotions and more complex characters. My goal is to work on projects that leave a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
In addition to acting, I’m continuing to expand my creative pursuits.
My third book is on the way, and I plan to continue publishing stories that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Writing has always been a major part of my life, and I see it as another way to express creativity beyond the screen.
The product line Offstage Originals, which focuses on bringing fun, humor, and lightheartedness to the entertainment industry. It’s designed for all types of artists—actors, musicians, writers, dancers—anyone who lives and breathes creativity. The goal isn’t just to showcase my artistic vision but to bring a smile to people’s faces through unique, entertaining designs.
Looking ahead, my long-term plan is simple: keep creating, keep growing, and never stop moving forward.
I know the road ahead won’t always be easy—acting is a tough industry, filmmaking is a massive undertaking, and balancing my personal life with my career will always be a challenge. But I’m fully committed to making my dreams a reality. No matter how hard it gets, I will keep pushing forward.
Life is about evolution, and I’m excited for every new chapter that’s coming my way. The best part? This is only the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oswaldhunter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamoswaldhunter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamoswaldhunter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/OswaldHunter
- Other: https://www.offstageoriginals.com
Image Credits
Manny Fontanilla – https://www.mannyfontanilla.com/
