Hollywood actor from USA who learnt Welsh during Covid secures Pobol Y Cwm role
A Hollywood actor has been championing the Welsh language across his social media platforms, and after learning it for three years he will be appearing in Wales' most famous soap opera. Hans Obma, an actor from Wisconsin in the United States of America, has mastered Welsh and will be joining the cast of S4C's Pobol y Cwm.Since taking up Welsh following the Covid-19 pandemic, Hans has been advocating for the language on his social media channels by posting bilingual content. One of his videos highlights all the Welsh actors featured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including the likes of Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins.Speaking to S4C news in April, 2025, he said: "There were many reasons for me to choose to learn Welsh. My grandmother came from south Wales, from Brynmawr. So there was always a connection between me and Wales."He added: "The want was there and another thing was during lockdown I started developing a series called 'A question of service', and the main character was a Welsh speaker so I had to learn Welsh."The actor, who predominantly portrays villains on screen, has appeared in the Vampire Diaries, Better Call Saul, The Rookie, Narcos: Mexico and Marvel's Wandavision. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletterWhen he first started learning the language, he revealed he would love to one day appear on screen speaking Welsh. It has now been revealed that his dream has come true, as he'll be starring in S4C's Welsh language soap opera Pobol y Cwm.Speaking on Heno on Tuesday, April 21, Hans said: "I used to watch the programme all the time to improve my Welsh. Now, I can truly say, I am in my element."I learnt Welsh with the Learn Welsh Institute and they taught me that "wrth fy modd" literally translates to in my element, and at the moment with Pobol y Cwm I am in my element. I've learnt the language, I love the culture, and now I have my own character."Though I can't say much about their history, the character has been written as someone who's learnt Welsh and also from America, so they didn't have to say, 'why does he sound like that?'"I don't want to say too much, because I want the viewers to get to know the character and secrets."The actor is not merely proficient in Welsh and English, but is actually fluent in Spanish, French, and German, all of which he has utilised across numerous acting roles.He initially studied Spanish and French during secondary school before furthering his linguistic studies at college, while German came somewhat later when he recognised it could bolster his acting prospects.Welsh speakers took to social media to express their admiration for the American embracing the Welsh language, with some describing him as an inspiration. One user commented in Welsh: "Your Welsh is amazing Hans, well done you."Another added: "Congratulations Hans, from learning online in Wisconsin to ’Pobl y Cwm’. It's great to see you here."You can watch Pobol y Cwm on S4C, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.
