Hollywood actor Hans Obma joins Welsh soap after learning the language
Hollywood actor Hans Obma, known for his roles in Better Call Saul, The Vampire Diaries, and Criminal Minds, is set to appear in the Welsh-language soap opera Pobol y Cwm. After studying Welsh, Obma has embraced the language and culture, making Wales his “second home” during filming for the long-running series.
Connection to Wales and language learning journey
Obma, originally from Wisconsin, USA, has a personal connection to Wales through his grandmother, who was from Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent. Although she never spoke Welsh herself, she moved to the US after World War Two. Obma recalls visiting Wales with her and hearing her Welsh accent return vividly. This family link inspired him to learn Welsh and pursue acting roles in the language.
Speaking about his experience, Obma described learning and using Welsh as “exhilarating” and said it is something he has enjoyed immensely. He emphasized the importance of being “on the top of my game acting in Welsh” to perform well in the series. To aid his language skills, he watched Pobol y Cwm, Rownd a Rownd, and Newyddion S4C, which helped him prepare for joining the cast.
Role in Pobol y Cwm and cultural involvement
Obma plays an American character in Pobol y Cwm, retaining his natural accent while participating in a show that is 97% in Welsh. He could not reveal many details about his role but expressed hope that viewers will receive his character well.
Pobol y Cwm, meaning “People of the Valley,” is the BBC’s oldest television soap, first broadcast in 1974 and now airing on the Welsh-language channel S4C. The show has featured many notable actors over the years, including Ioan Gruffudd, Iwan Rheon, Michael Sheen, and Alexandra Roach.
Obma splits his time between Wales and Wisconsin and has family in Cardiff. He enjoys visiting Pembrokeshire and the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd. He plans to attend the Welsh language cultural festival, the Eisteddfod, in August, having visited it multiple times before.
Reflecting on his connection to Wales, Obma said, “Wisconsin is home but this is going to become a great second home.” He expressed his commitment to continuing to work in the Welsh language and hopes his work will be well received by audiences.