A new hero is born: Especially young women are hit in the hearts when Orlando Bloom shoots his arrows as Elven warrior Legolas Greenleaf. Before the third and last part of “Lord Of The Rings” will start in December, the 26-years-old beau fights against a hord of ghost pirates in “Pirates Of The Caribbean”.

Career in a flash in just 3 years: After his debut ala Legolas in Peter Jacksons “The Lord Of The Rings”, Bloom fell from a helicopter in Ridley Scott’s “Black Hawk Down”, rode next to Heath Ledger in “Ned Kelly” and currently isn’t afraid of the “Curse Of The Black Pearl“ by the king of blockbusters, Jerry Bruckheimer. The actor, born on January 13, 1977 in Great Britain, owes his good start to a solid drama education, his talent when handling weapons – and his good looks.

TK: Did you dream of sailing under a pirate flag when you were a boy?

OB: Of course! I liked dressing up as a pirate and watching old movies with Errol Flynn. I especially loved the sword fights, that’s the reason I’m really happy about being able to cross blades in “POTC” that often. Actors are lucky enough to be allowed to run around like big boys, and they’re getting paid for it at the same time.

TK: Are you a daredevil in private life as well?

OB: I used to bungee jump and snowboard downhill. I just like it to challenge myself physically, and if it’s for a role, the better.

TK: You’ll be seen in historical costume again in Wolfgang Petersen’s “Troy”. Wouldn’t you like to be in front of the camera without glued-on ears or braids, just for once?

OB: That would be a change for sure. Maybe I should make a film where everyone sits around a table and plays cards the whole time. But this would probably be boring! I like movies with a lot of action, and I’m willing to accept having to wear new costumes again and again – which can be rather uncomfortable, by the way.

TK: Do you also disguise yourself in private in order not to be recognized in public?

OB: Fortunately, there are only crowds of people during public events, when they know that I’m going to be around soon. Apart from that I’m able to walk across the street without being recognized – I think that’s a pleasant thing. Maybe it’s because I look different in real life than on those touched up movie photographs. Bless Photoshop!

TK: How do you handle being the new heartthrob?

OB: The whole fuss about me was rather unnerving at first. Nowadays I appreciate fans at movie premieres who have waited for me for hours just in order to get an autograph. I take my time then, even if it would never cross my mind to spend a whole afternoon to get something signed by an actor myself.

TK: You avoid the word ‘star’…

OB: Yes, because I’ve never been ambitious to become one. When I started my career I had only one wish: not to be on the streets as an unemployed actor. I was determined, studied really hard and played, but I never dreamt of the big breakthrough. Now I have to live with the fact that everyone knows me. But I keep telling myself: tomorrow, it’ll be another young actor who’ll be worshipped by teenagers. They need stars to live out their fantasies and dreams. Since I got to know that, I have a more relaxed approach to the whole situation.

TK: What were you like as a teenager?

OB: Art and Drama have been my favourite subjects even as a child. That’s why I knew at an early age what I wanted to become. I studied artists on the streets, went to the theatre and watched movies with this determination. I spent my first years in Canterbury where I’ve been born. But I left for London when I was 16 because I knew: only here could I become an actor. Nothing just fell into my lap, I worked really hard to get where I am now.

Interview: Markus Tschiedert