Our latest tale from the archives tells the story of a former Helensburgh resident who made the journey from being a security guard and bouncer to being chosen for an acting role in the George Clooney film 'The Jacket'.

Here's how we reported on John Kelenfoldi's rise to fame in the Advertiser on February 5, 2004...

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A SECURITY guard who was keeping wannabe actors in check has been chosen for a role himself in a movie being produced by George Clooney.

Former Helensburgh man John Kelenfoldi, whose only previous experience on film was catching shoplifters red-handed, will appear in The Jacket.

American heart-throb Clooney is shooting the movie on location in Scotland on a budget of some £18 million.

Helensburgh-born John still has family connections in the town but now stays in Port Glasgow.

The 44 year-old bouncer was keeping back the crowds of hopefuls determined to land a role in the psychological thriller.

But his 6ft 2in and 19-stone build caught the attention of production staff who wanted to find someone suitable to play the part of a psychiatric nurse capable of restraining a deranged patient.

John said: “I’ve only ever been on CCTV chasing shoplifters, which is a pretty frightening sight.

“But if you joined all the CCTV footage together I’ve probably made more films than George Clooney!”

A spokeswoman for Scottish Screen, where John has worked for the past 18 months, said the doorman was ideal for the part, which around 600 people wanted.

It is not a speaking role but is a named part and some 600 people queued in the hope of a chance to appear on the big screen.

She said: “He’s such a huge, gentle giant and a nice soul and we know he’ll be a star.”

John has greeted film stars such as Ewan McGregor, Dougray Scott and Paul Young into Scottish Screen’s offices.

His mother Elizabeth Garland, who still lives in the family home on Kirkmichael Road, hopes John enjoys his newfound fame.

She said: “He was born and bred in Helensburgh and I am really proud of him.

“I think he is very lucky to get the part because he is really a security guard.”

The former pupil of Clyde Street School and Hermitage Academy moved away from the burgh about six years ago.

Mrs Garland added: “He’s no George Clooney, but I am sure if he lost some weight he would look quite good.

“This will be good for him. I think he deserves something in life. He has had it pretty rough as a security guard over the years and I wish him all the best.

“There were days he was outside in all weathers and it wasn’t much fun for him.”

Mrs Garland said she would not be among the women asking John for a signed picture of the Hollywood heart-throb.

“I don’t like George Clooney myself. I prefer old film stars like James Mason - so I won’t be hoping for a signed photograph.”