Gonville was once his stomping ground - now David Harris rubs shoulders with some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Since leaving Wanganui more than a dozen years ago, Harris, through a combination of luck and hard work, has gone on to carve out an acting career in the United States.
And he's just started to crack the big time with his latest role in the hit movie Alexander and The Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day alongside stars Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner.
However, he left the bright lights behind to be back in Wanganui for Christmas.
A born and bred Wanganui man, Harris went to Gonville School, Rutherford Intermediate and City College before studying for a diploma in sports science at Wanganui Polytechnic (now UCOL) at the turn of the century.
He moved to Auckland to work at Les Mills and he was approached to be part of reality TV series Stripsearch and the group Kiwifire.
"That sort of sent me around the world and I found myself in Los Angeles," he said.
He was approached to audition for American comedy TV series Jake in Progress, which he got a part on, and has since appeared on US shows such as Ellen, The View and the Tyra Banks Show.
He has also recently guest starred in ABC TV show Castle.
"I kind of struck some success this year. Getting to work with the likes of Steve Carell, they're pretty amazing to work with," Harris said.
While back in Wanganui he will be showing his girlfriend around his hometown and catching up with family. Last week he went to the cinema to watch his latest film with family.
He loves California.
"You're close to the beach. I sometimes think that when you're on the West Coast in the States you feel closer to New Zealand."
Harris lives near the north of Hollywood. "It's action, it's non-stop, there's always something going on. I don't go out a hell of a lot, to be honest. I'm just sinking my teeth into acting classes. You can never stop training."
Harris said reaching the heights of Hollywood was hard work, and it had taken him a decade to get where he has. There was a lot further to go, too.
"I think it's like anything in life, if you don't enjoy it, it's going to be short-lived or unsuccessful. For me it's not about the fame or fortune, it's about the craft and loving what I do.
The Christmas is his first time back home for a number of years.
"It's pretty surreal," he said. "I think the great thing about Wanganui is it doesn't change. Yeah, you get new paint and you get a few new businesses [but] I think the beauty is coming home and it's still the same."