This interview took place in June by Side2 while Alex was in  Norway for the Twilight Convention in Oslo. Thank you Sveltana to share it with us ! I love the photos (Especially the one in BW)

 ( Translated from Norwegian to English - sorry if there are mistakes )

- Heard that the women here are beautiful

We met Twilight actor Alex Meraz.

Photo : Paul Weaver

Ekeberg (Oslo):

-It's beautiful here, it is so lush and green. So fresh. It's nice to be in an open place. I have been in Los Angeles so long and Hollywood is so small and tight, " said Alex Meraz to Side2.

When we meet him on the Ekeberg Restaurant, just outside Oslo, the popular actor admits that there is more than just the view from the exclusive restaurant, which is beautiful here in Norway.

-"Before I arrived, I had heard that the women here are beautiful, and it's true!", He exclaims, smiling.

Fans profit

Alex Meraz plays the aggressive werewolf, Paul, in the last two Twilight movies, "New Moon" and "Eclipse."

Despite his minimal role in both films, praised the 25-year-old man as a superhero, and hope the actor is not only because of his performance in front of the camera.

-"It's amazing that a small part in a great movie can change your life this way. But it's because of the fans. The fans have large posters of me and I'm in calendars and stuff. Usually no one carse about such a small role in a movie. But the fans love the characters, and I'm just happy to be part of it," said Alex Meraz humbly.

-"I have spent a large part of my life expressing myself through painting, dancing, acting and martial arts. While my friends were out drinking, I was at home painting. I knew that one day people would appreciate my art. I hope the fans do not just look at one minute of the film, but that they also look my artwork. I hope that is why I have fans."

Photo: Paul Weaver

- "I work a lot with the physical." It is precisely his talent in dance and martial arts that has led him where he is today. The well-trained American acts as often shirtless in the "Twilight" movies, and he believes his background in dance and martial arts has made him a better actor, in many different ways.

-"It has a special physical consciousness. I'm very conscious of my own body. I must make the most of the time I have by focusing on small things. I work a lot with the physical, and I see that many actors are struggling with this. It helps me to be comfortable in my own skin, especially when I act without the shirt, "said Alex Meraz, adding that he had to exercise and eat a lot, to get in shape for the "Twilight "character, since he naturally has a very thin figure.

Photo: Paul Weaver

Twilight colleagues

Alex Meraz feels privileged to have been working with talented actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. He admits that he has learned a lot from them and others on the "Twilight" set, and he admits that he thinks it is great that he has someone to share the unique experience of movies.

-"It's great to spend time with - to spend time with someone that others would "killed" to hanged with," he says pointing at the poster with the three "Twilight " stars.

-"Here it seems as if they are larger than life. I know they are not that way. They do not know me like that," he explains, while he keeps his eyes on the poster.

Absent family man

But life consists of more than just glamorous film premieres, and screaming fans. Back in the U.S., Alex Meraz's has a wife and child, and he claims that he has learned to live with separation from friends and family.

-"It's the only thing I have known. Prior to "Twilight" I always traveled, as a professional dancer. Even when we dated, I was always gone for one or two months at a time. She's used to it, I'm used to it. I like that it helps me to appreciate her and my son more when I come back. For if they were in front of me, all the time, we would in a way take it for granted, but when I come back it is so precious," he explains.

- I'm intense.

And although it is apparent that family is important for the actor, he likes to work, and says that he takes his job very seriously.

-"When it comes to my job, I'm very intense. I want to be good at everything I do, so I'm very passionate,  he explains.

Racism in Hollywood

Alex Meraz is a native Mexican, and it seems that his ethnic background has an influence on how he perceives the world around him. The actor admits that his ethnicity has both opened and closed the doors for him in Hollywood, but he hopes he can help to reduce the racist attitudes he believes exists in Hollywood.

-"I've lost roles because of my ethnic background. I'm not the most ethnic type, but often when I go for ethnic roles, I am not ethnic enough. It's strange. However, when I'm right for a role, then I'm so very right for it," he said, waving his arms enthusiastically.

His role model is Bruce Lee, because he helped break some of the prejudices which he believes existed before.

-"Bruce has always been my favorite. He is the reason I came into the movie industry. He did everything. He was a philosopher, he was involved in martial arts, he was a great thinker and changed a lot. Asians used to always have a helping role in American films. He broke down the stereotype, and he turned the Asian culture into something powerful. I wish I could do something like this for the Mexican people, or even the Latin," reveals Alex Meraz, and admits that he may be going out to shoot his people's history in a slightly different way than today.

-"I think "Twilight" will help a bit there," he adds.

Looking forward to meeting fans

On Wednesday night, Alex Meraz will be on hand to meet fans at Akershus Fortress in Oslo for the Norway premiere of the latest "Twilight" movie.

-It's going to be very exciting. I heared rumors that 2000 people are going to be there, and I look forward to seeing what the Norwegian fans think about the movie and feel the energy, and celebrate this film," he explains.

How do you handle the female fans then?

-"I try to have fun. I don't judge anyone, and I don't take it too seriously if someone says I'm handsome. Each time it is like hearing it for the first time. When it comes from a fan, it comes from such an honest place. When they say they love the role, or love you, I really appreciate these moments. It requires much of a person to walk up to someone and say something. They must be so honest. I'm trying to make sure they also have a good experience," he said.

Photo: Paul Weaver

Source: Side2

Thank you to @SvetlanaFadeeva