An actor from Essex who penned a bestselling book about his transition from a woman to a man is starring in an international blockbuster being released this summer.

Lee David Carter, who was born Lisa, hit headlines when he released Living With Lisa, which reveals how much of a toll his 40-year battle with gender dysphoria took on his mental and physical health.

Now he is due to star alongside Hollywood actors and actresses in Final Score, due for release on June 18, 2018. Mr Carter, who is also preparing for numerous book signings across the region, said: “I shared with you last year how I was going to star in a documentary about my book and I’ve now been cast in this international film so I think me sharing my story has also helped my career.

“It looks like 2018 is going to be a pretty amazing year.”

When filming started for his documentary last summer, Lee told this newspaper how he struggled to reveal his true self for four decades.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42. Picture: GREGG BROWNLee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42. Picture: GREGG BROWN

He said: “I was in a really dark place. In my time it was never accepted and although I knew I wanted to be a man there was barely any advice out there.

“It all got a bit much when I turned 40, I just couldn’t take it any more.

“I began taking hormones and started the process, had my womb removed and had several other operations done.

He added: “I identified as a man and never really looked at men except in a friendly way.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42.Lee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42.

“Nowadays though gender dysphoria, what I went through and struggled with, is more well known and more and more people are speaking out about it.”

Celebrities such as Caitlyn Jenner and Cher’s son Chaz Bono have helped people to talk about it more, he said.

Talking about his life before he transitioned, Lee added: “It was strange to discover but from then on I knew I wanted to be with women.

“I was just living in completely the wrong body.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42.Lee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42.

“I was in a very dark place and had so many feelings, from anger to sadness to suicidal thoughts if I’m honest.

“Changing has made me such a different person and lifted me, I saw the proverbial light if you know what I mean.

“My family, especially my mum Michelle have been really supportive which has got me through.”

Mr Carter’s book signings are taking place at Waterstones Colchester on February 16, and at the University of Essex on a date to be confirmed.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42. Picture: GREGG BROWNLee David Carter, from Clacton, was born Lisa. He came out after a long battle with gender dysphoria and began transitioning at the age of 42. Picture: GREGG BROWN