SIOUX CITY — Bryce Johnson hasn’t been to Sioux City since he left two and a half years ago to head for Hollywood.

He returned to the western Iowa city Friday for the first time since landing a leading role on the new Warner Brothers series, “Popular.”

“I came back with pretty much one of my big goals accomplished in life,” Johnson said. “I came back a celebrity.”

Hundreds of screaming fans greeted Johnson at the Southern Hills Mall, a place where he could be found selling clothing at American Eagle just a few short years ago.

The extra attention isn’t the only thing that’s different about Johnson’s life.

“I don’t worry about rent anymore,” he said. “I’m working as an actor, not a waiter. My career has started. I’m in the business that I finally want to be in.”

Johnson’s mom, stepfather and younger brother, who currently reside in Sioux City, are also feeling the effects of his new celebrity status.

“I think they are really enjoying it,” Johnson said. “I know my brother is, and I know my mom is just as proud as she can be. I wanted to make them proud.”

Johnson’s family helped promote his Sioux City trip, which was based around a protest against local cable company Cable One, because the company stopped carrying WB programming.

Johnson was accompanied by Shannon Dougherty, who stars in the WB series “Charmed.”

“We’re just trying to offer a solution because, obviously, it’s the best network on TV these days, and it’s ridiculous for them to take it off,” he said.

Johnson and Dougherty spent the day in Sioux City raising support for WB programming so the cable company would continue to offer it to viewers.

“It’s not right for them to take off shows like ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ‘Popular’ and ‘Charmed.’ Those are all great shows,” he said. “It’s just not fair for people not to get to watch them.”

Since beginning his acting career, Johnson has worked in five episodes of the MTV series “Undressed,” and also shot a pilot for a WB show that didn’t get picked up.

Johnson considers “Popular” his first big break.

On the show, he plays Josh Ford, a high school sophomore who tries to put his football career on the back burner for a chance in the spotlight of high school theater.

“I’m like my character in the way that he’s not ever out to hurt anybody like other people [are],” he said. “The kid’s just got a good heart, so I think that’s where we connect.”

Johnson said landing his role on the WB has made him realize one thing.

“Dreams can come true,” he said. “I’m living proof.”