Henry Cavill

Overview

Born
May 5, 1983 · Jersey, Channel Islands
Birth name
Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill
Nicknames
- Hank
- Henners
- Most Dashing Duke
Height
6′ 1″ (1.85 m)

Biography

Family

Children
Parents
Relatives

Trademarks

Strong, defined jawline
Macho, heroic, stoic characters
Muscular physique
Deep resonant voice

Trivia

While working as an extra in Proof of Life (2000), Cavill asked Russell Crowe for advice about acting, since he had aspirations of pursuing a full-time career as an actor. A few days after their conversation, he received a box of gifts from Crowe that included a signed picture of him in Gladiator (2000) with the words, "Dear Henry: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" written on it. Crowe would later play Henry's father in Man of Steel (2013).
Admitted during an interview with Conan O'Brien that he narrowly missed the call from Zack Snyder, informing him that he had won the coveted role of Superman because he was busy playing World of Warcraft. Cavill said he only noticed Snyder's name on Caller ID at the last second and by the time he put his hand on the phone to pick it up, it was too late, so he called Snyder back immediately, jokingly stating he was busy saving someone's life.
He did not watch any previous Superman films or television series while making Man of Steel (2013), using the comics solely as a reference for his portrayal of Superman.
He once shared a story about his nephew Thomas. One day at school, the class was talking about their families, and Thomas told the class that his uncle was Superman. The teacher and the entire class didn't believe him, which led to everyone making fun of the boy. After Thomas' mother, who is the sister-in-law of Cavill, was called in to the school, she confirmed what her son had told the class. She later called Cavill and asked him to take her son to school, and he happily agreed to do so.
For his role as Clark Kent/Superman in Man of Steel (2013), he followed a strict work-out regimen and consumed 5000 calories a day for six months. He also dyed his hair black.

Quotes

With Twilight (2008), there were all sorts of rumors going around, [but] I was never sent a script, never asked to be in the film... I think Stephenie Meyer wanted me initially when she saw me in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), but by the time the movie went into pre-production I was too old. Batman (Batman Begins (2005)), I may have been spoken about in a room at some stage, but never auditioned or screen-tested. Superman (Superman Returns (2006)), yes, that came very close. And Bond (Casino Royale (2006)) came very close as well.
[on understanding the importance of playing Superman] Very much so, yes. It's important to do the role justice. There are a lot of people relying on me to do this well. I gladly accept that responsibility, and it's a great one to have because it's a wonderful opportunity. I don't let the pressures get to me because that's going to hinder my performance and, therefore, let people down. So I choose to ignore the pressure side of it and focus on doing justice to Superman.
[on how he got his eight pack for Immortals (2011)] You can train and train until you are blue in the face but you've got to diet, you've got to have that leanness because if you are not lean, your abs won't show. Of course, the training has to be put in, but then you've to shed all the fat and keep the fat off. And that's how you get an eight pack.
[on the anxiety he faced before the filming of his shirtless scenes for Immortals (2011) where he was required to show a perfectly ripped eight-pack] It's very stressful waking up Monday morning and saying, "Can I still see that vein in my abs?" You get the fear every morning, "Do I look good enough?" And of course, you do. But in your own head, you never look good enough. I had a big sense of pride. I was like, "No shading. I don't want you to draw abs on me. I don't want you to put dirt in the right places. I just want to do it myself. I want to have the body." It's a pride thing.
I suppose that when I'm building a character, it's usually related to what their family is like and who their parents are, as well as how I grew up - that nurture side.