Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill (/ˈkævəl/; born 5 May 1983) is an English actor.[2][3][4][5] He began his career with roles in the feature adaptations of The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) and I Capture the Castle (2003). He later appeared in supporting roles in several television series, including BBC's The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, ITV's Midsomer Murders, and Showtime's The Tudors. He has since appeared in numerous major Hollywood films, such as Tristan & Isolde (2006), Stardust (2007), Blood Creek (2009), and Immortals (2011).
Henry Cavill | |
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![]() Cavill at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con | |
Born | Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill 5 May 1983 |
Nationality | British |
Education | St Michael's Preparatory School Stowe School |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2001–present |
Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1] |
Signature | |
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Cavill gained prominence and international fame for playing Superman in the DC Extended Universe, starring in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). He went on to star in the action spy film Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). On September 4, 2018, it was announced that Cavill will be portraying Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher.
Early life
Cavill was born the fourth of five boys[6] on Jersey in the Channel Islands.[7] His mother, Marianne (Dalgliesh), was a secretary in a bank, and his father, Colin Cavill, was a stockbroker.[8] He was educated at St Michael's Preparatory School in Saint Saviour, Jersey, before attending Stowe School in Stowe, Buckinghamshire, England.[9]
Career
Cavill began his film career with a role in Laguna (2001) and Kevin Reynolds' adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). He continued with appearances in BBC's The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2002), the television film Goodbye, Mr. Chips (2002), and the television series Midsomer Murders (2003). In 2003, he had a supporting role in I Capture the Castle, followed by Hellraiser: Hellworld (2005), Red Riding Hood (2006) and Tristan & Isolde (2006). He had a minor role in Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of Stardust (2007).
From 2007 to 2010, Cavill had a leading role in Showtime's television series, The Tudors, as Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. The series was well-received: it was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2007 and won an Emmy in 2008. Cavill gave the show credit for bolstering his career: "It's done the most for me to date. [...] Now that there's an audience somewhere in America that's aware of who I am, I have more sell-ability, because of The Tudors."[10] Entertainment Weekly named him the "Most Dashing Duke" and praised his work on The Tudors for displaying "charm, depth and a killer bod".[11]
Cavill had been set to play Superman in McG's 2004 film, Superman: Flyby. However, McG pulled out of the project and direction was taken over by director Bryan Singer, who recast Brandon Routh as the lead in Superman Returns.[12][13] Cavill was also the cause of a write-in effort from fans to see him cast as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).[14] The role eventually went to Robert Pattinson. Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series, was outspokenly in favour of Cavill playing the character of Edward Cullen in the Twilight film,[15] calling him her "perfect Edward".[16] However, by the time production of the film began, Cavill was too old to play the character,[16][17] and again the role went to Pattinson.
In 2005, Cavill was a final choice for the role of James Bond in Casino Royale.[18] The producers and director Martin Campbell were torn between him and Daniel Craig; reportedly Campbell supported Cavill but the producers preferred an older Bond.[12][19] Craig ultimately landed the role. Despite reports that he was a contender for Batman in Batman Begins, Cavill confirmed that he never auditioned for, nor was offered, the role.[12][18] He starred in director Joel Schumacher's horror film, Blood Creek (2008), and had a supporting role in Woody Allen's comedy film, Whatever Works (2009).[20]
Cavill played the lead role of Theseus in Tarsem Singh's mythological film, Immortals, released 11 November 2011.[21] Cavill starred, alongside Bruce Willis, in The Cold Light of Day released in 2012.
On 30 January 2011, it was announced that Cavill had been cast in the role of Clark Kent/Superman in director Zack Snyder's Man of Steel.[22] Snyder called Cavill "the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield."[23][24] Entertainment media applauded Henry Cavill on his road to success.[25][26] On being chosen for the role, Cavill commented, "In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honoured to be a part of his return to the big screen."[27] Cavill reprised the role of Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a 2016 sequel which featured a crossover with Batman[28] and Wonder Woman.[29][30] In 2017, Cavill returned as Superman in Justice League. According to his manager Dany Garcia, Cavill is working on a new standalone Superman movie.[31] Shortly after the release of Justice League, Cavill revealed he is under contract to play Superman in one more film.[32]
Cavill has expressed interest in taking over the role of James Bond when Daniel Craig gives it up.[33] He co-starred with Armie Hammer in the film version of spy series The Man from U.N.C.L.E., after Tom Cruise had to drop out to work on Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.[34][35][36] He appeared at the San Diego Comic-Con in disguise to surprise the cast of Suicide Squad.[37]
In 2018, Cavill co-starred as August Walker in the action spy film Mission: Impossible – Fallout. Also that year, he starred in the psychological thriller Nomis.[38] On 4 September 2018, it was announced that Cavill will be portraying the protagonist Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher.[39][40][41] On 12 September 2018, it was announced that Cavill's future as Superman was in doubt. He already turned down a cameo in Shazam! due to schedule conflicts. He was later reported to have exited the DC Extended Universe. [42]
In the media
In December 2013, Cavill was named "World's Sexiest Man" by British Glamour magazine.[44] The same year, Empire magazine placed him third on their list of "The 100 Sexiest Movie Stars 2013".[45]
In early 2008, Cavill became the face of the British fragrance Dunhill.[46] A television commercial for the brand featured a suited-up Cavill walking through the Union Jack, before boarding a helicopter.[47] A second television commercial featured Cavill driving a car through a deserted London at night, and meeting a young woman.[48]
Charity work
Cavill is a spokesman for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,[49] and an ambassador for The Royal Marines Charity. He launched the running phase of the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge and took part in The Gibraltar Rock Run 2014.[50][51]
In August 2014, Cavill took part in an Ice Bucket Challenge in support of the ALS Association, where he was soaked with six large buckets of water while wearing his full Superman costume.[52][53][54]
Personal life
Cavill was engaged to English showjumper Ellen Whitaker, but they broke up in 2012.[55]
Cavill lives in South Kensington, London with his pet American Akita, Kal.[56][57][58]
Cavill has started practising Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having been seen training at Roger Gracie's academy in London.[59]
Cavill is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.[60]
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2001 | Laguna | Thomas Aprea | |
2002 | The Count of Monte Cristo | Albert Mondego | |
2003 | I Capture the Castle | Stephen Colley | |
2005 | Hellraiser: Hellworld | Mike | |
2006 | Tristan & Isolde | Melot | |
Red Riding Hood | The Hunter | ||
2007 | Stardust | Humphrey | |
2009 | Whatever Works | Randy Lee James | |
Blood Creek | Evan Marshall | ||
2011 | Immortals | Theseus | |
2012 | The Cold Light of Day | Will Shaw | |
2013 | Man of Steel | Clark Kent / Superman | |
2015 | The Man from U.N.C.L.E. | Napoleon Solo | |
2016 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | Clark Kent / Superman | |
2017 | Sand Castle | Captain Syverson | |
Justice League | Clark Kent / Superman | ||
2018 | Mission: Impossible – Fallout | August Walker | |
Nomis | Marshall | Post-production |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2002 | The Inspector Lynley Mysteries | Chas Quilter | Episode: "Well-Schooled in Murder" |
Goodbye, Mr. Chips | Soldier Colley | Television film | |
2003 | Midsomer Murders | Simon Mayfield | Episode: "The Green Man" |
2007–2010 | The Tudors | Charles Brandon | 38 episodes |
2019 | The Witcher | Geralt of Rivia | 8 episodes |
Variety Show
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | Running Man | Himself | Korean variety show Episode 410 |
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | NewNowNext Award | Cause You're Hot | The Tudors | Nominated | [61] |
2013 | Cause You're Hot | Man of Steel | Nominated | [62] | |
Teen Choice Award | Choice Summer Movie Star: Male | Nominated | [63] | ||
Choice Liplock (shared with Amy Adams) | Nominated | ||||
2014 | Critics' Choice Movie Award | Best Actor in an Action Movie | Nominated | [64] | |
MTV Movie Awards | Best Hero | Won | [65] | ||
2016 | Teen Choice Award | Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | Nominated | [66] |
Choice Liplock (shared with Amy Adams) | Nominated | ||||
2017 | Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Movie Actor | Nominated | [67] | |
Favorite Butt-Kicker | Nominated | ||||
Favorite Frenemies (shared with Ben Affleck) | Nominated | ||||
Razzie Awards | Worst Actor | Nominated | [68] | ||
Worst Screen Combo (shared with Ben Affleck) | Won |
References
- ^ "Henry Cavill Gets Real About the Financial Perks of Being an Actor: 'I'm Not Just Doing This for the Art'".
- ^ "Henry Cavill & Ben Affleck visit EJ, Charles, Kenny & Shaq on TNT NBA Tip-Off".
- ^ "Why Superman Can Be Played By A British Actor, According To Henry Cavill".
- ^ "Another British superhero: Henry Cavill to play Superman".
- ^ "Henry Cavill".
- ^ "Henry Cavill, Part 1 – The Tonight Show with Jay Leno". 7 June 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ^ "Henry Cavill- Biography". Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
- ^ "Ten Things About... Henry Cavill". Digital Spy. 17 April 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
- ^ "Henry Cavill Biography". BuddyTV. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
- ^ "The Tudors Interview." Filmed interview. Retrieved 18 February 2011
- ^ Svetkey, Benjamin, "Must List 2009: TV." Entertainment Weekly 26 June 2009. Print. Retrieved 18 February 2011 from Entertainment Weekly online,
- ^ a b c Jensen, Jeff "Doc". "Superman Soars Again Archived 9 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine." Entertainment Weekly 25 February 2011: 54–57. Print. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ Wigler, Josh. "'Tudors' Star Henry Cavill Was So Close To Playing Superman, He Even Wore The Cape!" Archived 4 March 2011 at the Wayback Machine. MTV, 6 May 2009. Web. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ "Henry Cavill for Cedric Diggory." Henry Cavill at IntenseVibe.org. IntenseVibe, 22 February 2008. Web. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ Morris, W. M. "Interview: Twilight author Stephenie Meyer." A Motley Vision. Archived 6 June 2012 at WebCite. A Motley Vision, 26 Oct. 2005. Web. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ a b Meyer, Stephenie. "Twilight the Movie (archives)." . stepheniemeyer.com. The Official Website of Stephenie Meyer, 7 July 2007. Web. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ "Henry Cavill Talks Twilight". By Josh Horowitz. MTV Movies. Filmed interview. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ a b "Henry Cavill Interview." Filmed interview. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ "David Arnold discusses screentesting the new James Bond, and Daniel Craig's competition." MI6. MI6, 22 March 2007. Web. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ "'Whatever' makes Henry Cavill tick". USA Today. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
- ^ Billington, Alex (17 May 2010). "First Look: Tarsem Singh's 'Immortals' Epic with Henry Cavill". firstshowing.net First Showing.
- ^ "Henry Cavill to Play Superman". superherohype.com. SuperHeroHype. 30 January 2011.
- ^ Venutolo, Anthony (30 January 2011). "Henry Cavill cast as Superman in Zack Snyder's reboot". NJ.
- ^ Ditzian, Eric (1 February 2011). "'Superman' Star Henry Cavill Will Be 'Amazing', Christopher Nolan Says". MTV.
- ^ Ditzian, Eric (31 January 2011). "'Superman' Star Henry Cavill Had Long Road To Landing The Role". MTV.
- ^ "Henry Cavill: The Next Superman". CBSNews.com / CelebrityCircuit. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
- ^ Bettinger, Brendan. "Henry Cavill is SUPERMAN!". Collider. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
- ^ "Batman vs Superman: first pictures from the film". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ "Gal Gadot to Play Wonder Woman in 'Batman vs. Superman'". Variety. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
- ^ "Warner Bros. Pictures Pushes Batman vs. Superman Back to 2016". ComingSoon.net. 17 January 2014.
- ^ Ahmed, Tufayel (15 September 2016). "DWAYNE JOHNSON'S ROCK: MEET DANY GARCIA, THE WOMAN BEHIND HOLLYWOOD'S HIGHEST EARNER". Newsweek.
- ^ Zemler, Emily. "Henry Cavill on the secrets of Superman's return in 'Justice League'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "Superman star keen to try Bond". 3 News NZ. 23 April 2013.
- ^ "'Man of Steel' star Henry Cavill needs nerves of steel".
- ^ Patricia Didelot (5 June 2013). "Henry Cavill Confirms His Role In 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' And Shares More About 'Man Of Steel'". Inquisitr.com. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- ^ "From 'Man of Steel' to 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' | Inquirer Entertainment". Entertainment.inquirer.net. 6 June 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- ^ Schwerdtfeger, Conner (25 July 2016). "Henry Cavill makes surprising visit to San Diego Comic-on". Retrieved 25 July 2016.
- ^ "Sir Ben Kingsley to Shoot 'Nomis' in Winnipeg". ChrisD.ca. 10 February 2017.
- ^ "Henry Cavill on Instagram".
- ^ "Henry Cavill to Star in 'Witcher' Series at Netflix".
- ^ "Henry Cavill to Topline Netflix Drama Series 'The Witcher'".
- ^ Siegel, Tatiana; Kit, Borys (12 September 2018). "Henry Cavill Out as Superman Amid Warner Bros.' DC Universe Shake-Up (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ "Tinie Tempah and Mario Balotelli GQ's best dressed men". BBC. 16 January 2017.
- ^ "Henry Cavill voted world's sexiest man in Glamour poll". BBC. 2 December 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ "3. Henry Cavill – The 100 Sexiest Movie Stars 2013". Empire. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ "Dunhill London. Archived 22 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine'. Dunhill. Web. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ "Dunhill London Fragrance with Henry Cavill." . Television ad. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ "Henry Cavill – Dunhill Black.". Television ad. Retrieved 19 February 2011
- ^ "Superman actor Cavill joins wildlife trust". 8 August 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ "'Man of Steel' Henry Cavill launches the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge". YouTube. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
- ^ "'Man of Steel' Henry Cavill joins fundraisers and Gibraltarians to celebrate a very important birthday". rmctf.org.uk. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
- ^ Olivia B. Waxman (26 August 2015). "Superman Proves He's Superman By Hardly Wincing During The Ice Bucket Challenge". Time. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ Kirsty McCormack (27 August 2015). "He really is Superman! Henry Cavill gets drenched several times in Ice Bucket Challenge". Daily Express. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ David Crow (26 August 2015). "Henry Cavill And Amy Adams Take The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge As Superman and Lois Lane". Den of Geek. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ "Showjumper Ellen Whitaker splits from Superman Henry Cavill as he heads to Hollywood".
- ^ "Why Henry Cavill is more Clark Kent than Superman". Archived from the original on 6 October 2016.
{{cite web}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Booth, Ali (3 April 2017). "Henry Cavill Gushes About His Favorite Traveling Companion — His Dog". US Magazine.
- ^ "Henry Cavill on Batman v Superman, Dunhill suits and stockbroking".
- ^ "Superman Actor Henry Cavill Trains Jiu-Jitsu w/ Roger Gracie". BJJ Eastern Europe. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
- ^ "Superman actor Henry Cavill explains how he became a Chiefs fan". 247 Sports. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ "2012 NewNowNext Awards Nominees – Cause You're Hot". NewNowNext Awards. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "2013 Nominees – Cause You're Hot". NewNowNext Awards. Archived from the original on 25 May 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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suggested) (help) - ^ "OTRC: Teen Choice Awards 2013 – list of winners". KABC-TV. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
- ^ "Critics' Choice Awards: The Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. 16 January 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
- ^ Nordyke, Kimberley (13 April 2014). "MTV Movie Awards Winners: The Complete List". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
- ^ Takeda, Allison (1 August 2016). "Teen Choice Awards 2016: All the Nominees and Winners!". Us Magazine. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "Kids' Choice Awards 2017: Full Nominees and Winners List". Us Weekly. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- ^ Kelley, Seth (25 February 2017). "Razzie Awards 2017 Winners List: 'Hillary's America,' 'Batman v Superman' Dominate". Variety. Retrieved 13 April 2018.