Henry Cavill

**Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill** (born 5 May 1983) is a British actor. He is known for his portrayal of Charles Brandon in Showtime's *The Tudors* (2007–2010), DC Comics character Superman in the DC Extended Universe, Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix fantasy series *The Witcher* (2019–present), as well as Sherlock Holmes in the Netflix film *Enola Holmes* (2020).

Cavill began his career with roles in the feature adaptations of *The Count of Monte Cristo* (2002) and *I Capture the Castle* (2003). He later portrayed 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 studio films, such as *Tristan & Isolde* (2006), *Stardust* (2007), *Blood Creek* (2009), *Immortals* (2011), *The Cold Light of Day* (2012), *Sand Castle* (2017) and *Night Hunter* (2018).

Cavill gained international recognition with his role as Superman in the DC Extended Universe superhero films *Man of Steel* (2013), *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice* (2016) and *Justice League* (2017). He also starred in the action spy films *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (2015) and *Mission: Impossible – Fallout* (2018).

## Early life

Cavill was born the fourth of five boys in Jersey, Channel Islands, to a Catholic family. His mother, Marianne Dalgliesh, was a secretary in a bank. She was born in Jersey to Irish, Scottish and English heritage. His father, Colin Cavill, was born in Chester, England and was a stockbroker. He was educated at St Michael's Preparatory School in Saint Saviour, Jersey, before attending Stowe School in Stowe, Buckinghamshire. In 2000, while playing rugby, 16-year-old Cavill met actor Russell Crowe, who was shooting on location at the Stowe School for the film *Proof of Life*. The actor shared some acting tips and later sent a package to his boarding school. The two actors later worked together on *Man of Steel*.

## 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 commercially well-received and it went on to be 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." *Entertainment Weekly* named him the "Most Dashing Duke" and praised his work on *The Tudors* for displaying "charm, depth and a killer bod".

Cavill had been set to play Superman in McG's 2004 film, *Superman: Flyby*. 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*. 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). The role eventually went to Robert Pattinson. Stephenie Meyer, the author of the *Twilight* series, was outspoken in favour of Cavill playing the character of Edward Cullen in the *Twilight* film, calling him her "perfect Edward". However, by the time production of the film began, Cavill was too old to play the character, and again the role went to Pattinson.

In 2005, Cavill was a final choice for the role of James Bond in *Casino Royale*. The producers and director Martin Campbell were torn between him and Daniel Craig; reportedly Campbell supported Cavill but the producers preferred an older Bond. Craig ultimately landed the role. Fifteen years later in 2020, an artificial intelligence device chose Cavill as the optimal successor to Craig following Craig's retirement from the role following *No Time to Die*.

Despite reports that he was a contender for Batman in *Batman Begins*, Cavill confirmed that he never auditioned for, nor was offered, the role. 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).

Cavill played the lead role of Theseus in Tarsem Singh's mythological film, *Immortals*, released 11 November 2011. 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*. Snyder called Cavill "the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield." Entertainment media applauded Henry Cavill on his road to success. 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." Cavill reprised the role of Superman in *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*, a 2016 sequel which featured a crossover with Batman and Wonder Woman. In 2017, Cavill returned as Superman in *Justice League*. In 2016, his manager Dany Garcia said that Cavill was working on a new standalone Superman film. Shortly after the release of *Justice League*, Cavill revealed he is under contract to play Superman in one more film. He appeared in *Zack Snyder's Justice League*, which was released in March 2021.[*citation needed*]

Cavill has expressed interest in taking over the role of James Bond when Daniel Craig gives it up. He co-starred with Armie Hammer in the film version of spy series *The Man from U.N.C.L.E*. He attended the San Diego Comic-Con in disguise to surprise the cast of *Suicide Squad*.In 2018, Cavill co-starred as August Walker in the action spy film *Mission: Impossible – Fallout*. Later that year, he starred in the psychological thriller *Night Hunter* (originally titled *Nomis*). On 4 September 2018, it was announced that Cavill will be portraying the protagonist Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix adaptation of *The Witcher*. The series premiered on 20 December 2019. The series had its early premiere on Służewiec Racetrack in Warsaw on 18 December 2019. On 27 June 2019, it was announced that Cavill would portray Sherlock Holmes in Legendary Entertainment's film adaptation of *The Enola Holmes Mysteries*, with Millie Bobby Brown in the eponymous role.

In early 2021, Henry Cavill made a surprise guest appearance as himself at the beginning of the 12th session, *Forged in Fire - The Snyder Cut* in the Dungeons and Dragons campaign *Kritical Roll*. This was his first and to date only appearance in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. He was swimming at nighttime a safe distance from the Kalendah city jail, as Itri was attempting to escape the jail's automated barracuda security drones. He was known to do this regularly around this area, and was occasionally caught by the security drones. Cavill was famous as something of a "super man" around Kalendah for his immense feats of strength, including being able to lift an ox (with assistance). After Itri had been found by the jail's guards and released, the Fish Knight had a brief encounter with Cavill, before he "disappeared from the world, leaving only memories"[*citation needed*]. Cavill's appearance in the session was met with widespread critical acclaim, however his sudden disappearance caused backlash from fans of the campaign as he was a deeply beloved character[*citation needed*].

On 13 May 2021, it was announced that he would reprise his earlier role as Sherlock Holmes in *Enola Holmes 2*. On 21 May 2021, it was announced that Cavill would portray the lead role in the reboot of *Highlander*, although his exact character is unknown. On July 14, 2021, an article by Deadline confirmed that he would star in 'The Rosie Project', directed by Steve Falk based on the book by the same name, written by Australian author Graeme Simsion.

## In the media

Cavill was listed as one of *GQ*'s 50 best-dressed British men in 2012. In December 2013, he was named "World's Sexiest Man" by British *Glamour* magazine. The same year, *Empire* magazine placed him third on their list of "The 100 Sexiest Movie Stars 2013".

In early 2008, Cavill became the face of the British fragrance Dunhill. A television commercial for the brand featured a suited-up Cavill walking through the Union Jack, before boarding a helicopter. A second television commercial featured Cavill driving a car through a deserted London at night, and meeting a young woman.

## Charity work

Cavill is a spokesman for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and an ambassador for The Royal Marines Charity.[*citation needed*] He launched the running phase of the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge and took part in The Gibraltar Rock Run 2014.

## Personal life

Cavill is described as British and English. He was born in the Crown Dependency of Jersey, an island in the Channel Islands. Cavill resides in South Kensington, London, with his American Akita dog, Kal. He was engaged to English show jumper Ellen Whitaker from 2011 until 2012.

In 2016, Cavill started practising Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having been seen training at Roger Gracie's academy in London. Cavill supports the Jersey Rugby Club.

He has been an avid PC gamer since childhood, missing the call to play Superman because of *World of Warcraft* and crediting his experience playing *The Witcher* video game series before the show was in production as his motivation to seek out the role of Geralt. He has also named the *Total War* series of strategy games to be among his favourites. and in May 2020 it was announced that a new character paying tribute to Cavill and his *Witcher* character Geralt would be added to *Total War: Warhammer 2* via DLC; Cavill, Loremaster of Hoeth. Cavill also enjoys the *Warhammer 40,000* series of games and fiction, saying he "genuinely can't get enough of the lore they have built over the decades". In February 2021, he also teased involvement in a yet undefined Mass Effect adaptation.

## Filmography

### Television

 *Goodbye, Mr. Chips* | Soldier Colley
 2003
 2007–2010
 2019–present

## External links

* Henry Cavill at IMDb
* Henry Cavill at Instagram
* Henry Cavill at Facebook

## References

1. ↑ Schaefer, Sandy (9 April 2019). Shazam's Secret Cameo Was Almost a Different DCEU Actor.
2. ↑ Hughes, Mark (29 May 2020). Henry Cavill Likely To Don Cape Again As Superman.
3. ↑ Henry Cavill, Part 1 – The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (7 June 2013).
4. ↑ Henry Cavill - Biography.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Henry Cavill.
6. ↑ Gidlow, Richard (17 April 2013). Ten Things About... Henry Cavill.
7. ↑ Henry Cavill Biography.
8. ↑ Template:Cite news
9. ↑ When RUSSELL CROWE met "Fat" HENRY CAVILL: The Graham Norton Show June 20 BBC AMERICA.
10. ↑ The Tudors Interview (8 April 2010).
11. ↑ Svetkey, Benjamin (26 June 2009). Must List 2009: TV.
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Jensen, Jeff (18 February 2011). Superman Soars Again.
13. ↑ Wigler, Josh (6 May 2009). Tudors' Star Henry Cavill Was So Close To Playing Superman, He Even Wore The Cape!.
14. ↑ Henry Cavill for Cedric Diggory (22 February 2008).
15. ↑ Morris, William (26 October 2005). Interview: *Twilight* author Stephenie Meyer.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Meyer, Stephenie (7 July 2007). Twilight Movie Updates from 2007.
17. ↑ Henry Cavill Talks Twilight (2 November 2009).
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Henry Cavill Interview (21 June 2009).
19. ↑ David Arnold discusses screentesting the new James Bond, and Daniel Craig's competition (22 March 2007).
20. ↑ Template:Cite news
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23. ↑ Henry Cavill to Play Superman (30 January 2011).
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27. ↑ Henry Cavill: The Next Superman (30 January 2011).
28. ↑ Bettinger, Brendan (30 January 2011). Henry Cavill is SUPERMAN!.
29. ↑ Template:Cite news
30. ↑ Kroll, Justin (4 December 2013). Gal Gadot to Play Wonder Woman in 'Batman vs. Superman'. *Variety*.
31. ↑ Warner Bros. Pictures Pushes Batman vs. Superman Back to 2016. *ComingSoon.net* (17 January 2014).
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34. ↑ Superman star keen to try Bond. *3 News NZ* (23 April 2013).
35. ↑ Template:Cite news
36. ↑ Didelot, Patricia (5 June 2013). Henry Cavill Confirms His Role In 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' And Shares More About 'Man Of Steel'.
37. ↑ Template:Cite news
38. ↑ Schwerdtfeger, Conner (25 July 2016). Watch Henry Cavill Prank The Suicide Squad Cast At Comic-Con.
39. ↑ Sir Ben Kingsley to Shoot 'Nomis' in Winnipeg (10 February 2017).
40. ↑ Henry Cavill on Instagram: "My new mailing address is: Geralt C/O Vesemir Kaer Morhen Kaer Morhen Valley Hertch Kaedwen Please note, I'm rarely there...".
41. ↑ Otterson, Joe (4 September 2018). Henry Cavill to Star in 'Witcher' Series at Netflix.
42. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (4 September 2018). Henry Cavill to Topline Netflix Drama Series 'The Witcher'.
43. ↑ Netflix's The Witcher begins streaming in December (31 October 2019).
44. ↑ Premiera serialu "Wiedźmin" w Warszawie. Tak prezentowały się gwiazdy (pl-pl) (19 December 2019).
45. ↑ D'Nuka, Amanda (27 June 2019). Henry Cavill To Play Sherlock Holmes In Legendary's 'Enola Holmes' Adaptation.
46. ↑ Jackson, Angelique (2021-05-13). Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill Return Set for ˜Enola Holmes Sequel. Variety.com. Retrieved on July 3, 2021.
47. ↑ Kroll, Justin (2021-05-21). Henry Cavill To Star in Lionsgate’s ‘Highlander’ Reboot From Chad Stahelski (en-US).
48. ↑ Kroll, Justin (2021-07-14). Henry Cavill To Star In ‘The Rosie Project’ (en-US).
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50. ↑ Henry Cavill voted world's sexiest man in Glamour poll (2 December 2013).
51. ↑ 3. Henry Cavill – The 100 Sexiest Movie Stars 2013.
52. ↑ Dunhill Fragrances.
53. ↑ Dunhill London fragrance with Henry Cavill (5 March 2008).
54. ↑ Henry Cavill - Dunhill Black (13 February 2009).
55. ↑ Superman actor Cavill joins wildlife trust (8 August 2014).
56. ↑ 'Man of Steel' Henry Cavill launches the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge (May 26, 2014).
57. ↑ 'Man of Steel' Henry Cavill joins fundraisers and Gibraltarians to celebrate a very important birthday.
58. ↑ Adebowale, Temi (2019-11-19). Good Afternoon, Henry Cavill Is British (en-US).
59. ↑ Template:Cite news
60. ↑ Why Superman Can Be Played By A British Actor, According To Henry Cavill (2016-02-15).
61. ↑ Henry Cavill.
62. ↑ Henry Cavill & Ben Affleck visit EJ, Charles, Kenny & Shaq on TNT NBA Tip-Off.
63. ↑ Henry Cavill: Super Spy.
64. ↑ Template:Cite news
65. ↑ Booth, Ali (3 April 2017). Henry Cavill Gushes About His Favorite Traveling Companion — His Dog. *US Magazine*.
66. ↑ Piper, Robert (8 March 2016). Henry Cavill on Batman v Superman, Dunhill suits and stockbroking.
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69. ↑ Superman Actor Henry Cavill Trains Jiu-Jitsu w/ Roger Gracie.
70. ↑ Template:Citation
71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 Chalk, Andy (3 January 2020). Henry Cavill rejects your notion of a 'gaming man cave'.
72. ↑ White, Sam (19 December 2019). Henry Cavill: Gaming on my own is much more fun than going out..
73. ↑ Good, Owen S. (2 April 2016). Henry Cavill was too busy playing Warcraft to answer a call to play Superman.
74. ↑ The Witcher's Henry Cavill Would Rather Play Total War: Warhammer 2 Right Now (24 December 2019).
75. ↑ Henry Cavill is in the new Total War: Warhammer 2 DLC (19 May 2020).
76. ↑ Chalk, Andy (13 April 2020). Henry Cavill is spending his quarantine time painting Warhammer miniatures.
77. ↑ Henry Cavill Seemingly Teases Mass Effect Project (25 February 2021).
78. ↑ Whalen, Andrew (3 June 2019). 'The Witcher' Netflix series release date may be in December.
79. ↑ 2012 NewNowNext Awards Nominees – Cause You're Hot.
80. ↑ 2013 Nominees – Cause You're Hot.
81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 OTRC: Teen Choice Awards 2013 – list of winners.
82. ↑ Critics' Choice Awards: The Winners. *The Hollywood Reporter* (16 January 2014).
83. ↑ Nordyke, Kimberley (13 April 2014). MTV Movie Awards Winners: The Complete List. *The Hollywood Reporter*.
84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 Takeda, Allison (1 August 2016). Teen Choice Awards 2016: All the Nominees and Winners!. *Us Magazine*.
85. ↑ 85.0 85.1 85.2 Kids' Choice Awards 2017: Full Nominees and Winners List.
86. ↑ 86.0 86.1 Kelley, Seth (25 February 2017). Razzie Awards 2017 Winners List: 'Hillary's America,' 'Batman v Superman' Dominate. *Variety*.
87. ↑ Teen Choice Awards: Winners List. *The Hollywood Reporter* (August 12, 2018).
88. ↑ Hipes, Patrick (March 4, 2021). Saturn Awards Nominations: ‘Star Wars: Rise Of Skywalker’, ‘Tenet’, ‘Walking Dead’, ‘Outlander’ Lead List. Deadline. Retrieved on March 5, 2021.