Christian Bale’s bizarre childhood might have something to do with him becoming an actor. As a kid exposed to stage performance and a crowd of spectators, it’s no wonder he managed to find his way into the entertainment industry.
His unconventional, nomadic lifestyle when he was a child became a huge part of Bale’s personality. By age 15, he has lived in 15 different towns. Many fans might not be aware, but the Batman star became a part of a circus caravan when he was seven.
Christian Bale Grew Up Surrounded By The Circus
Christian Bale’s mother, Jenny, worked as a circus clown whose acts included riding elephants and dancing on stage. This job forced her family to travel from home to Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire to London to perform.
His South African father, David, was a pilot, businessman, and green campaigner, and because of the nature of his jobs, he moved his family all across England and Portugal. The actor recalled in an interview via Daily Mail:
“I’d be in a caravan with beautiful women who would walk around naked except for fishnets and peacock headdresses.”
Fans would remember the controversy that the American Psycho star got himself into back in 2008 involving an assault allegation against his mother and sister. Psychoanalyst and family therapist Bethany Marshall explained via 6ABC:
“Circus performers do live outside the bounds and rules of society. They don’t put down roots, they don’t give their children normal environments to grow up in. The children experience repeated losses: They’re never in one school, they don’t make consistent friends. In some ways, it’s inherent disregard for the children.”
For some people, Bale’s childhood must have been pretty exciting because he gets to travel a lot and meet different people from various cities, but there is always a limit to what a person can take and tolerate. The unpredictability of his life brought about by his parents’ odd jobs manifested in his behavior.
Christian Bale Got An Early Start In The Entertainment Industry
The unconventional life that Christian Bale led when he was a kid somehow influenced his future decisions. His parents encouraged him to join the show business industry.
He received his first TV role at age 8, and a year later, he got his West End debut. At age 13, he was chosen by veteran filmmaker Steven Spielberg to star in the 1987 film Empire Of The Sun.
After his parents divorced, Bale went with his father to California to continue his acting profession. From there, he emerged as one of the most promising stars in Hollywood. Under his belt are unforgettable and critically acclaimed projects such as 2004’s The Machinist, 2006’s The Prestige, and 2008’s The Dark Knight.
From a really interesting childhood to a very illustrious career, it’s quite easy to see the effect and influence of one’s early years. The caravan was indeed a training ground for him and sort of prepared him for the real circus that is Hollywood.
