Henry Cavill, Who Can Deadlift 495 lbs in His Sleep, Says Acting Was What Saved Him from Bullies: “It actually helped me survive”

One cannot separate the aura of invincibility and power from Hollywood star Henry Cavill and his on-screen superhero persona, Superman. The British star who took on the mantle of DC’s iconic superhero in 2013 with Man Of Steel, has been widely considered one of the best choices for the role owing to his towering physicality, intensity, and chiseled good looks.

But these qualities were not God-given gifts for the star during his childhood years. In an interview with Men’s Health in 2019, the handsome star opened up on many lesser-known facts about himself. This included the challenges and difficulties he faced as a young boy due to his appearance which made him an easy target for bullies.

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Being Bullied Made Henry Cavill An Actor

With mesmerizing good looks and a physique that is the envy of many, it is hard to imagine that Henry Cavill was anything but dashing during his childhood. But The Witcher star revealed that life was very different and challenging for him as a young boy. The actor in a in-depth interview with Men’s Health, spoke candidly about his issues with weight that resulted in him being bullied by his peers. The actor who was called “ Fat Cavill” during his childhood, almost succumbed to the nasty comments and withdrew into his shell.

But over the years, his desire to survive and fight the negativity took over which then allowed the star to gain self-esteem by losing weight and participating in many stage productions and sporting activities. The actor who conquered a personal best in deadlifting at 495 pounds, said that his experiences during childhood were the stepping stone to him entering the entertainment business. Speaking of the time gone by, Cavill said,

“It actually helped me survive. Even the kids who were nasty to me at times and took pleasure in squashing me — when I finished a play, they’d say, ‘Wow, you’re really good.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, this is where I draw my strength from.’”

Cavill’s determination to overcome the odds and make a life for himself resulted in the actor becoming one of the most loved and popular stars in Hollywood.

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Henry Cavill Could Have Played Superman Many Years Before Man Of Steel

While Henry Cavill made his DC debut in 2013 with Man of Steel, he was considered to play the character many years before that when Terminator Salvation Director McG was tipped to helm a DC project involving Superman. The film though did not materialize as the director who was famously afraid of flying, refused to fly to Australia where the film was supposed to be shot for the majority of its running time. Cavill had even auditioned for the role including shooing images in the Superman suit. Speaking of the second chance he got with Zack Snyder, Cavill said,

“It was wonderful to have a second stab at a job — and as a wiser, older, more experienced actor.”

With his shocking departure from the DCU after the appointment of James Gunn as DC head, speculation is rife about who will next fill Henry Cavill’s big shoes as Superman in the newly rebooted franchise.

Also Read: Liam Hemsworth to Continue as The Witcher in Future Seasons Despite Massive Backlash After Henry Cavill’s Heartbreaking Exit

Source: Men’s Health