Henry Cavill

U.K. native Henry Cavill developed an affinity for acting while studying at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, England, where he performed in several school productions. Though his yearbook photo boasted the caption “Cool Cavill,” the actor later admitted he was bullied during his time at the boarding school and instead called Fat Cavill by his classmates.

Cast in the film adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo at age 17, Cavill — born May 5, 1983 — shed 21 pounds to prove his naysayers wrong. Following the success of Monte Christo, Cavill appeared in films including 2006’s Tristan + Isolde and Red Riding Hood before assuming the role of Charles Brandon on TV’s The Tudors. Cavill originated the role and appeared on the series until the end of its run in 2010. Most recently, Cavill played the dual role of Clark Kent/Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel.

Calling off his year-long engagement to British athlete Ellen Whitaker in 2012, Cavill briefly dated The Big Bang Theory‘s Kaley Cuoco in 2013. In 2021, he revealed that he was seeing Natalie Viscuso. They reportedly welcomed their first child in 2025.