During a recent episode of “The Graham Norton Show,” actor Henry Cavill shared an interesting story about how he was inspired to become an actor by none other than Russell Crowe himself. In a throwback moment, Cavill revealed that he and Crowe had crossed paths many years ago while filming a movie called “Proof of Life” in London back in 2000.
The two actors were shooting a scene at Stowe College when Cavill noticed a young boy named Merlin Hambre Tennyson playing his on-screen son. During a break in shooting, Cavill couldn’t help but be impressed by Tennyson’s talent and natural aptitude for acting. Intrigued by the young boy’s questions about the craft, Cavill decided to have a heart-to-heart conversation with him.
In that brief moment, Cavill shared with Tennyson that acting is a challenge that one must pursue on their own. He emphasized that nobody would simply hand him a successful acting career and that he would have to work hard for it. Little did Cavill know that this conversation would have a profound impact on Tennyson’s life.
A few days later, Cavill put together a little surprise package for Tennyson, who was attending boarding school at the time. Cavill thought it would be a great gesture to send unexpected mail to the young actor. Interestingly, Cavill remembered Tennyson’s name because he distinctly recalled the boy introducing himself as “Merlin” instead of using his own name. This attention to detail would prove to be significant years later.
The surprise package for Tennyson included a thoughtful note and two photographs. For Tennyson, Cavill chose a picture of a young gladiator from “Gladiator” and wrote, “You come from a long line of generals.” Little did Cavill know that Tennyson would go on to join the army, serving three tours in Afghanistan before transitioning into a career in close personal security in London.
However, it was the other photograph that Cavill chose that held an entirely different message. For Henry Cavill himself, he picked a still from another movie and wrote, “A journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a single step.” This message seemed particularly meaningful to Cavill, as it represented the start of his own journey towards becoming an actor.
Fast forward twelve years, Cavill and Tennyson found themselves working together again. It took Cavill a few months to finally realize that he had met Tennyson before. The realization came after Cavill asked Tennyson if they had ever met, to which Tennyson replied with a knowing smile, “Do you remember going to Stowe School?” Cavill was taken aback but then confirmed, saying, “Yes, I do.” Tennyson continued, “Do you remember a kid that came and talked about acting?” Cavill exclaimed, “Yes, that’s me!” Tennyson then asked, “Really? What did I say?” Cavill smiled, recalling Tennyson’s enthusiasm, “They pay you pretty well, but they treat you like—”
The story showcases the impact of a chance encounter between a young aspiring actor and a seasoned professional like Russell Crowe. It’s a testament to the power of mentorship and the art of inspiring others. Cavill’s journey from that fateful meeting at Stowe College to becoming the iconic Superman is a reminder that with determination and perseverance, dreams can indeed come true in the world of entertainment.
