“Sometimes They Don't Treat You So Good.” 24 Years Ago Henry Cavill Was an Extra on the Set of Proof of Life and Meeting Russell Crowe Changed His Life
Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe met years before they appeared together in Man of Steel. And that interaction changed the Superman actor’s life.
Henry Cavill currently boasts big Hollywood star status, however, 24 years ago he was an extra on the set of a film starring Russell Crowe. He was just taking his first steps as an actor and already knew that advice was best sought from the best, so on the set of Proof of Life he approached the Gladiator star to ask him about acting.
Russell Crowe, who has heard similar questions many times before, this time decided not to beat around the bush and tell what the industry is actually like, as he confessed on The Graham Norton Show, where he appeared with Cavill to promote Man of Steel, on the set of which they met 11 years after that first meeting.
And that first meeting Cavill also recalled during an interview with Access Hollywood.
[I was an extra in] the background. And at one stage, [all the extras] were standing there in a big semi-circle, between set-ups, just staring at [Russell]. And I thought, “We look really weird. Why are we staring at this man?” I want to be an actor, so why don't I got up and talk to him, ask him for some advice. I said, “Hi, my name is Henry. I'm thinking of becoming an actor, do you have any advice, tips, what's it like?” And he said, “It's good, pay is good, but sometimes they don't treat you so good” – and I’m paraphrasing.
This one interaction made quite an impression on the Gladiator star, as when he returned home he still remembered the young actor, to whom he decided to send a special package. Cavill mentioned what was in it.
I received an Aussie rugby jersey, some Aussie sweets, some Vegemite, a band CD and a picture of him in Gladiator saying “Dear Henry, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Russell.”
This one interaction became a motivation for Cavill, who confessed that the T-shirt from Crowe reminded him not to stop fighting for roles and his place in the industry. As he recounted, the road wasn't easy, but the Superman actor didn't give up, taking more steps forward until he achieved success. And years later he met again with Crowe, who remembered him. Together they worked on Man of Steel.