Henry Cavill Bullied Because Of His Weight, Used Experience To Become An Actor

Henry Cavill was bullied because of his weight, but the mega star is the last one laughing and used that experience to become an actor.

Not many can imagine Henry Cavill being bullied at any stage of his life, but the 32-year-old mega star says that’s exactly what happened to him. Growing up in the Jersey Islands of the United Kingdom, Cavill — who is now known as the Man of Steel — was a bit chubby, like many at his age.

When he attended St. Michael’s Preparatory School in Saint Saviour, Jersey — where he grew up and his family still lives — Henry Cavill was bullied.

“I was teased and it was hard,” he tells PEOPLE at The Man From U.N.C.L.E. premiere in New York City Tuesday.

Despite suffering from bullying and being nicknamed “fat Cavill” by his classmates, Henry Cavill doesn’t hold grudges and in a way justifies those cruel kids. As he grew up Superman says that the experience helped him become an actor.

“Even though for some it may be malicious, I think it’s just kids being kids, and I don’t hold any grudges. People have had it far worse than me.”

“Someone who is on the outskirts of popularity is someone who gets to look in. So I became very much an observer, and that taught me an awful lot about people.”

“It helped me read people very well, which has helped me in this industry. If I can understand the inner workings of a human being, then I can probably be a better actor.”

Henry Cavill’s says being bullied as a child and going through that has helped him stay grounded as his fame keeps increasing because of the high-profile roles and the adoration of millions of fans, who find the British star one of the sexiest men alive.

“You take everything in stride. Of course it’s flattering when people say that, but you’ve got to keep yourself aware of the fact that it’s all perspective. There’s one group of people saying that and there’s one group of people who may not feel the same way.”

Henry Cavill has put all the bullying behind him and in a way appreciates that part of growing up, as it has shaped the person he is today. His muscular body and chiseled looks have women all over the globe swooning every time he makes an appearance.

[Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images]