For most fans, Henry Cavill‘s biggest TV role will always be Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher. Cavill, a longtime fan of the books and games, took the role seriously and cared deeply about staying true to the source material.
That passion showed in his performance, and fans loved his gruff, loyal take on the monster hunter. But that same devotion may also have played a part in his exit after Season 3, amid reports that he disagreed with the show’s creative direction.
Cavill has since moved on to another fandom close to his heart. The lifelong Warhammer 40,000 fan is set to star in and executive produce Amazon’s live-action series. He will also executive produce an animated Warhammer 40,000 series that Amazon is developing (via Variety). Before all that, though, Cavill played smaller parts on British TV.
4. Henry Cavill Played a Wounded WWI Soldier in Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Henry Cavill as Soldier Colley in Goodbye, Mr. Chips | Credits: ITV
In 2002, Henry Cavill appeared in ITV’s TV movie Goodbye, Mr. Chips, based on James Hilton’s classic novel. Martin Clunes stars as the kind schoolteacher Mr. Chips, whose life at Brookfield School is shaped by his students and the love of his wife. Cavill plays Soldier Colley, a former student who returns home from World War I after losing a leg.
It’s a very small part with only a few scenes, which is why it sits at the bottom of this list. Still, the role plays an important part in the story. Colley’s injury reminds viewers how the war took a heavy toll on the young boys Mr. Chips once taught. For fans, it’s a chance to see a teenage Cavill in one of his earliest roles.
3. Cavill Made Simon Mayfield Unlikable in Midsomer Murders
Henry Cavill as Simon Mayfield in the episode The Green Man of Midsomer Murders | Credits: ITV
A year later, Henry Cavill guest-starred in Midsomer Murders as Simon Mayfield in The Green Man, the opening episode of Season 7. Unlike the heroes he’s known for today, Simon is a cocky troublemaker who picks on Tom, a lonely hermit played by David Bradley of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones fame.
In one bizarre scene, Simon shoves Tom and snatches his walking stick, only for Tom’s pet fox to bite him. Simon’s story takes a dark turn when he steps into an animal trap and is shot dead, making Tom a prime suspect.
Cavill does a great job of making viewers dislike Simon. It ranks above Goodbye, Mr. Chips because Cavill gets more to do, but the character remains fairly one-note.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi, Xumo Play
2. Cavill’s Chas Quilter Is Heartbreaking in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
Henry Cavill as Chas Quilter in the episode Well Schooled in Murder of The Inspector Lynley Mysteries | Credits: BBC
Before Midsomer Murders, Henry Cavill had a bigger part in the BBC’s The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. In the Season 1 episode Well-Schooled in Murder, he plays Chas Quilter, a prefect at an elite boarding school. Based on Elizabeth George’s novel, the episode follows Nathaniel Parker’s Inspector Lynley as he investigates the murder of a young student.
Chas seems like a model student at first, but he’s hiding a painful secret. As the investigation unfolds, his story takes a tragic turn and delivers some of the episode’s biggest shocks.
Cavill brings real emotion to the role, even alongside a strong cast that includes Bill Nighy. Chas gets far more depth than Simon Mayfield, and that makes it one of Cavill’s most impressive early performances.
Where to Watch: BritBox, Hoopla
1. Charles Brandon in The Tudors Remains One of Cavill’s Best Roles
Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon in The Tudors | Credits: Showtime/BBC Two
Henry Cavill’s breakout TV role came in Showtime’s The Tudors, which ran for four seasons from 2007 to 2010. He played Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, the loyal best friend of Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ King Henry VIII. Brandon starts out as a charming party lover, but the show slowly turns him into a far more complex man.
As Meyers’ character grows more cruel, Brandon is forced to carry out the king’s harsh orders while dealing with his own guilt. Cavill stayed with the show through all four seasons, giving him plenty of time to grow the character. That long arc gave audiences their first real look at the leading-man presence that later made him Superman. It easily takes the top spot.
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Paramount+, Fubo
Which Henry Cavill TV role is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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