Happy Birthday, Andrew Garfield! 10 Reasons Why You're A Superhero In Real Life
With a knack for giving buzzworthy interview quotes and making skillful sartorial choices for sidewalk strolls, Andrew Garfield has an undeniable likeability that goes far beyond his performances on stage (Death of a Salesman) and screen (The Social Network). And being a person everyone wants to be around pays off, doing big things for the greater good whether it be your work day email chain or those in need.The adorable Brit turns 30 today--are those spidey senses tingling yet?--and so to celebrate his milestone, and at least attempt to make the wait for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 a little shorter, here are 10 reasons why we think he's a superhero in real life.
1. He takes his acting roles very seriously.
Andrew was so excited to talk about Spider-Man at this year's Comic-Con, he attended his panel in costume. Talk about knowing your audience.
2. He takes public transportation.
With New York traffic and pollution as bad as it is, it's nice to see some considerate folks do a little something for Mother Earth.
3. He knows how important it is to encourage children to be active.
While filming Spider-Man 2 in New York City, a masked hero believed to be AG ventured out onto a black-top basketball court to school some local kids.
4. He's open to new interpretations of traditional stories and interested in breaking down societal expectations.
I was kind of joking, but kind of not joking about MJ... And I was like, "What if MJ is a dude?" Why can’t we discover that Peter is exploring his sexuality? It’s hardly even groundbreaking!... So why can’t he be gay? Why can’t he be into boys?
--On Spider-Man's sexuality (Entertainment Weekly, 2013)
5. He walks for a cure.
Andrew took part in the 16th Annual EIF Revlon Run Walk For Women in New York this May (with his lovely pooch, Ren).
6. He lends his moves to a good cause.
Furthering his philanthropic side, Andrew put his dancing skills and ability to recognize musical trends to the test on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last fall, raising $10,000 for the Worldwide Orphans Foundation while shaking it to "Gangnam Style" and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)."
7. He makes you feel okay about watching The Bachelor.
With Scorsese, or with Jamie Foxx. It could be anybody! It could be ridiculous people, even! Take Sean from The Bachelor: If I met him, I'd be like, "Oh my God, it's Sean Lowe!" I get overwhelmed, but the thing I keep learning — and relearning — is that we're all the same. We're all just doing our best.
-- On being overwhelmed by meeting celebrities (Vulture, 2013)
8. He always makes sure his girlfriend Emma Stone is putting her best face forward.
She does have a Revlon contract to maintain. (That's love.)
9. He uses his own interview opportunities to promote emerging YouTube artists.
During a press tour for 2010's Never Let Me Go, Andrew took time away from talking about himself to shine light on the "Bed Intruder Song" and the geniuses behind Auto-Tune the News. We believe the name you're looking for is Antoine Dodson, Andy.
10. He doesn't take his fame too seriously.
Perhaps the most memorable in the couple's canon of endearing public outings, Andrew and Em (yes, we're on a nickname basis) decided to once again move the attention away from themselves and onto those in need. When being trailed by photographers, they held up signs with the names of several charitable organizations fans can get involved with, like the World Wildlife Organization and Gilda's Club.
[Photo Credit: Getty Images; Splash News Online]