David Henrie, the former star of Disney’s *Wizards of Waverly Place*, has candidly discussed his approach to acting roles during a recent episode of *The Unplanned Podcast*, a show he co-hosts with his wife, Maria Cahill. Henrie, who married Cahill in 2017, has made a decision to turn down roles that involve nudity, intimate scenes, or kissing, citing concerns about the impact on their marriage.
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The 37-year-old actor expressed his beliefs in a conversation that aired on November 10. He stated that while he is open to many creative opportunities, he draws a firm line when it comes to actions that may compromise his relationship with his wife. Henrie elaborated, saying, “If I have to kill someone, like, I’m not really killing someone, you know? You can fake that.” His stance highlights the importance he places on maintaining trust within his marital bond.
Cahill shared her own perspective during the podcast, noting that she trusts Henrie deeply and has confidence in his choices as an actor. “He cares more than I care,” she laughed, while also reiterating her complete trust in him. While the couple share a light-hearted dynamic, Henrie underscored that there is a significant difference between simulated violence in acting and performing intimate scenes, stating, “There’s not… You’re in bed making out… You’re really doing that.”
Henrie’s apprehensions appear to stem from a genuine discomfort with the nature of intimate scenarios, which he believes could emotionally shake him. He explained, “I would feel weird. I would feel very weird; it would shake me. So, yeah. I’m not going to do it.” This perspective reveals his commitment to their relationship and a desire to uphold the sanctity of their union.
The couple has four children: their son Peter, who was born in September, daughter Pia, aged seven, son James, aged five, and daughter Gemma, aged four. Cahill shared a light-hearted story about their children’s reactions to Henrie’s kisses on screen. In one episode of *Wizards of Waverly Place*, Henrie had a romantic scene that led to a comedic misunderstanding for their young children, who reacted, “You have another wife?” This humorous moment highlighted their children’s innocent interpretations of his on-screen relationships.
Despite Henrie’s aversion to intimate portrayals, he remains enthusiastic about the possibility of his children pursuing careers in the performing arts. He remarked on the support he received as a child star, attributing his positive experiences to his parents, who treated his acting ambitions like any other sport, ensuring that it was fun rather than a financial burden. “I’d love for my kids to be performers,” Henrie said, while also expressing his desire for them to avoid the pressures often associated with child acting.
In his reflections, Henrie acknowledged the importance of allowing children to explore their passions while safeguarding their wellbeing. He emphasised, “I don’t want them to have to go through that intense life.” His commitment to fostering a healthy environment for his kids speaks volumes about his values as both an artist and a parent.
As Henrie navigates his career choices, he continues to draw on his family life as a guiding principle. The ongoing dialogue between him and Cahill underscores their strong partnership and commitment to each other, even in the face of the potential challenges posed by Henrie’s profession.
Listeners can catch episodes of *The Unplanned Podcast*, where Henrie and Cahill discuss a range of topics, as new episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays. This platform allows them to share not just insights about parenting and relationships but also explore broader themes in their lives, creating an engaging space for their audience. Through their candid discussions, Henrie and Cahill continue to inspire couples and families, showcasing a balanced approach to love, trust, and professional integrity.
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