Anthony Mackie, best known to Marvel fans as the new Captain America, turns 48 today. While audiences know him for carrying the iconic shield and taking on some of the biggest villains in the Marvel universe, there is much more to the actor away from the superhero spotlight.
From an unexpected fear of spiders to his love for fishing, Mackie has revealed several interesting details about his life and personality over the years. Here are seven things you may not know about the actor.
1. Spiders Are His Biggest Fear
Despite performing action sequences and dangerous stunts on screen, Mackie has one surprisingly ordinary fear: spiders.
During a 2014 interview, he was asked about his “mortal enemy” and immediately named spiders. He explained that heights and stunts do not particularly frighten him, but spiders are a different story.
2. Emotional Movies Can Make Him Cry
Mackie may play one of Marvel’s toughest heroes, but emotional films can easily bring him to tears.
In an interview with Refinery29, the actor revealed that The Bridges of Madison County is one movie that consistently makes him cry. He also admitted that the death of Mufasa in The Lion King has the same effect on him.
3. He Once Considered Becoming an Engineer
Before acting became his career, Mackie had considered following a very different professional path.
Growing up, he looked up to his two older brothers, one of whom became a lawyer while the other became an engineer. Mackie initially thought engineering could be the right choice for him because he was interested in building things and even the idea of blowing things up.
Acting eventually became his chosen career, turning what was once a backup plan into his profession.
4. He Owns a Bar in Brooklyn
Mackie’s interests extend beyond Hollywood. He is also the owner of NoBar, a bar in Brooklyn.
The idea came to him after he moved to Crown Heights and noticed there were not many places where he could relax, watch football, enjoy a drink and spend time with local people. That led him to create a space of his own.
5. He Would Love to Host an HGTV Show
Mackie has also spoken about his interest in home renovation.
In an interview with The New York Times, he revealed that he is a big fan of HGTV and would like to host his own home-renovation show one day. It is certainly a very different kind of role from playing Captain America.
6. He Quoted Shakespeare During a Very Hot Wings Challenge
Mackie showed off an unexpected side of his personality during his 2021 appearance on Hot Ones.
While working his way through some extremely spicy chicken wings, the actor casually quoted Shakespeare. Even while dealing with the heat, his Juilliard training was clearly never far away.
7. Captain America Is Also a Fishing Fan
When Mackie gets some time away from acting, he enjoys fishing.
While filming Avengers: Infinity War, he reportedly used his breaks between takes to go fishing. It is a considerably quieter pastime than fighting villains and performing superhero stunts.
From his fear of spiders and love of fishing to his interest in engineering and home renovation, these lesser-known details offer a glimpse at the man behind Captain America’s shield. Mackie’s life away from the Marvel universe is certainly more varied than his superhero roles might suggest.