Russell Crowe Biography

(Actor Best Known for His Roles in the Films 'Gladiator', 'The Insider' and 'A Beautiful Mind')

Birthday: April 7, 1964 (Aries)

Born In: Wellington, New Zealand

Russell Ira Crowe is a New Zealand film actor, producer, and musician. He became famous worldwide with his brilliant performance in the 2000 British-American epic historical drama film ‘Gladiator,’ for which he was honored with an ‘Academy Award.’ Crowe started his acting career when he was young. He left New Zealand, where he was born and brought up, for Australia. In Australia, he started playing minor roles on television. He then ventured into the Australian film industry. He established himself as an A-list Hollywood celebrity after appearing in movies like ‘Gladiator,’ ‘A Beautiful Mind,’ ‘American Gangster,’ etc. Apart from being an actor, he is also a musician of great talent. He has been associated with many Australian and Canadian bands. Thanks to his singing abilities, he was cast as ‘Javert’ in the British-American epic historical period musical movie ‘Les Miserables.’ For his exceptional service to Australian society and Australian film production, Crowe has been honored with the ‘Australian Centenary Medal’ by the Australian government.

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Quick Facts

Australian Celebrities Born In April

Also Known As: Russell Ira Crowe

Age: 60 Years, 60 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Danielle Spencer (m. 2003–2018), Danielle Spencer (m. 2003–2018)

father: John Alexander Crowe

mother: Jocelyn Yvonne Wemyss

siblings: Terry Crowe

children: Charles Spencer Crowe, Tennyson Spencer Crowe

Born Country: New Zealand

Actors Directors

Height: 6'0" (183 cm), 6'0" Males

City: Wellington, New Zealand

  • 1

    What are some popular movies starring Russell Crowe?

    Some popular movies starring Russell Crowe include Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
  • 2

    Has Russell Crowe ever won an Oscar?

    Russell Crowe has won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the movie "Gladiator."
  • 3

    Is Russell Crowe a musician as well as an actor?

    Yes, Russell Crowe is also a musician and has been part of the band called "30 Odd Foot of Grunts" as well as "The Ordinary Fear of God."
  • 4

    Has Russell Crowe directed any movies?

    Yes, Russell Crowe made his directorial debut with the movie "The Water Diviner," which he also starred in.
  • 5

    Does Russell Crowe have any interesting hobbies?

    Russell Crowe is known to have a passion for rugby and even co-owns the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team.
Childhood & Early Life

Russell Crowe was born on 7 April 1964, in Wellington, New Zealand, to Jocelyn Yvonne and John Alexander Crowe. His father was a hotel manager and movie set caterer. His mother was also in the catering business.

At the age of four, Crowe moved to Australia with his family. He attended ‘Sydney Boys High School.’ He became involved in acting from a very young age. He appeared in TV series like ‘Spyforce’ and ‘The Young Doctors.’

He and his family returned to New Zealand when Crowe was 14. He continued his secondary education at ‘Mount Roskill Grammar School’ in New Zealand, but soon dropped out to pursue acting.

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Career

In the early-1980s, Crowe aspired to become a musician. He even released many singles like ‘I Just Want to Be Like Marlon Brando.’ In 1984, he performed at ‘The Venue’ in Auckland.

At the age of 21, Crowe moved back to Australia to study at the ‘National Institute of Dramatic Art.’ However, he later dropped the idea. In 1986, he was hired for the role of ‘Eddie/ Dr. Scott’ in ‘The Rocky Horror Show.’

In 1988, Crowe secured the role of ‘Mickey’ in the Australian production of ‘Blood Brothers.’ In the same year, he was also cast as ‘Johnny’ in the stage musical ‘Bad Boy Johnny and the Prophets of Doom.’

He then appeared in Australian television for some time. He briefly appeared in series like ‘Neighbors,’ ‘Living with the Law,’ etc. In 1990, he was cast in his first feature film ‘The Crossing.’

Around the same time, he also started filming for a film titled ‘Blood Oath’ (aka Prisoners of the Sun). The film released a month earlier than ‘The Crossing.’

In 1992, he appeared in the second series of ‘Police Rescue.’ He also starred in ‘Romper Stomper,’ for which he won an ‘Australian Film Institute’ (AFI) award under the ‘Best Actor’ category.

�In 1995, Crowe ventured into American films and starred alongside Denzel Washington in the sci-fi film ‘Virtuosity.’ The same year, he played ‘Cort’ in ‘The Quick and the Dead,’ appearing alongside already established stars like Gene Hackman, Sharon Stone, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

His next venture was ‘The Insider’ in 1999. Starring Al Pacino, the movie was well received by the critics. Crowe earned his first ‘Academy Award’ nomination under the ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ category.

2000 turned out to be a great year for Crowe as he starred in the British-American epic historical drama ‘Gladiator,’ which was directed by Ridley Scott. He received an ‘Academy Award’ under the ‘Best Actor’ category for his performance in the movie.

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The following year, Crowe was honored with many prestigious awards under the ‘Best Actor’ category for ‘A Beautiful Mind.’ The movie was based on the life of Nobel laureate John Nash.

In the mid-2000s, Crowe was cast to play a variety of roles in movies like ‘Master and Commander’ (2003), ‘Cinderella Man’ (2005), and ‘A Good Year’ (2006).

In 2007, Crowe was cast in another Ridley Scott project—‘American Gangster.’ In the movie, he starred alongside actors like Denzel Washington. The biographical drama crime film impressed the critics with its brilliant story and acting.

Crowe went on to act in movies like ‘Body of Lies’ (2008), ‘Robin Hood’ (2010), ‘Les Mis�rables’ (2012), and the superhero film ‘Man of Steel’ (2013).

From 2015 to 2019, he acted in many films like ‘Noah,’ ‘Winter’s Tale,’ ‘Fathers and Daughters,’ ‘The Nice Guys,’ ‘The Mummy,’ ‘Boy Erased,’ and ‘True History of the Kelly Gang.’

He has also appeared in TV series like ‘Rafferty's Rules,’ ‘Neighbours,’ ‘Acropolis Now,’ ‘Republic of Doyle,’ and ‘The Loudest Voice.’

Major Works

Movies that are considered to have escalated Crowe’s career in Hollywood are ‘Gladiator’ (2000) and ‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001). The movies earned him many prestigious awards, including ‘Academy Award,’ ‘BAFTA,’ ‘Golden Globe,’ and ‘Screen Actors Guild Award.’

Awards & Achievements

Crowe has earned awards like: ‘Oscar’ for ‘Gladiator,’ and ‘BAFTA,’ ‘Golden Globe’ and ‘Screen Actors Guild Award’ for ‘A Beautiful Mind.’ He has also been honored with the ‘Centenary Medal’ for service to Australian society and Australian film production.

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Personal Life & Legacy

Crowe got married to Australian singer Danielle Spencer in 2003, after having an on-again, off-again relationship with her since 1989. The couple has two sons: Charles Spencer Crowe and Tennyson Spencer Crowe. In 2012, it was reported that Crowe and Spencer had separated. In April 2018, their divorce was finalized.

He was involved in a brief romantic affair with American actress Meg Ryan in 2000.

Facts About Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe is an accomplished musician and has released several singles and albums showcasing his talent as a singer and guitarist.
In addition to his success in Hollywood, Russell Crowe is also a successful businessman, owning a rugby team and a film production company.
Russell Crowe is a dedicated philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting organizations that help children and the environment.
Despite his tough guy image on screen, Russell Crowe is known to have a great sense of humor and has been praised for his wit and charm in interviews and public appearances.
Russell Crowe is a skilled equestrian and has a passion for horseback riding, often participating in competitions and events related to the sport.

Russell Crowe Movies

1. Gladiator (2000)

  (Action, Adventure, Drama)

2. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

  (Biography, Drama)

3. L.A. Confidential (1997)

  (Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Drama)

4. Cinderella Man (2005)

  (Sport, Biography, Drama)

5. The Next Three Days (2010)

  (Romance, Drama, Thriller, Crime)

6. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

  (War, Drama, History, Action, Adventure)

7. American Gangster (2007)

  (Crime, Biography, Thriller, Drama)

8. A Good Year (2006)

  (Drama, Comedy, Romance)

9. 3:10 to Yuma (2007)

  (Drama, Crime, Adventure, Western)

10. The Insider (1999)

  (Thriller, Biography, Drama)

Awards

Academy Awards(Oscars)
2001 Best Actor in a Leading Role Gladiator (2000)
Golden Globe Awards
2020 Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television The Loudest Voice (2019)
2002 Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama A Beautiful Mind (2001)
BAFTA Awards
2002 Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role A Beautiful Mind (2001)

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