Born in Wellington, North Island, New Zealand on April 7, 1964, the family of Russell Ira Crowe moved to Australia when he was a very small child. His parents were movie-set caterers, and Russell began his career as a child star on a local Australian television show and never finished high school. He lost a front tooth while playing rugby when he was ten years old and never had it fixed until years later when the director of “The Crossing” paid for it out of his own pocket. His big break came in 1992 with the film, “Romper Stomper,” which spread his reputation throughout Australia. “The Sum of Us”, made in 1994, brought him to the attention of American audiences and filmmakers. Sharon Stone requested him for the role of a gunfighter in her 1995 film, “The Quick and The Dead.” Because work on another production was holding up the filming, Sharon Stone delayed shooting until her choice for a costar was free to work with her.
Although he made one other film soon after, it would be his third American film, “LA Confidential” (1997) that would bring him fame in America. In 1999, he signed to do his first film with the Walt Disney Corporation, “Mystery Alaska.” He achieved much acclaim and success with his next two films, “Gladiator” (2000) and “A Beautiful Mind” (2001). After filming “Gladiator,” he and some friends took a 4,000 mile trip all around Australia. He owns a 560-acre farm 7 miles northwest of Sydney, Australia, and he and his wife are currently expecting their second child.
To say that Russell Crowe has the world on a string is an understatement. Here’s to a bad boy star and may he be bad forever!
Have YOU seen any Russell Crowe films? What are YOUR favorites? Please share.