Russell Crowe
After building a career in Australian and New Zealand cinema, Crowe broke through in Hollywood as the brutal cop Bud White in 'L.A. Confidential' (1997). His intense work there and in 'The Insider' (1999) led to the title role in 'Gladiator' (2000), which won him the Academy Award for Best Actor and made him a global star.
Antipodean Roots
Born in New Zealand and raised largely in Australia, Crowe worked in television and music before film. His ferocious performance in 'Romper Stomper' marked him as a major talent down under.
The Gladiator Era
Hollywood took notice with 'L.A. Confidential,' and 'Gladiator' made him a superstar and Oscar winner. His commanding run of roles in 'The Insider' and 'A Beautiful Mind' earned three straight Best Actor nominations.
Beyond Acting
Famous for total immersion in his parts, Crowe is also a musician, a passionate rugby-league club owner, and a director. He continues to take on weighty character roles in films and prestige series.
Career Timeline
- 1964Born in Wellington, New Zealand
- 1968Family moves to Australia
- 1992Acclaimed role in Australian film 'Romper Stomper'
- 1997Hollywood breakthrough in 'L.A. Confidential'
- 1999Oscar-nominated for 'The Insider'
- 2000Stars as Maximus in 'Gladiator'
- 2001Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'Gladiator'
- 2001Stars in 'A Beautiful Mind' as John Nash
- 2012Sings Javert in 'Les Miserables'
- 2014Directorial debut with 'The Water Diviner'
Biggest Hits
- Crowe earned three straight Best Actor Oscar nominations for 'The Insider,' 'Gladiator,' and 'A Beautiful Mind.'
- Before acting fame, he fronted a rock band and once released a single under the stage name 'Russ Le Roq.'
Portrait: Eva Rinaldi · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons