Russell Crowe

Winner of the Academy Award in 2001 for his performance in Gladiator and the Golden Globe in 2002 for his starring role in A Beautiful Mind, Russell Crowe is the hottest actor in movies today. The New Zealand-born, Australian-bred Crowe has attracted controversy with his high-profile love affairs, his open hostility toward the American news media, and his all-around eccentricity. This biography traces his career from rock 'n' roller (he still sings and plays guitar with his band, Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts) to Australian stage, film, and TV actor, to Hollywood star in movies such as L.A. Confidential and The Insider.