Book description
One of Hollywood's hottest properties and the actor whose
uncompromising reputation - both on and off the screen - has ensured
he is constantly in the public eye, Russell Crowe has a fascinating
personal and professional story. From early TV and stage work to
career-defining roles in Ridley Scott's epic Gladiator and Nottingham
movies, his drive, tenacity and talent have made him a favourite with
directors and audiences alike. Much of Russell's early life was spent
moving between his native New Zealand and Australia as his parents'
film-set catering business gave him an insight in to acting and stoked
his fascination of the movie industry. His first taste of fame came in
a touring stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which was
followed with parts in musicals such as Grease and Blood Brothers,
before Russell was drawn to more challenging roles and to the screen
in Australia, where he starred in his breakthrough film Romper
Stomper. Romances with some of the most beautiful women in the world
heightened his profile still further. But it is the highly acclaimed,
demanding and character-driven roles in pictures such as LA
Confidential, A Beautiful Mind and Gladiator for which Russell has
established his reputation as a true professional. He has suffered
concussions, cracked teeth, a dislocated shoulder and five months as a
teetotaller, such is his dedication to his craft. From the action of
Master and Commander, to thrillers The Insider and State of Play, and
romantic comedies such as A Good Year, Russell is praised for his
versatility and has been celebrated by peers at the Oscars, the Golden
Globes and the BAFTA. Despite the awards and accolades, however, his
love for the remote outback ranch he shares with his wife and young
sons, for his band and the various sports teams ans charities he
supports reveals Russell as an enigmatic and complex man. Journalist
an celebrity biographer Martin Howden goes back to the times Russell
Worked as a busker, bartender, fruit picker, bingo-number caller and
insurance salesman befor hitting the big time, and explores the truth
behind his reputation for having one of the most volatile temperaments
in showbusiness.
