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Roots -

Russell Crowe was born on April 7, 1964, in Wellington, New Zealand.

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Between New Zealand and Australia -

Crowe and his family moved to Australia when he was four and returned to New Zealand when he was 14. Russell Crowe eventually returned to Australia when he was 21.

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Theater -

He starred in a production of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' among other theater productions, before moving on to TV.

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'Neighbours' -

In 1987, Russell Crowe starred in the popular Aussie soap opera 'Neighbours,' alongside stars such as Kylie Minogue.

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Film debut -

Crowe's first film was 'The Crossing' (1990), though 'Blood Oath' (aka 'Prisoners of the Sun') was released a month earlier than 'The Crossing.'

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'Romper Stomper' -

In 1992, Crowe won an Australian Film Institute (AFI) award for Best Actor with 'Romper Stomper.' He played a Nazi skinhead named Hando.

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'Virtuosity' -

In the mid '90s, Crowe started his career in Hollywood. In 1995, he costarred with Denzel Washington in 'Virtuosity.'

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'The Quick and the Dead' -

In the same year, we could see him starring in 'The Quick and the Dead,' next to stars such as Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gene Hackman.

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'L.A. Confidential' -

In 1997, the actor starred in yet another star-studded movie. 'L.A. Confidential' brought together many A-listers, including Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, and Danny DeVito.

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'The Insider' -

In 1999, Russell Crowe was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 'The Insider.'

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'Gladiator' -

Despite starring in great movies in the past, Russell Crowe's breakthrough role was as Maximus in Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator.'

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'Gladiator' -

Crowe won numerous awards for his role, including an Oscar for Best Actor.

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'A Beautiful Mind' -

The actor might not have won the Oscar he was nominated for, but he did win a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and SAG award for this performance.

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'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World' -

The actor shone again in the 2003 period war-drama as Royal Navy Captain Jack Aubrey.

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'American Gangster' -

Twelve years after 'Virtuosity,' Crowe and Denzel Washington teamed up again in this amazing movie.

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'State of Play' -

The political thriller starring Crowe and a fantastic cast, including Helen Mirren and Ben Affleck, was very well received by critics.

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'Robin Hood' -

The actor played the classic role in 2010.

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'Les Misérables' -

In 2012, the actor starred in the epic historical period musical that won three Oscars.

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'Noah' -

Crowe starred in the epic Biblical drama. Reception was controversial, and the movie was banned in China and several Muslim countries.

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'The Nice Guys' -

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling teamed up in 2016 and the result was brilliant.

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Director -

Crowe directed his first movie in 2014. In addition to directing, he also starred in 'The Water Diviner.'

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He co-owns a rugby team -

Russell Crowe has co-owned the South Sydney Rabbitohs since 2006. The team plays in the National Rugby League (NRL).

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Russ Le Roq -

Before becoming an actor, Crowe started his career as a musician in the 1980s. When he first started, Crowe went by the stage name Russ Le Roq.

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30 Odd Foot of Grunts -

Shortly after, he formed the band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. They released three albums and toured extensively.   

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The Ordinary Fear of God -

In 2005, Russell Crowe started working with Alan Doyle and another band was born from the collaboration. The Ordinary Fear of God sold out tours in Australia and the US.

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Indoor Garden Party -

He continued to work with Doyle and in 2017 they presented a new group called Indoor Garden Party.

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Terrorist threat -

In 2007, the FBI approached Crowe to warn him that al-Qaeda wanted to kidnap him. As a result, the actor was given protection for four years.

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Bad temper -

Russell Crowe has been involved in a few altercations over the years and earned a reputation for having a bad temper. 

See also: Behind-the-scenes: stars involved in spats, fights, and other brawls at work

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