Although he bounced back and forth between and music and acting, Russell Crowe eventually found his way in the entertainment business with his movie roles. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, his family moved to Sydney, Australia when Crowe was 4, and at the age of 6, he was cast as an orphan in the TV series "Spyforce," the first of many small parts as a child actor.
Crowe's family returned to New Zealand in 1978 and he started performing as a rock singer, but Crowe soon found his way back to Australia in the early 1980s, where began pursuing an acting career.
Here are the 10 roles that have defined his career to date.
1. "The Quick and the Dead" (1995)
Making his American film debut, Crowe stars as the pacifist Rev. Cort — the fastest draw in the West — who refuses to participate in the bloodshed.
2. "L.A. Confidential" (1997)
This award-winning crime drama examines the dark side of the Los Angeles Police Department and Southern California's criminal underbelly in the early '50s. Crowe’s simmering performance as Detective Bud White garnered rave reviews and a recognition among America's moviegoers.
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3. "The Insider" (1999)
In this truth-based drama about the former tobacco industry scientist who blew the whistle on his bosses, Crowe plays Jeffrey Wigand, the industry insider. His Oscar-nominated performance was undoubtedly the most remarkable aspect of the film. Although young for the role, reviews cited his intrinsic appeal and believable conveyance of Wigand.
4. "Gladiator" (2000)
Out of all Crowe's roles to date, this was the one that catapulted him to A-list Hollywood stardom. His charismatic performance as a Roman general-turned-vengeful-slave in "Gladiator" won him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
5. "Proof of Life" (2000)
As hostage negotiator Terry Thorn, Crowe tries to rescue a woman's American engineer husband who has been kidnapped while working in Latin America. While a fan favorite, the critics panned it.
6. "A Beautiful Mind" (2002)
Crowe gives another Oscar-worthy performance as the brilliant but arrogant professor John Nash. He brings the character to life by sidestepping sensationalism and capturing the small details of his behavior.
7. "Cinderella Man" (2005)
Crowe roles tend to be true to life, and this one is no different. Here he plays James Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who came back to become a champion and an inspiration in the 1930s.
8. "American Gangster" (2007)
A combustible Crowe channels Serpico as Richie Roberts, the honest New Jersey cop who yearns to take down the notorious drug lord, Frank Lucas. This captivating tale is told delightfully well and Crowe's contribution is enormous.
9. "Body of Lies" (2008)
In this Ridley Scott film, CIA operative Roger Ferris uncovers evidence that a major terrorist leader might be operating out of Jordan. He recruits the help of CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Crowe) in penetrating the elusive saboteur's massive underground network.
10. "Les Miserables" (2012)
Crowe showcases his singing prowess in this adaptation of the stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian called Crowe's portrayal of Javert "his most open, human performance. His singing is sweetly unselfconscious and unexpectedly vulnerable."
Crowe is still in demand, so no doubt there will be more Russell Crowe roles to redefine his long-standing career.
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