Even after the phone-throwing incident, the bar fights, the Peter-Pan-like wish to be a rock star, and the unfortunate combination of receding hairline and weight gain, I still kind of like Russell Crowe. He used to be one of my biggest celebrity crushes, replaced with people like Clive Owen and Gerard Butler. So somewhere deep in my heart-ish place (it might be further south, come to think of it), I’ll still care about Russell.
Crowe gave an interview to Empire Magazine, and some of his quotes have come up via Gossip Rocks. In the interview, Russell claims that he always knew he was going to be a big star. He knew because he was “willing to do the work” and he has “that attitude”. I could argue that there a lot of not-so-famous but equally talented actors (if not more so) who also have the attitude and the work ethic, yet still struggle year after year. More from Gossip Rocks:
Russell Crowe always knew he would be a Hollywood star.
The Oscar-winning star had no doubts about pursuing a acting career because he knew he had the work ethic to be a success.
He said: “I always expect success from myself because I know I’m willing to do the work for it. I have that attitude.”
Despite his confidence, the 44-year-old actor insists he is getting less career orientated the older he gets.
Russell – who has two sons Charlie and Tennyson with his wife Danielle – explained to Empire magazine: “My priority is my family. I’m happiest when I’m with them. You change. I’m a 44-year-old bloke with two kids, so obviously I’m not the same 28-year-old single guy who wanted to try and make his way in the world. I don’t go out as much as I did, but that’s because I’m happier at home with my wife and kids.”
From Bang! Showbiz, via Gossip Rocks
You know who else talks like this? The Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow. She’s giving several interviews where she’s claimed she always knew she was destined to be famous. Delusions of grandeur aside, maybe it’s just something these stars tell themselves as a way to explain why they get work and other people don’t. Because saying it’s fate is basically saying “It’s in God’s hands,” despite some self-congratulatory stuff about work ethic and attitude.
It’s still a question mark for whether settling down with a wife and kids has really tamed the beast known as Russell Crowe. He’s had the reputation of a very difficult actor for years, and it’s the kind of constant, negative gossip stream I tend to believe. Despite what Russell says about his attitude, he might have to adjust his in the years to come.
Russell Crowe is shown in the black shirt on 2/20/09 taking his son Charlie to school in Sydney. He is shown out with his boys in Sydney on 2/4/09 in the navy blue shirt. Credit: PacificCoastNews.com
Are his kids that big already?! It’s obvious I don’t miss Russell Crowe, seems like just yesterday he dropped off the scene to get married and have his kids. Now it looks like it’s been more than a few years.
Oh well… he’s a fairly decent actor, but other than that…
The only movie I really liked him in was a movie where he wasn’t a stud – had to buy the movie and everything. A Beautiful Mind – fabulous job in that movie
I really love him in his movies but I hate him as a person he seems like such a dick! I alos feel that way about Nicolas Cage.
Aw, don’t compare him to the Goop! No one deserves that. Don’t really have a prob with him saying hard work got him where he is. He’s not discounting the part luck probably played in his success but sustaining success and a career takes commitment and that can only come from him.
geronimo: Agreed. I think his words have been completely misinterpreted here. The “attitude” he’s referring to seems more like his drive and motivation to work hard, rather than any delusions of grandeur.
Oh, he’s talking about “work ethic” attitude, not “Attitude”. I suppose I’d have to agree with him but he’s developed plenty of the later also.
Unfair to compare him to Ms Paltrow who grew up a product of two talented performers, has a smidge of it and is rapidly more insufferable every day.
Oh come now, he didn’t sound that smug in his interviews. I didn’t take what he said in that way at all. He’s being honest about his character, whatevs, I still love the guy. On another note, still waiting for him to get in tip top shape for Robin Hood. It isn’t even called Nottingham anymore. Boo.
he’s a very good actor and i saw him several years ago in France.He lived in South France to do a movie with Ridley Scott.He was nice with village people , went to the pub ,shopped at the supermarket with his wife like every one.
I found him really hot (and a good actor) in L.A. Confidential. Since then, his wankish behavior (thanks, Bono) has turned me off. I’d love to see him get back into shape, though (I’d also love to see me get back into shape).
I agree exactly with what Dorothy said.
Eh, he’s just another actor that’s gotten his head blown up from the fame. It’s sad, but there’s nothing anyone can do.
Unless…
He fades from existence!
But Crowe is a great actor.
There’s NO WAY he’s gonna fade from existence, unless he’s dead! Russell Crowe is one of the BEST actors these days, and nothing’s gonna erase that. Love his movies!!
Re: his personal life, “dick” attitude, blah,blah,blah… who cares?! He’s not my dad, my bro, my neighbour, or friend. As long he doesn’t throw anything at me, I’m cool. Like it or not!
He is an brillant actor for good moments in film, not more – not less. It´s sad to argue, the definition for an good actor is, when he is in youth with sixpack and full colored hear.
He`s is more man as george clooney for example will be.
There’s still something about him that can turn me on… a certain look… something.
Russell isn’t giving attitude… he’s a great believer in being goal oriented and working hard. Sure luck played a part, but many people forget how much film work he’d done in Australia before getting a lot of attention in LA Confidential. He’s someone who has walked the walk… not just the talk. He gives his absolute all for his films, and we, the audience are the beneficiaries.
He’s looking great… I can’t wait to see his new films.
I should add… he has many loyal friends and a loving extended family… how much of a “dick” could he be in his personal life? Don’t believe the gossip columns. Sure, he’s had his cringe moments, but it’s been years since he made headlines for any misdeeds.
Thank goodness Crowe is never boring or predictable. We need more talented individuals like him, not more slick and facile Clooney types. Crowe is unique… one of a kind and we should celebrate his talent and dedication to making good films. He gives audiences their money’s worth.
“He’s had the reputation of a very difficult actor for years, and it’s the kind of constant, negative gossip stream I tend to believe. ”
This is interesting because there’s NEVER any source named for the negative reputation . There is also lots of constant positive feedback from actors who have actually worked with him, like Giamatti, Mark Strong, Bale and Washington. But it never seems to get repeated.
I think it’s likely that people who read sites like this are far more inclined to believe untrue negative gossip, because it somehow drags the actor/actress down to “our” level, than they are to believe positive gossip. Good news is no news.
Wow, Russell looks fabulous. He is such a great role model for his kids. They must think he is the greatest Dad. Always loving and focused, attention to detail with everything in his life.
“He’s had the reputation of a very difficult actor for years, and it’s the kind of constant, negative gossip stream I tend to believe. ”
This is interesting because there’s NEVER any source named for the negative reputation . There is also lots of constant positive feedback from actors who have actually worked with him, like Giamatti, Mark Strong, Bale and Washington. But it never seems to get repeated.”
So true.
I believe him a born actor and I’m looking forward to his new movies!
Way to go, Russell!