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 much in demand as a film actor. The New-Zealand born, Australian-bred Crowe has attracted controversy with his high profile love affairs, his open hostility towards the American news media and his all-round eccentricity. This biography traces his career from rock'n'roller - he still sings and plays 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.