Childhood and Education Journey of Russell Crowe in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Russell Crowe. From birth to education, explore key events.

Russell Crowe is a highly acclaimed actor and film director, celebrated for his contributions to cinema. He has garnered significant recognition for his performances, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a British Academy Film Award. Crowe's career spans a diverse range of roles, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1999: Altercation at Plantation Hotel

In 1999, Russell Crowe was involved in an altercation with a woman at the Plantation Hotel in Coffs Harbour. Security camera footage captured him kissing a man who was trying to calm him down. Subsequently, two men were acquitted of attempting to blackmail him using the video.

2001: Donation to Struggling Primary School

In 2001, Russell Crowe donated A$200,000 to a primary school near his home in rural Australia to help construct a swimming pool. This contribution was motivated by the drowning of a student at Coffs Harbour beach, with the aim of improving water safety for students. Crowe even dived into the pool fully clothed at the opening ceremony.

2002: Brawl at Zuma Restaurant

In 2002, Russell Crowe was allegedly involved in a brawl with businessman Eric Watson at Zuma, a Japanese restaurant in London. The fight was reportedly broken up by actor Ross Kemp.

April 2003: Marriage to Danielle Spencer

In April 2003, Russell Crowe married Danielle Spencer at his cattle property in Nana Glen, New South Wales, with the ceremony taking place on Crowe's 39th birthday.

December 2003: Birth of First Son, Charles Spencer Crowe

On December 21, 2003, Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer welcomed their first son, Charles Spencer Crowe.

March 2005: FBI Warning About Al-Qaeda Kidnapping Threat

In March 2005, Russell Crowe revealed that prior to the 73rd Academy Awards, FBI agents informed him that al-Qaeda had planned to kidnap him as part of a cultural destabilization plot.

June 2005: Arrest for Assault

In June 2005, Russell Crowe was arrested in New York City and charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon (the telephone) after throwing a telephone at a Mercer Hotel concierge who refused to help him place a call. The concierge was treated for a facial laceration. Crowe pleaded guilty, was conditionally discharged, and settled a lawsuit filed by the concierge.

2005: End of Period of Altercations

By 2005, Russell Crowe had been involved in four altercations between 1999 and 2005, contributing to his reputation for having a bad temper.

2005: "Cinderella Man" Sponsorship of South Sydney Rabbitohs

In 2005, Russell Crowe negotiated a deal for his film, "Cinderella Man", to sponsor the South Sydney Rabbitohs, making them the first Australian club team to be sponsored by a film.

March 2006: Crowe and Holmes à Court Purchase South Sydney Rabbitohs Stake

On March 19, 2006, Russell Crowe and businessman Peter Holmes à Court purchased 75% of the South Sydney Rabbitohs for A$3 million, with the members retaining 25% ownership. The purchase granted them four of eight seats on the board of directors.

July 2006: Birth of Second Son, Tennyson Spencer Crowe

On July 7, 2006, Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer's second son, Tennyson Spencer Crowe, was born.

November 2006: Firepower International Sponsors South Sydney Rabbitohs

On November 5, 2006, Russell Crowe announced on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that Firepower International would sponsor the South Sydney Rabbitohs for US$3 million over three years, showcasing a Rabbitohs jersey with Firepower's name.

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September 2007: Crowe Supports Lloyd Carr and the Wolverines

In September 2007, after Lloyd Carr faced criticism following the Wolverines' 0-2 start, Russell Crowe traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to support Carr at the Wolverines' game against Notre Dame. He addressed the team before the game and watched from the sidelines as the Wolverines defeated the Irish 38–0.

2007: Super League Grand Final win

In 2007 the Leeds Rhinos won the Super League Grand Final

January 2008: Rugby League Game at the University of North Florida

In January 2008, Russell Crowe helped organize a rugby league game between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Leeds Rhinos (2007 Super League Grand Final winners) at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, on Australia Day.

2009: "Legends of the Screen" Postage Stamps

At the beginning of 2009, Russell Crowe was featured in the Australian special-edition postage stamps series called "Legends of the Screen," which highlighted Australian actors. Crowe appeared twice, once as himself and once as his Academy Award-nominated character, and was the only non-Australian featured in the stamps.

June 2010: Crowe quits smoking

In June 2010, Russell Crowe, who started smoking at the age of 10, announced that he had quit smoking for the sake of his two sons.

November 2010: Interview with Charlie Rose

In November 2010, Russell Crowe discussed the negative impact of the telephone incident on his public image during an interview with Charlie Rose. He felt the media coverage exaggerated the situation and psychologically affected him.

2010: NRL investigation into Crowe's business relationships

In 2010, the NRL investigated Russell Crowe's business relationships with media and entertainment companies, including Channel Nine, Channel Seven, ANZ Stadium and V8 Supercars, regarding the South Sydney Rabbitohs' salary cap.

May 2011: Fox Broadcasts State of Origin Series Live in the United States

In May 2011, Russell Crowe helped arrange for Fox to broadcast the 2011 State of Origin series live in the United States for the first time, along with the NRL Grand Final.

2011: Greg Inglis signs with the Rabbitohs

In 2011, Russell Crowe's influence helped to persuade Greg Inglis to renege on his deal to join the Brisbane Broncos and sign for the Rabbitohs.

October 2012: Separation from Danielle Spencer

In October 2012, it was reported that Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer had separated.

November 2012: Crowe Considers Selling Stake in South Sydney Rabbitohs

In November 2012, the South Sydney Rabbitohs confirmed that Russell Crowe was considering selling his 37.5 percent stake in the club.

March 2013: Crowe to Retain Shareholding in Rabbitohs

At the Rabbitohs Annual General Meeting on March 3, 2013, Chairman Nick Pappas stated that Russell Crowe would not be selling his shareholding in the short-to-medium term and had no intention of selling at all.

June 2013: Endorsement of Julia Gillard

In June 2013, Russell Crowe endorsed former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard, publicly supporting her.

2014: Rabbitohs Win NRL Premiership

In 2014, Russell Crowe was present at the NRL Grand Final when the South Sydney Rabbitohs won the NRL premiership for the first time in 43 years.

October 2016: Azealia Banks Incident

In October 2016, Azealia Banks filed a police report against Russell Crowe, alleging he choked and spat at her during a party. The case was later dropped. RZA confirmed Crowe spat 'on the floor', but condemned Banks' behavior, confirming Crowe's account that Banks threatened violence and Crowe removed her from the suite.

November 2017: Offer to Resettle Displaced Refugees

In November 2017, Russell Crowe offered to resettle displaced refugees who were being held in Australia's offshore detention facility on Manus Island, expressing his strong criticism of Australia's immigration detention policies.

April 2018: Divorce from Danielle Spencer

In April 2018, Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer finalized their divorce.

2019: Fundraising for NSW RFS During Bushfires

During the Australian bushfires in 2019, Russell Crowe raised over A$400,000 for the NSW RFS (Rural Fire Service) by selling his South Sydney Rabbitohs hat in an online auction.

August 2020: Donation to Rebuild Le Chef Restaurant

In August 2020, Russell Crowe donated US$5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild Le Chef, a restaurant destroyed in the 2020 Beirut explosion. Crowe's donation was made in honor of Anthony Bourdain, and the fundraiser ultimately exceeded its initial goal.

2020: Fundraising for NSW RFS During Bushfires

During the Australian bushfires in 2020, Russell Crowe raised over A$400,000 for the NSW RFS (Rural Fire Service) by selling his South Sydney Rabbitohs hat in an online auction.

May 2022: Narration for Labor Party Election Campaign

In May 2022, Russell Crowe narrated an advertisement for the Australian Labor Party's election campaign.

December 2022: Appointment as Ambassador of Rome

On December 20, 2022, Russell Crowe was appointed by the mayor of Rome to be its ambassador of Rome in the world. On the same day, he expressed his desire for Italy to host the next FIFA World Cup.

June 2023: Donation of Concert Revenue to Flood Victims

In June 2023, Russell Crowe and the organizers of his band Indoor Garden Party's concert in Bologna agreed to donate the entire revenue from the event to support the victims of the Emilia-Romagna floods.

July 2023: Mock Phone Conversation with Cicero

In July 2023, while visiting the archaeological site of Ostia Antica in Italy, Russell Crowe, to entertain fans of "Gladiator", pretended to have a phone conversation with Cicero, the servant of his character Maximus, referencing his death in the film.

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