Crowe was born in New Zealand on 7th April 1964. At the age of four, his family moved to Australia as his parents wanted to further their careers as film set designers. Crowe made his debut as an actor at age 6 in an episode of the Australian TV series Spyforce.
When Crowe was 14, his family moved back to New Zealand. During this time, Crowe pursued a career as a singer using the stage name Russ le Roq. In the 1980s, he released a single, “I Just Want to be Like Marlon Brando”.
At the age of 21, Crowe returned to Australia. Within a year, he got a part singing and dancing on stage in an Australian production of Grease. Later, he spent two years (1986-88) touring as Dr Frank N Furter in The Rocky HorrorShow. His first major film role was in The Crossing (1990). He also starred in the TV series Police Rescue, and the controversial film Romper Stomper (1992).
His big break came with a role in the film LA Confidential (1997). Crowe played the part of Bud White, a quick-tempered southern California cop investigating corruption in Los Angeles during the 1950s. Crowe Oscar for his part in the film The Insider. Later, Crowe took the lead role in Ridley Scott’s film Gladiator. Crowe played the part of Maximus, a Roman general who is forced to become a gladiator. Crowe won an Oscar for Best Actor for his part in this film.