$120M Rich Gladiator Star Russell Crowe Began His Academy Award-Winning Career With Another Profession

We all know Russell Crowe as an eminent actor who has a significant history in his Hollywood career. The Australian actor had numerous memorable performances during his career in blockbusters such as Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and La Confidential.

We are less aware that the actor has a hidden talent and an accomplished career outside of the industry. The Gladiator actor began his entertainment career by starting as a musician and fronting a band called Roman Antix.

Russell Crowe’s lesser-known profession in music

Hollywood tycoon, Russell Crowe with a staggering $120 million, had already expressed an avid interest in music and acting. Way before he made his big name in Hollywood, he pursued a career as a successful musician.   During the early 80s, he started his musical career by playing in various bands and releasing several New Zealand singles, including I Want to Be Like Marlon Brando’ under the name Russ le Roq, reflecting his desire to be both a musician and an actor.

Also Read: Martin Scorsese Claimed His Relationship With Robert De Niro is “All About Trust and Love” After Working With Actor Since 16 Years of Age

While he became more like legendary Marlon Brando, his rock n roll dream never faded, which even led him to juggle a successful career that culminated in the Academy Award.

Crowe’s musical journey began with the band Roman Antix, which later became known as 30 Odd Foot of Grunts in 1992 when it was expanded. And eventually, in 1995, they released their first hits, Photograph Kills, Followed by Gaslight (1998), Bastard Life or Clarity (2001), and again Other Ways of Speaking in 2003.

At the same time, the actor was thriving in Hollywood, and was busy making hits on one side, like LA. Confidential in 1995, The Insider, and 2000’s breakout Gladiator. 

Also Read: Tom Cruise Almost Had a Wildly Different Career Before Top Gun Fame That Was Similar to His Hollywood Rival Dwayne Johnson

Russell Crowe’s successful ventures with TOFG

In early 2005, Thirty Odd Foor of Grunts disbanded, and Crowe sought a new direction in his musical career by joining a Canadian band and releasing songs in collaboration with Alan Doyle, the singer and songwriter of Great Big Sea. Together, they form a band named The Ordinary Fear of God (TOFG).

Their My Hand, My Heart,‘ was a major hit with its piano-driven sound and heartfelt ballads, and Mr. Harris was released in tribute to Crowe’s late friend and Gladiator co-star, Richard Harris.

Their third collaboration took place in August of 2011 with the Crown/Doyle Songbook Vol. III, featuring nine original songs that showcased the unique blend of folk and rock influences that TOFG is known for.

Also Read: “There’s something really beautiful about having that superpower”: Jeremy Renner Claims He Had an Awakening After Snowplow Accident That Nearly Took His Life

Together, Doyle and Crowe have created numerous musical breakouts, marking an impressive partnership that spanned over a decade. In 2017, both of them formed yet another band, Indoor Garden Party, and debuted The Musical. Very recently, the Robin Hood actor performed a concert in Bologna.

Crowe’s dedication to cinema and impressive musical ventures have solidified his status as a multi-talented actor, consistently prove his testament to his unwavering commitment to his artistic pursuits.