Russell Crowe's wildest transformations

Yes, the man in the picture is Russell Crowe. This is how he transformed himself for his role as Roger Ailes (founder of Fox News) in the series 'The Loudest Voice'. The actor is a master of radical transformations and throughout his career he has proved it. Let's take a look at the many different aspects of Russell Crowe from his early days to the present.

At 29 years old and with an intoxicating smile. Clearly Russell Crowe was going to make it in Hollywood one way or another.

At the age of 41, Russell Crowe had just given life to Jim Braddock in 'Cinderella Man', one of his most emotional and physically demanding jobs.

With that measured, scruffy look, Russell Crowe could have been a musical icon of the 1970s.

To play a boxer in Hollywood, you have to look like a boxer, and Russell Crowe underwent a tough workout to get in shape. Still, he didn't reach the heights of other Hollywood boxers like Michael B. Jordan.

The comings and goings of weight and muscle have been commonplace in Russell Crowe's career. In 'American Gangster' he appeared a few kilos heavier than in other roles, but not too much. The hairstyle did not suit him.

At the age of 52, Russell Crowe faced what is perhaps the most likeable film he has ever starred in. His physique, his beard of several days and his eternally tousled hair made him ideal for the role of the thug Jackson Healy in 'The Nice Guys'. Add to this his chemistry with Ryan Gosling, absolute dynamite on screen.

In 1999, at the age of 35, Russell Crowe received the first of his three Oscar nominations. To get it, he didn't have to do anything special physically, but he was at the right age to make his Dr. Jeffrey Wigand look formal. 'The Insider' was one of the best films of the year.

Having just turned 50, Russell Crowe played the father of three in 'The Water Diviner'. From his appearance, one can guess the figure of the former 'Gladiator', but the passage of time is inexorable. Despite this, his screen presence remains overwhelming.

You have to admit that the Wild West suits Russell Crowe to a tee. In '3:10 to Yuma' he plays Dan Evans, a role for which he has once again grown back his classic Far West hair.

In the film that features an outstanding Joaquin Phoenix as the villain Commodus, Russell Crowe manages to overshadow all others with charisma and an absolutely memorable performance that won him the Oscar for Best Actor. He was 36 years old, had a glorious physique and a magnetic gaze. 'Gladiator' was his high point in Hollywood.

What happened to the cast of 'Gladiator'?

Russell Crowe arrives in 'L.A. Confidential' at the age of 33, with a slim build, short hair and an innocent look, just what the character of Bud White was asking for. His protagonist was a kind-hearted guy with a strong character. In this recommendable film, it was clear that film noir and the 1950s suited the New Zealand actor like a glove.

Russell Crowe's versatility is evident when he steps into the shoes of Javert in the film adaptation of 'Les Miserables'. He was 48 years old and still had the perfect classic dashing stature. Mind you, the goatee doesn't do him justice.

At 44 and looking very much like the father he played, Russell Crowe sets out on a complicated mission to get his wife out of jail, convicted of a crime he claims he didn't commit. In 'The Next Three Days,' Russell Crowe displays his full acting arsenal: father, adventurer, criminal, murderer, husband...

In 'Master and 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World', we find Captain Jack Aubrey with the recognisable face of Russell Crowe. He was 39 years old, retained the physique that brought him glory in 'Gladiator' and, yes, he embraced the unflattering blond hair dye with a ponytail.

With the actor having just turned 50, Darren Aronofsky decided that Russell Crowe would be his cinematic Noah. He commissioned him to build the ark that will save all species. He also asked him to shave his head, grow a hipster beard and create more muscles than he did in 'Gladiator' or 'Cinderella Man'. We didn't know this part was in the Bible.

The box office flop was the least of it. With Russell Crowe dominating Hollywood, the still latent physique of 'Gladiator' and a perfect shave, the New Zealander took his on-screen chemistry with Meg Ryan beyond the screen. It cost the actress one of the most solid marriages in the industry, with Dennis Quaid. 'Proof of Life' will always be remembered for this infidelity.

He was 31 years old when he shared the screen with the icon of the 90s: Sharon Stone. His character, Cort, made to show off, had 'The Quick and the Dead' turn him into a dandy on a par with Leonardo DiCaprio or Johnny Depp.

Here we see the contrast of the Far West in the comparison of a young Russell Crowe with a veteran like Gene Hackman.

Russell Crowe's Ed Hoffman in 'Body of Lies' is perfect for a senior CIA officer. You can see that he's been very hunky but that the control work in the office has added weight to his physique.

At the age of 46, Russell Crowe tackled Robin Hood as one of the last films for which he really got into shape. His look, 10 years later, was a close match for 'Gladiator' but the result was nowhere near the film that won him an Oscar.

The passage of time is inexorable, but it must be said that Russell Crowe retains that interesting appeal that has made him a Hollywood legend. That is, as long as he keeps that wild beard under control.

The difference between a trim, elegant beard and a wild, long beard is the 15 years they put on someone like Russell Crowe. If you have Chris Hemsworth by your side, comparisons are always going to be odious.

The brown hair colour doesn't really suit Russell Crowe either. But don't be alarmed by the striking excess weight because it's a prosthetic, both on his face and body.

We have already said that chronology was not going to be taken into account in this review. Besides, unveiling this gem of a film by Russell Crowe at the age of 26, when he was not even dreaming of an Oscar, belonged at the end of the gallery.

It's hard to believe that a mathematician like John Nash would have Russell Crowe's imposing physique in his film, but no one complained about it. What's more, the complaints came because, if the actor merited the Oscar for 'Gladiator', the Oscar for this film was almost more deserved. It was taken away from him by Denzel Washington for 'Training Day'.

Why did we save 'A Good Year' for last?
Because, with his 40 years old, it is impossible to find a better transformation than Russell Crowe's in this film. His Max Skinner is always dapper, clean-shaven, half-coiffed and with an intoxicating smile. All set against the backdrop of a wonderful French chateau. Yes, he's not as hunky as in other films but it's this character that brings out his full potential as a classic heartthrob.