Russell Crowe gets a Hollywood star

**Wiseguy** · April 13th, 2010, 08:12 AM

Russell Crowe puts his bad boy days behind him as he finally gets a Hollywood star

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:41 AM on 13th April 2010

Known as much for his outbursts as his Oscar-nominated performances, Russell Crowe has always had a tricky relationship with Hollywood.
But after turning down the chance to have a Hollywood star on the Walk Of Fame several times, the reformed bad boy, 46, finally believes he deserves it now.
The Antipodean actor proudly brought his singer wife Danielle Spencer and their two sons from Australia to Hollywood yesterday for the unveiling ceremony.

Family affair: Russell Crowe and wife Danielle Spencer pose on the actor's Hollywood star with their sons Tennyson (left) and Charles (right)

The family were joined by some of Crowe's former colleagues and friends, including director Ron Howard, producer Brian Glazer, actor Sam Worthington and talk show host Jay Leno.
After a stormy morning, the sunshine came out just in time to see Crowe presented with a plaque to commemorate the unveiling of his star on Hollywood Boulevard - not far from his idol Marlon Brando.
Introducing the Gladiator star, Leno described him as 'an all-round good guy' who 'just happen to be one of the greatest actors in the world'.

Celebrate: Crowe shows off his new star on Hollywood Boulevard

Pride: Spencer cuddles up to Tennyson, three, (on her lap) and Charles, six, as Crowe makes a speech

Accepting his star, Crowe said: 'Next to Sir Anthony Hopkins, that's not a bad spot. It's a nice piece of real estate.
'There's no place I would rather be, apart from with my family, than on a movie set on a feature film - particularly those first few days when the excitement and the freshness is still there.
'Anyway, as I said, thanks for the privilege and I'll always be grateful for it. Cheers.'

As Crowe spoke to the large crowd gathered on the street, his wife cuddled the couple's sons Charles, six, and Tennyson, three.

Crowe admitted he had turned down the star several times before, but now believes at 46 and with two Oscar nominations and one win behind him, he now has a big enough filmography to justify the honour.

Hollywood heavyweights: Crowe shares a laugh with director pal Ron Howard (right) during producer Brian Glazer's (centre) speech

He explained: 'It's not the first time they've asked. I've turned it down a number of times before 'cos I didn't think I'd done enough.

'But now I sort of got to the point where gee whiz if I don't say yes soon, they'll probably stop asking so I might as well get it done.'
Crowe's star comes just a month before his eagerly-anticipated new film Robin Hood will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film sees Crowe reunited with Ridley Scott again after previous collaborations in Gladiator, Body Of Lies, American Gangster and A Good Year.
Crowe's honour comes five years after he was arrested after throwing a phone at a hotel employee in New York.

Celebrity support: Talk show host Jay Leno described Crowe as a 'good guy'

He was sentenced to a conditional release and later described the incident as 'possibly the most shameful situation that I've ever gotten myself in... and I've done some pretty dumb things in my life'.
But in recent years Crowe's infamous temper has calmed down, with many crediting his calmer persona due to married life with Spencer.
Crowe and Spencer married in 2003 after dating for two years. The couple originally dated in the early Nineties after co-starring in film The Crossing together, before reigniting their romance in 2001 after Crowe split from Meg Ryan.
Spencer told the Mail On Sunday's You magazine: 'I don’t think I’ve tamed him, I just think there’s a natural progression when you become a parent and are relaxed and happier.
'Perhaps, before that, he was going through quite a ride in terms of his celebrity, which can be confronting. So I think you possibly get defensive. He’s moved into a calmer environment that works better for him, but he’s just as passionate about his work – and just as complicated an individual.'

Just dropped by: Avatar actor Sam Worthington turned up to watch the ceremony

Read more: Mail Online