Name: Russell Crowe Age: 39 Nationality: Australian Claim to fame: Groom in the wedding of the year
THE star of such Hollywood successes as Gladiator and Proof of Life, New Zealand-born-Australian Russell Crowe finally tied the knot last week when he married long time girlfriend Danielle Spencer in what could well be described as the wedding of the year. For the moment at least.
Crowe, winner of the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the Roman epic Gladiator, had been planning this wedding for some time. That is why he went down the aisle exactly on his 39th birthday. But the prying eyes of the paparazzi and the celebrity press are one thing that he could have done without.
The ceremony was held in a family chapel at Crowe’s country ranch at Nana Glen. The place itself is situated in the lush hills near Coffs Harbour, a resort town halfway between major east coast cities Sydney and Brisbane.
For more than a week prior to the wedding, an army of media had descended in front of Crowe’s estate. Of course, the party was suppose to be a private affair, meaning no press allowed. But that has never stopped the press, and Crowe’s wedding was no exception.
One report even had it that the media tried to hire every helicopter in Sydney area so that Crowe’s estate could be spied on from the air. Faced with the prospect, such was the Hollywood hunk’s desperation, Crowe even tried to have an official no-fly zone imposed over his estate! Of course, the bid was unsuccessful.
Russell Crowe’s relationship with Ms Spenser dates back to 1990. He started dating her since their initial meeting on the sets of The Crossing. However, five years later the two split, as Crowe left Australia for Hollywood. Thereafter, he concentrated on his movie career that peaked with hits like, Proof of Life, Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind.
While all this was happening, he even had a high-profile relationship with Proof of Life co-star Meg Ryan. But that proved to be a really temporary phase.
Just over 80 guests were invited at the wedding. Though there were a few notables, the whole reception was dominated by close family friends. Among the celebrities were designer Giorgio Armani, who designed the happy couple’s dresses. Director Ridley Scott was there as was the fallen cricketing star Shane Warne. New Zealand singer Wendy Matthews sang The Water Is Wide during the ceremony. Crowe’s own band, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts, sang five songs that were all dedicated to the bride. Some media reports put the cost of the wedding at $600,000. That is more than $7,000 per guest!
THE star of such Hollywood successes as Gladiator and Proof of Life, New Zealand-born-Australian Russell Crowe finally tied the knot last week when he married long time girlfriend Danielle Spencer in what could well be described as the wedding of the year. For the moment at least.
