In a recent interview with Australian Women’s Weekly, Crowe made some inflammatory remarks about older actresses not being cast for younger roles.
Crowe was promoting his most recent movie, The Water Diviner, which focuses on a father with three grown sons. He said he couldn’t play the role 20 years ago, not only because he was younger, but also because he had not yet become a father.
“The best thing about the industry I’m in – movies – is that there are roles for people in all different stages of life,” Crowe said in the interview.
“Meryl Streep will give you 10,000 examples and arguments as to why that’s bullshit, so will Helen Mirren, or whoever it happens to be,” he said. “If you are willing to live in your own skin, you can work as an actor. If you are trying to pretend that you’re still the young buck when you’re my age, it just doesn’t work.”
Several internet users voiced their opinions on Twitter, and it turns out, Crowe’s advice was not well received.
“There are not enough Liz Lemon eyerolls in the WORLD for Russell Crowe’s myopic thoughts on ageism #icanteven,” Twitter user Alice Walker wrote.
Another person said, “As we enter the bright potential of a new year, let us hope that #RussellCrowe has finally resolved to shut up…”
In the interview, Crowe made no mention of male actors complaining about age appropriate roles, but said that he has to accept the aging process.
“The point is, you do have to be prepared to accept that there are stages in life. So I can’t be the Gladiator forever.”
