Russell Crowe, the renowned actor famous for his role in “Gladiator,” recently revealed in a shocking interview that he finished shooting a movie “with two broken legs.” In an exclusive conversation with People magazine, the 59-year-old star disclosed that he had fractured both of his legs on the set of the 2010 film “Robin Hood,” but was unaware of it until years later.
The incident took place during a scene where Crowe had to jump “off a castle portcullis onto rock-hard uneven ground” without any padding beneath him. Reflecting on the moment, Crowe recalled thinking, “This is going to hurt,” as he made the leap. He described the sensation as an “electric shock bursting up through my body.” Despite the excruciating pain, Crowe persevered through the shoot, as the production of “Robin Hood” was a massive undertaking.
Crowe admitted that the last month of filming was particularly challenging due to his injuries. Even walking became a struggle during that period. Surprisingly, he never informed the production team about his condition and continued working without taking a single day off. It wasn’t until a decade later, when he started experiencing leg pain, that Crowe sought medical attention.
Upon visiting a doctor, Crowe discovered remnants of fractures in his shin bones, which the physician attributed to injuries sustained during the filming of “Robin Hood.” Astonishingly, Crowe realized that he had completed the movie with two broken legs. The actor humorously remarked, “All for art. No cast, no splints, no painkillers, just kept going to work and over time they healed themselves.”
This incident was not the first time Crowe endured injuries on set. In a 2016 interview with Vulture, he revealed that he has a disintegrating hip due to a fall while filming “Gladiator” in 2000. Additionally, during pre-production for another film, Crowe had to lift someone up who accidentally stepped on his arms, tearing the labrum tissue. He also suffered injuries during the making of the 2005 boxing movie “Cinderella Man.”
Crowe’s list of on-set injuries doesn’t end there. He disclosed to Vulture that he has tears in his Achilles tendons and no cartilage in his toes. The missing cartilage in his toes is a result of the lateral movement required in fight sequences. These revelations paint a picture of the physical toll that Crowe has endured throughout his career, highlighting his dedication to his craft.
In a 2017 interview with the “Chrissie, Sam & Browny” radio show, Crowe shared another harrowing incident from the set of the 2000 film “Proof of Life.” He described a stunt where he had to run and jump onto a helicopter, resulting in him receiving “like 20 cuts across my face.” Crowe credited his survival to his firm grip on the strap, stating that it was the only thing that prevented him from a fatal fall.
Russell Crowe’s commitment to his roles and willingness to push through pain and injury demonstrate his unwavering dedication to his craft. Despite enduring broken legs, a disintegrating hip, torn labrum tissue, and various other injuries, Crowe has continued to deliver exceptional performances throughout his career. His resilience and determination make him a true Hollywood icon.
As fans eagerly anticipate Crowe’s future projects, they can reflect on the incredible sacrifices he has made for his art. From battling through broken legs to enduring multiple injuries, Russell Crowe has proven time and time again that he is not only an exceptional actor but also an embodiment of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity.
