Charles Crowe Archives

Why is Russell Crowe so giddy like a schoolgirl?

He spent the week playing Easter Bunny near his Woolloomooloo home in Australia on Thursday, handing out 1000 free tickets to rugby fans wishing to see his Rabbitohs take on the Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium.

The 42-year-old Gladiator star also strolled around the Sydney suburb with his oldest son Charles, 3.

Also pictured below: Russell Crowe watches from the stands before the round four NRL (National Rugby League) match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium on Friday in Sydney, Australia.

Rugby team Rabbitohs part owner Russell Crowe celebrates with his 3-year-old son Charlie Crowe after the Rabbitohs’ victory over the Eels on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.

Russell, 42, had attended the round two NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Parramatta Eels at Telstra Stadium.

The Gladiator star is now being touted to star as Sherlock Holmes. A source tells UK’s The Daily Express, “Unlike previous films this one is going to focus more on Holmes’ physical attributes, including his talent for bare-knuckle and sword fighting, which were both mentioned in the original books.

“Russell is the favorite for the role as it’s felt he’ll give the character the action-man-like qualities the part is going to require. He’s also proved in past films that he can pull off a convincing British accent.

“It’s hoped the new story will retain the traditional flavor of the original books and it will be made in participation with the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle estate.”

Russell Crowe will be honored with an Excellence in Entertainment Award at Australia Week’s signature event, Penfolds Icon Black Tie Gala. The gala is a red carpet event that honors high profile individuals for significant contributions in their respective industries and for excellence in promoting Australia in the United States. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza (2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles) this Sunday with red carpet arrivals starting at 6PM.

Also at the event, Naomi Watts will receive an Excellence in Film Award and Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin will be honored for his work in tourism and nature conservation with a special tribute and presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pictured above: Russell Crowe, 42, with wife Danielle Spencer, 36, and son, Charles Crowe, 4, this past Sunday at the ‘The Wind In The Willows’ pantomime at the Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australia