“Did You Eat the Gladiator?” Russell Crowe Reacts to Body Shaming Critics on Social Media

When it comes to celebrities, they’re always in the spotlight, whether it’s for a new look or some behavior. And when actors land big roles, they often have to undergo major physical transformations to match the character. Russell Crowe’s gone through quite a transformation and people had a lot to say about it, but he shut them all up in the end.

He personified the renowned Maximus from The Gladiator.

Russell Crowe portrayed the iconic character Maximus Decimus Meridius in Ridley Scott’s movie Gladiator, a role that earned him the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor in 2001. His captivating performance in the film garnered critical acclaim and solidified his status as a talented actor in the industry.

Crowe’s role in Gladiator became legendary not only because of his amazing acting skills but also because of how fascinatingly he portrayed the character. He perfectly brought to life a powerful and charming figure, making everyone fall in love with him.

Russell underwent physical makeovers to fit specific movie characters.

Russell Crowe is no stranger to going all out for his movie roles. Whether it’s shedding pounds or packing them on, Crowe always delivers a performance that leaves audiences stunned. From getting in literal fighting shape for Gladiator to gaining weight in The Insider, he has always been committed to his craft. But when he appeared in public showcasing his body transformation, people didn’t exactly react well.

It all started when Russell Crowe took on a new film project, Ridley Scott’s Body of Lies, back in 2008, when the actor gained 63 pounds for the role. In a similar vein, he packed on some serious pounds in 2019 for his role in the series The Loudest Voice. The change was so drastic that he barely resembled himself anymore.

Initially, he was comfortable with the idea, but as time went on, he started experiencing some difficulties with the entire process. Russell declared, “If I’m adjusting weight, I try not to do it suddenly. I’ve learned my lessons from the past. You go up gradually and you come down gradually. So, I was partway through that. I was, I don’t know, thirty pounds or something into that, and this came up, and so I went back the other way.”

The actor was mocked for his appearance.

Unfortunately, Russell Crowe’s weight changes have faced unnecessary scrutiny and judgment. When pictures of his Italian vacation surfaced, some people on social media made mean comments about his body, expressing surprise and even saying such things as, “Did you eat the gladiator?”

But it wasn’t the first time the acclaimed star had to deal with such harsh criticism. Back in 2017, he was involved in an online feud with famous TV presenter Howard Stern. When new photos of Russell Crowe playing rugby surfaced, there were reports that Howard Stern made mean comments about his weight.

In a witty response, the Oscar winner fired back at Stern’s comments with a playful comeback: “I can bench press young Howard. He cannot say the same.” Even in the face of sarcastic and mean-spirited comments, Russell Crowe kept his funny side intact and didn’t let those hurtful remarks get to him.

Despite facing criticism and undergoing changes in his appearance, Russell Crowe continues to be one of the greatest and most talented actors in Hollywood. He has also shown his emotional depth on multiple occasions, such as when he lost a beloved companion in his life.