It’s been 46 years since Russell Crowe moved to Australia, but remarkably he has yet to be granted Australian citizenship. The New Zealand-born actor made the surprising revelation in a new interview with the Radio Times, and spoke about his frustration after a number of failed applications. "I've been voted one of Australia's 50 national treasures. I've been had my face on an Australian stamp, the only non-Australian to do so, apart from the Queen, of course. It's so, so… unreasonable," said the Oscar-winner.
Russell Crowe has revealed he is still not an Australian citizen
Russell shared his thoughts behind the reasons for his failed applications. "They changed the law for New Zealanders," he said. "No matter how long you'd been in the country, if you weren't in Australia for the majority of 2000 to 2002 – when I was particularly busy filming overseas – you can't become a citizen. "The 50-year-old star moved to Australia when he was four-years-old – and as a child "handed out 'how to vote' cards to help elect the prime minister". He made a brief return to New Zealand for a few years, before returning as a 21-year-old and embarking on his acting career in the late 80s on the iconic soap Neighbours.Russell also has a strong personal connection to Australia. He married Australian singer Danielle Spencer in 2003 – they are currently separated – and is a father to two Australia-born sons, Charlie, 11, and eight-year-old Tennyson.
Russell Crowe with his estranged wife Danielle Spencer
In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, Russell admitted that he is still in love with his estranged wife. "I've loved Danielle Spencer since 1989 – that's never going to change," he said. “And that’s one of those things where I stare at her and go, 'How did this fail?' I still can't work it out, because my feelings for her have never changed. "Asked whether he thought the couple, who have never divorced, could one day rekindle their romance, Russell replied, "Once I commit to something, I stick with it, so you never know…"