Russell Crowe devastated as his father John Alexander dies aged 85: ‘This date will forever be tinged with sadness’

Russell Crowe is mourning the death of his beloved father, John Alexander Crowe, who has died at the age of 85.

The Gladiator actor broke the news on Tuesday via Twitter after arriving back in his native Australia.

He told his followers: ‘I arrived back in the bush last night. Today, although the sun is shining and the torrential rain has abated, this date will forever be tinged with sadness.

‘My dear old man, my beautiful dad, the most gentle of men, has passed away.’

Russell continued: ‘I’m posting this because I know there are people all over the world who’s heart he touched and who’s ribs he tickled with his sparkly eyes and his cheeky attitude to everyone, and everything, and this is probably as efficient a method as any to pass on the news.

‘John Alexander Crowe. 13th March 1936- 30th March 2021. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Passed away in Coffs Harbour, NSW, his home for the last 25 years. Rest In Peace.’

Russell, 56, did not reveal a cause of death but later changed his Twitter profile picture to a photo of his parents.

Tributes for John poured in from around the world with Hannibal actor Anthony Hopkins tweeting: ‘Dear friend, sending you my deepest condolences. Everyday I ask myself, “what’s it all about?” Love, Tony.’

Australia’s The Project host Peter Helliar said: ‘My condolences mate. Sorry for your loss.’ 

Winner of Australia’s first MasterChef series Julie Goodwin weighed in: ‘I’m so sorry. Condolences to you and your family.’

Supernanny star Jo Frost commented: ‘So sorry to hear such news Russell, big hugs to you and your family.’

Russell and John had a close bond and the actor spent the past year isolating with his father during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alongside a photo of John by the lake, Russell said in April 2020: ‘Isolating with the old man. 84 now.Wearing a hat I got at Princeton while shooting A Beautiful Mind.’

Russell also told Extra about his decision to quarantine with his parents, including mother Jocelyn: ‘My mum and dad are pretty old now.

‘My dad’s 84 and my mum’s 79 and they’re suffering from the things people get at that age. You know, early-onset this and that.

‘So it was just a better thing for me to be where they were.’

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