Russell Crowe recalls the pranks Michael Jackson pulled on him “with great affection”.
The Academy Award-winning Gladiator actor was great friends with the superstar musician before the King of Pop passed away at the age of 50 in 2009.
And Russell has revealed he loved the prank calls he received from Michael.
"Most of the time Michael would be speaking in a rough voice," Russell recollected to People magazine. "[He'd say],'This is the hotel, you have to get out,' and I'd say, 'Who is this?' and he'd say, 'Oh don't worry, Russell, it's Michael!' He [told me] straightaway. I didn't have to guess who it was or what was going on because he always wanted to have a chat afterwards.
"I've always told that story with great affection because I've always felt that he must have recognised something in me that trusted I wouldn't be bothered by it."
The 50-year-old thespian began his career at a young age and he made his movie debut with 1990’s Prisoners of the Sun.
Before making it big, the star constantly grabbed headlines for his outspoken nature and in retrospect, Russell admits sometimes the things he said shock him now.
“I look back on the things that came out of my mouth and I am floored by the audacity and confidence,” he recalled to British newspaper The Guardian previously. “It took a long time… I would get close to things but never get stuff.”
Despite now being famous the world over, Russell’s family keep him down to earth. He often returns to his relatives' farm on the coast of New South Wales, Australia, where he’s still seen as just a regular guy.
Russell is currently promoting his new film The Water Diviner, a historical war drama he directed and stars in.
