Look To The Stars News: Russell Crowe

Stars Celebrate Babies With March Of Dimes

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The 6th Annual March Of Dimes Celebration Of Babies awards luncheon which was held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at the Beverly Hills Hotel raised nearly $1 million.

The Today Show’s Natalie Morales served as the Celebration of Babies program host.

The Celebration of Babies event honored three individuals who exemplify the March of Dimes commitment to improving the health of babies by helping moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn presented Donna Langley, Co-Chairman of Universal Pictures, with the March of Dimes Grace Kelly Award, which is bestowed upon a woman who shares the March of Dimes commitment to healthy pregnancies and thriving babies. Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and County Health Officer, received the Celebration of Babies Community Award, which honors an exceptional doctor who represents the values and beliefs of March of Dimes by reaching out to moms and families in the community in support of a day when all babies are born strong and healthy. Pediatricians Dr. Scott Cohen & Dr. Bess Raker of Beverly Hills Pediatrics received the Golden Rattle award, which is given to those who advocate for babies and who share the March of Dimes goal that every baby be given a healthy start.

Johnny Depp Raises Bids In Celebrity Charity Auction For Christchurch

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The first round of celebrity charity auctions to benefit two schools damaged in the devastating Christchurch earthquake ended last night, with a new round starting today.

Stars 4 Kids has been set up to raise funds for two Christchurch schools, Shirley Primary and Avonside Girls’ High, both badly damaged in the February 22nd earthquake that killed over 160 people and left thousands without homes and jobs. The auction will be run through New Zealand’s #1 auction site – Trade Me – and can also be accessed by Australia.

The auction that just ended saw a signed photo of Johnny Depp go under the hammer for over NZ$500, a rugby league hat signed by Russell Crowe go for NZ$266, a book signed by British Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson sell for NZ$102, while DVDs and a hat signed by The Mentalist star Simon Baker brought in NZ$200. Other items included a calendar signed by Kylie Minogue, which reached NZ$103, and items from Colin Firth (Best Lead Actor in The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Guy Pearce and Status Quo.

Massive Celebrity Charity Auction To Help Kids Affected By Christchurch Earthquake

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

On Monday, May 16, a special celebrity charity online auction appeal – Stars 4 Kids – will be launched in New Zealand.

Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry have donated signed items along with Academy Award winners Colin Firth (Best Lead Actor in The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush, Russell Crowe and Emmy Award winner Hugh Jackman. Kylie Minogue, Jeremy Clarkson, James Nesbitt, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Guy Pearce, Status Quo, Jason Donovan, Ruby Wax, Kathy Lette, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ross Kemp are just a few who have given their support to Stars 4 Kids.

Bob Geldof To Play Charity Concert For Australia, New Zealand And Japan

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Bob Geldof is to play a special concert in Sydney next month to raise money for recent natural disasters in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

The Rock and Rebuild Concert will take place at the Lyric Theatre, Star City Casino, on May 1 to help support the Australian Red Cross for their Victoria Floods Appeal, New Zealand Earthquake Appeal and Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal, as well as the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Joined by his band, Geldof will be playing tracks both from his Boomtown Rats days and later solo material including new songs from his just released album How To Compose Songs That Will Sell. He will be supported by New Zealand-born singer Jon Stevens and Russell Crowe’s wife, singer Danielle Spencer.

Russell Crowe Fronts Charity Video Appeal For Earthquake Victims

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Russell Crowe has recorded a video appealing for people to donate to victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked the New Zealand city of Christchurch on February 22, killing almost 200 people.

“Your donation to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, no matter how big or small, will help the city as it faces the challenges ahead,” says the New Zealand-born star. “Christchurch continues to hurt. Cantabrians are traumatized and in shock. And yet a special kind of Christchurch spirit has risen from the rubble. To keep that spirit of hope and community alive, Christchurch needs its mates – whether they happen to be here in New Zealand, or across the ditch [Australia], or on the other side of the world.”

Earlier this month, Crowe helped raise $500,000 for the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal at a celebrity charity cricket game in Wellington. He followed this by traveling to Christchurch to view the damage firsthand.

Foo Fighters And Russell Crowe Support Christchurch Earthquake Victims

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Celebrity charity support continues to roll in for victims of last month’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch: the Foo Fighters have just announced a charity concert in New Zealand, and Russell Crowe has been in the city to boost overseas awareness.

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has confirmed he will bring his band to New Zealand next week to raise charity cash for victims of the Christchurch earthquake, after dropping hints about his plans in the aftermath of the disaster.

The band will perform at the Auckland Town Hall on March 22, with proceeds going to the New Zealand Government Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Tickets go on sale on Friday.

Celebrity Charity Cricket Raises $500,000 For Earthquake Victims

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The celebrity charity cricket game held at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in New Zealand yesterday has raised NZ$500,000 for victims of last month’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key took part in the game against Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, New Zealand sporting heroes and a selection of hobbits.

Umpired by Martin Freeman and Mark Hadlow from Peter Jackson’s production of The Hobbit, as well as several All Blacks, the game saw teams “coached” by Russell Crowe and James Nesbitt go head-to-head in a friendly game to help those in need. Ian McKellen was also on hand to donate his time.

More Hobbits To Play Celebrity Charity Cricket In New Zealand

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:30:00 +0000

More stars from The Hobbit have been named to take part in this weekend’s celebrity charity cricket match in New Zealand to raise money for victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Actor Martin Freeman – who will play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s upcoming films – will umpire the game, along with Kiwi actor Mark Hadlow, who plays Dori the dwarf. Ian McKellen will be match referee. And British actor James Nesbitt – cast as Bofur – will go head-to-head with Russell Crowe as a coach of the two teams, which consist of New Zealand All Blacks and other sporting greats. Even Australian cricket legend Shane Warne is set to appear.

“We’ve been blown away by the level of interest and I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t a sellout,” said Gavin Larson, Wellington cricket boss. “The ground was recalibrated three years ago and the capacity is 8000, which I get the feeling we are going to reach a lot quicker than we thought.”

Ian McKellen And Russell Crowe Join Celebrity Charity Cricket For Christchurch Earthquake

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Sir Ian McKellen – currently in New Zealand to reprise his role of Gandalf for The Hobbit – will be match referee in a celebrity charity cricket game to raise money for victims of the devastating Christchurch earthquake that has claimed over 200 lives.

Joining the wizard for the match will be New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe – who will coach one of the celebrity teams – as well as Australian cricket legend Shane Warne and former All Blacks Marc Ellis and Tana Umaga.

The game takes place at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, March13. Tickets go on sale today through Ticketek – $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Russell Crowe Makes Trip To Community Devastated By Bushfire

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Russell Crowe joined golfer Greg Norman and a group of Australian businessmen in a visit to one of the communities devastated by bushfires in February 2009.

The stars made a trip to Marysville in the Australian state of Victoria, one of the worst-hit areas. The “Black Saturday Bushfires” ripped through the state last year, killing 173 people and destroying over 2000 houses.

The group of businessmen has raised over $1.3 million for re-development in the area, and flew in to Marysville for a direct meeting with the community.

Stars Align For Cinema Against AIDS In Cannes

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Last week’s amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala at Cannes has raised $6.7 million for charity.

Hosted by Alan Cumming and headlined by Mary J. Blige, the event attracted stars such as Russell Crowe, Chris Tucker, Jennifer Lopez, Patti Smith, Naomi Watts, Paris Hilton, Giorgio Armani, Naomi Campbell, Mick Jagger, Karl Lagerfeld and many more.

Ten luxury items went under the auctioneer’s hammer at the dinner event, with the opportunity to spend a day with Bill Clinton raising the most money – $220,000. A flight on a fighter jet raised $170,000.

Russell Crowe Leads Famous Faces On Charity Xbox Consoles

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Gaming fans in Australia and New Zealand are able to bid on special edition Xbox consoles signed by some big stars for charity to celebrate the sale of 1 million Xbox 360 consoles in the two countries.

A host of famous names have had their faces printed on the consoles and have personally autographed them to benefit the David Peachey Foundation, a charity that aims to promote the development of indigenous youth in Australia.

Fans can bid on consoles signed by Russell Crowe, Kelly Rowland, Slash, Jamie Oliver, Kim Kardashian, Elle Macpherson and many more. There is also a special Halo Console designed by Lord Of The Rings effects wizard Richard Taylor and Weta Workshop.

Ben Stiller Joins Artists For Peace And Justice Board Of Directors

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) has announced that it will merge with Ben Stiller’s Haitian school initiative (HSI).

The two organizations, both of whom were committed to improving living conditions in impoverished Haiti prior to the devastating earthquake, will combine their shared passion in helping build essential schools for the children of Haiti. Together they have engaged Global Philanthropy Group (GPG) to help develop and manage their philanthropic efforts. In partnership with an interim Country Director in Port-au-Prince, GPG will coordinate the day-to-day efforts of APJ.

“Ben Stiller understands the important role of schools in the lives of Haitian children. Together we share a mutual passion and determination to be as effective as quickly as possible,” says Paul Haggis, founder of Artists for Peace and Justice. “For the children of Haiti, schools provide so much more than education. They provide their only hot meals, their only clean drinking water and medical attention. These are critical elements for children, especially in a time of crisis.”

Keith Urban Building Schools In Haiti

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Country singer Keith Urban spoke on the radio recently about a project he and his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, are involved in – building schools in Haiti.

“We’re going to be funding a school down there for the next five years,” he told CatCountry 96. “The kids will also have one hot meal a day. They’ll have all of their medical taken care of by the school, and clothing as well.”

Several other celebrities have joined the same Artists for Peace and Justice school building project, including Javier Bardem, Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe, Penelope Cruz, Clint Eastwood and Sean Penn, each committing $50,000 a year for the next five years. The schools will be attended by children living in slums and camps around Port-au-Prince.

Stars Make Long-Term Charity Donations To Help Haiti

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is proud to announce the support of an impressive roster of Hollywood celebrities who have pledged their long-term support to Haiti through annual donations.

The stars are lending their financial support and influential voices to help rebuild Haiti by funding street schools for the children living in the slums and in the burgeoning camps around the city of Port-au-Prince. Getting children back to school – often the only place they receive clean drinking water, their only food for the day, medical attention, clothing and hope – has become a top priority. APJ remains committed to long term sustainability in the ravaged country.

The following donors will each contribute $50,000 annually for the next five years ($250,000 total). Each donation will fully sustain a street school in Port-au-Prince including providing clean water, meals, medical supplies and educational material to the children: Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe with wife and musician Danielle Spencer, Penelope Cruz, Clint Eastwood with wife Dina, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Sean Penn and more.

Russell Crowe Gives Movie Prop To Charity

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Russell Crowe has arranged for a large and expensive prop from his new Robin Hood film to be given to a charity which aims to raise awareness of Scottish culture and heritage.

The battering ram will be used by the Clanranald Trust in a medieval fort it is building which aims to create an arena where people can experience the atmosphere of an authentic medieval working community.

“Russell and I have kept in touch over the years and he knew a bit about the fort we’re building,” said the trust’s chief executive, Charlie Allan, who worked with the actor on Gladiator. “While we were on the set [of Robin Hood] near Farnham in Surrey he suggested trying to get some of the props. I had my eye on some tents, which I thought would look good until we got our long houses built. He said he’d do what he could to help and the very next day he came to me with a huge grin on his face, grabbed me by the sleeve, pointed at the battering ram and said, ’It’s all yours’.”

Russell Crowe Continues Generous Streak

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe took a break from filming Robin Hood last week to visit a British charity shop and donate £1,000.

The 45-year-old had earlier shown his generosity when he gave a co-worker on his current film money to buy a new car after hers was destroyed. Now he took the time to visit a Cancer Research UK and talk to staff.

“We couldn’t believe it when Russell Crowe came in and gave us the money,” said a staff member. “We knew he was in the area and we were all hoping to see him, but we never thought we would get quite so close to him. We were all a bit star-struck, but it was lovely to meet him, and he stopped and took the time to speak to us.”

Russell Crowe Comes To The Rescue

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

It was a case of life imitating art last week when Russell Crowe dipped into his own pocket to help out a damsel in distress.

The New Zealand-born star is currently in the UK filming a new big screen version of Robin Hood, and turned the role into reality when he paid for a new car for a crew member whose old car went up in flames.

Denise Yarde – a boom operator on the film – was driving to the set when her car caught fire and was completely written off. When told about the accident, Crowe immediately gave her £5,000 for a new car.

Robert F Kennedy Center Launches Charity Auction For Human Rights

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

An exciting new charity auction has been launched featuring an unbelievable number of celebrity experiences.

Ever want to meet Oprah Winfrey? Hop in the pool for a swim lesson from Michael Phelps. Get fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn over lunch at Bryant Park Grill? Learn the arts of comedy and paper sales from Steve Carell on the set of the Office. How about talking politics with the most powerful woman in Washington, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, during a tour of the U.S. Capitol or crossing the aisle to discuss backyard BBQ recipes and foreign policy with Senator John McCain? See Iron Chef Bobby Flay in action at Kitchen Stadium? Make your Hollywood debut in Ridley Scott’s new “Robinhood” film, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Seek enlightenment and meet Richard Gere with VIP tickets during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 2010 trip to NYC. Or ride in a pace car at the Indy 500 and party with track chairman, Mari George.

Supporters of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights have put together these experiences and much more for their Annual Online Auction. With the help of CharityBuzz, the online auction will raise funds supporting the RFK Center’s human rights work. The auction is open now and runs until December May 28th with new lots continuing to be added each and every day.

Russell Crowe Promotes Environmental Petition

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe is currently trying to stop Australian officials from strip mining in Steve Irwin’s wildlife in Queensland.

Over 130,000 hectares of wilderness land was gifted to conservationists by politicians after Irwin’s tragic death in 2006 as a tribute to his work. But now the government plans to allow a local aluminum company to mine a portion of the wildlife reserve.

“That site actually operates as a water filter, and there are some species of plants and animals that don’t really appear in other places, and the river the water runs into, the Wenlock River, has the largest bio-diversity range of any freshwater river in the country – it has things like saw-toothed sharks and estuarine crocodiles,” said Crowe. “He’s [Irwin] not here to stand up for himself and I just feel, as his friend, that we can’t do that… I made an offer to the environmental minister to have a talk about it but he hasn’t bothered to respond.”

Nicole Kidman And Keith Urban Donate Half A Million To Red Cross

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

During a telethon held last week to raise money for communities devastated by the bushfires sweeping through Victoria, Australia, actress Nicole Kidman and her musician husband Keith Urban appeared by satellite from Tennessee to show their support and make a $500,000 donation to the Red Cross.

“As Australians, I think the biggest thing is that no matter where you are in the world we support each other,” Kidman said on camera. “We’re Aussies, and we support each other and we rally. We would like to donate a half a million dollars on behalf of our family to the families that need it now.”

Kidman and Urban weren’t the only Australian celebrities to back the telethon. Russell Crowe was one of the first people on the phone when it was announced. Hugh Jackman was also quick to get involved.

Olivia Newton-John Sends Message Of Hope To Fire Victims

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Olivia Newton-John has sent a message of hope and love to the victims of the Australian bushfires. Speaking exclusively to Look To The Stars, the multi Grammy winning artist has urged people to donate to disaster relief funds

“My heart goes out to [the victims],” she said. “My heart hurts for my country and the animals and people of Australia and I just can’t imagine the horrors they’re going through. I send my love, I wish I was there to do more at this moment. I’ve been really touched by the generosity of the Australian people because they are an amazing resilient people that have always dug deep to help. I ask everybody to dig even deeper because this is just an unprecedented catastrophe. I send out my love and light to everybody affected.”

The singer’s words come the day after a massive benefit concert/telethon was held in Australia to raise money for the cause. Australia Unites featured a host of celebrities including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Rachel Griffiths, Naomi Watts, Ellen DeGeneres, Anthony La Paglia, Shane Warne, Rove McManus, and Australian Olympic legend Cathy Freeman. Manning the phones for the evening were Orlando Bloom and girlfriend Miranda Kerr. Among the performers were The Living End, Jessica Mauboy, Jimmy Barnes, Lee Kernaghan, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, and John Williamson.

Alicia Keys Celebrity Charity Auction To Support Keep A Child Alive

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Alicia Keys and many of her celebrity friends are coming together for a star-studded celebrity charity auction benefitting Keep A Child Alive.

The list of celebrity ambassadors for Keep a Child Alive is as extensive as it is impressive and they are urging others to support the fight against AIDS in Africa. Join Alicia and celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Bill Cosby, Britney Spears, Russell Crowe, Rachael Ray, Kirsten Dunst, Magic Johnson, Forest Whitaker, Jenny McCarthy, Josh Brolin, Denzel Washington, the NY Giants and many more as they come together to raise support and money for an inspiring cause.

Lleyton Hewitt Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Former tennis ace Lleyton Hewitt will be in Melbourne on Thursday, October 30, to promote a new charity auction.

The Cure Our Kids auction includes a range of unique items, such as the tennis racquet used by world No.1 Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic’s pink tennis dress from her French Open win, as well as items from celebrities including Russell Crowe, Andre Agassi, Gwen Stefani, Toni Collette and Hugh Jackman.

“We’ve [also] got a signed shirt from Roger Federer that he actually gave me after he beat me, which is the last thing you want to see from someone who has beaten you in the locker room,” said Hewitt. “It’s been hard bringing it all together – but it’s very satisfying.”

Russell Crowe To Donate Hair To Charity

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0000

New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe is to donate his hair to a charity that provides wigs to young cancer patients.

The 44-year-old is currently filming Nottingham, a film in which he will play the roles of both Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. He has spent months cultivating shoulder length locks for the production, and has announced he will donate them to Locks Of Love when filming finishes.

Locks Of Love provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada who are under age 18 and suffer from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Their mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics.