Look To The Stars News: Russell Crowe

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’.”

It’s not the first time Russell Crowe has shown his charitable side while working on Robin Hood. Earlier this year he replaced a car belonging to one of the crew that was destroyed, and he also donated £1,000 to a charity shop located near the set

Russell Crowe Continues Generous Streak

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

Last month, the actor gave staff at a Welsh pub a £600 tip.

“Now if anyone badmouths him I tell them to shut up,” said the bar staff. “He could have paid and just left, but they stayed instead and entertained us. Then he paid us that tip – it’s the last thing you expect. He seemed quite friendly and chatty like a really nice guy.”

Russell Crowe Comes To The Rescue

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“Denise’s job involves dressing like an extra and getting right in the middle of the action to pick up the dialogue, so without her there was no filming for a few hours,” a film insider told the Mirror newspaper. "By the time she got to work everyone knew what had happened and she came in for a bit of mickey-taking for driving an old banger. Russell joined in with some of it and she took it in good heart. But at one point, after she said about him never having to worry about buying a new car, Russell went quiet and everyone thought that was the end of it.

“Then later in the afternoon he sought Denise out and gave her the five grand. It was a lovely gesture by Russell, who is known on the set for his generosity.”

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.

Other Auction Highlights include: Visit Ben Stiller or Robert DeNiro on the set of the next installment of the “Fockers” movies. A one hour singing lesson with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Spend a “Day of Fashion” at NY Fashion Week with Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley. Grab lunch at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills with Warren Beatty. Prepared to be mystified during a private magic show from David Blaine. Watch a taping of The Rachael Ray Show and go backstage. Launch your fashion career interning at Diane Von Furstenberg’s NY studio. Hone your blogging skills with an internship at the Huffington Post. Attend the “Dancing With the Stars” finale or catch a dance lesson with former contestant and NFL linebacker, Jason Taylor. Visit the set of “HOUSE” and meet the cast including star Hugh Laurie. Have dinner with Bill Cosby at “Bouley” in NYC and take home signed copies of his recent book and 4 bottles of wine from his private collection. Score tickets to the World Series, Final Four and U.S. Open. VIP tickets to watch the Washington Capitols or Boston Bruins and a catch a ride on the zamboni. Watch the New England Patriots take on the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Owner’s Box. Meet Jennifer Hudson and watch her concert in Nashville. Catch lunch with Regis Philbin, Charles Grodin and Alan Alda. Visit the set of your favorite news shows and meet the hosts including ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and Larry King Live (and bring home a signed pair of Larry’s trademark suspenders), CNBC’s “Mad Money with Jim Cramer”, NBC’s “Meet the Press”, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and “The Rachel Maddow Show”, Fox News’ “O’Reilly Factor” and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. Or hang out with David Foster and friends such as Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Buble in his recording studio.

To access the auction, click here.

Russell Crowe Promotes Environmental Petition

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.”

Crowe continued his protests on The Late Show with David Letterman last week, and publicized a petition that calls for a halt to the plans.

“If any of you were ever touched by Steve’s attitude towards conservation… and making conservation an important subject for us to discuss… go to the website and sign up on that petition because that man deserves to be honored and respected, whether he’s alive or not. He was a fantastic person.”

The petition can be found here.

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

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

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

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.

“We’re Australians. We help our mates,” Jackman said. “And in the toughest times that’s when we come together.”

Red Cross’ CEO Robert Tickner announced last week his appreciation for public response to the disaster. “We have been inspired by the overwhelming outpouring of community concern and the unprecedented scale of the response,” he said. “In less than four days, more than $50 million has been given by the Australian public. Government contributions and a huge number of additional corporate donations will swell that figure even higher.”

“For us it’s been gut wrenching as Aussies watching this and in particular to be so far away at the moment,” said Urban. “Our hearts go out tonight to all the families that are dealing with the loss of loved ones and having to rebuild their lives again too, which is really what this whole telethon has been about.”

The televised appeal raised over $19 million.

Olivia Newton-John Sends Message Of Hope To Fire Victims

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Hosted by Eddie McGuire on Channel 9, the telethon raised over $20 million for Red Cross relief efforts.

“Our hearts go out tonight to all the families that are dealing with the loss of loved ones and having to rebuild their lives again,” said Nicole Kidman, who appeared via satellite with husband Keith Urban and donated $500,000 to the cause. Canadian singer Michael Buble donated a further $50,000, as did Australian actor Anthony La Paglia.

The Red Cross Fire Appeal has already raised over $75 million, but much more is needed to help the thousands of victims who have lost their homes, possessions and even their families in the disaster. Over 180 people have been confirmed dead, with the toll expected to rise above 200. To donate to the appeal, contact your local Red Cross, or visit the Australian Red Cross website.

Be sure to click back to Look To The Stars early next week for an exclusive interview with Olivia Newton-John.

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.

The celebrity-inspired auction features numerous items that have been generously donated by some of Hollywood’s most talented and brightest stars with big hearts. Bidders have a chance to win hot items such as VIP tickets to the Black Ball hosted by Alicia Keys and Iman.

This auction package ends Monday, November 10th, so make sure to get your high bid in early. Other auction packages include autographed American Gangster posters and scripts from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, signed High School Musical poster from Vanessa Hudgens, 2 signed DVD’s of the Nanny Diaries from Scarlett Johansson, a signed Alex Rodriguez jersey, spending a day with Bonnie and Thor, the reigning King and Queen of Tweens, signed Brooks & Dunn jean jacket and photograph, a signed “How I Met Your Mother” script from Britney Spears, and many more items from celebrities such as Marlon Wayans, Mariska Hargitay, Rick Fox, Tyler Perry, Channing Tatum, the Cheetah Girls, Ryan Seacrest, Dwayne Wade, Julian McMahon and others! This group of auction packages and many others end on November 15th.

This auction is crucial for saving the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. AIDS is a growing epidemic in Africa and has left nearly 13 million children orphans, young mothers without children, and husband’s without wives. The proceeds from this auction will help provide communities with life-saving medication, support, and orphan care to keep children and families alive. Keep a Child Alive is a global initiative to help those who cannot help themselves; bidders are urged to take a stand against this fatal disease and help make a difference.

For more information and to view all the lots, visit www.auctionwire.com/keepachildalive.

Lleyton Hewitt Launches Charity Auction

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/233-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.”

Cure Our Kids is a non-profit organization based in Sydney that is dedicated to raising money for the Oncology Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The auction can be accessed here.

Russell Crowe To Donate Hair To Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

People interested in donating their own hair to the charity can visit the Locks Of Love website.

Look To The Stars News: Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe Gives Movie Prop To Charity

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