Russell Crowe is a New Zealand actor, filmmaker, voiceover artist, and musician. On the other hand, Gerard Butler is a Scottish actor and film producer. Aside from their thriving careers in the entertainment industry, Crowe and Gerard are also known for their striking resemblance. So, are Russell Crowe and Gerard Butler related?

Gerard (L), Moran (C), and Russell (R) attend the Artists for Peace and Justice’s “Let’s Build a School for Haiti” fundraising dinner at the Carlton Hotel in New York City. Photo: Jamie McCarthy Source: Getty Images

Russell Crowe and Gerard Butler’s resemblance became noticeable after they played lead roles in the 2000 film Gladiator and the 2006 film 300, respectively.

Russell and Gerard look identical when playing their distinct characters in their respective movies, leaving many wondering if they are related. Here is everything you should know about them.

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Who are Russell Crowe and Gerard Butler?

Russell Ira Crowe was born on 7 April 1964 in Wellington, New Zealand, to John Alexander Crowe and Jocelyn Yvonne Wemyss. His parents were film set caterers. Russell’s dad died in March 2021, aged 85.

He has an older brother, Terry Mount, who is also an actor. Terry is known for his roles in the TV series Ready, Steady, Go and The Bill. The New Zealander celebrity was four years old when his family relocated to Australia, where Russel attended Vaucluse Public School and Sydney Boys High School.

Later, in 1978, the actor’s family moved back to New Zealand. While in New Zealand, Russel enrolled at Auckland Grammar School. He then proceeded to Mount Roskill Grammar School. He later dropped out of school to pursue a career in the film industry.

The New Zealander celebrity was four years old when his family relocated to Australia, where Russel attended Vaucluse Public School and Sydney Boys High School.

Later, in 1978, the actor’s family moved back to New Zealand. While in New Zealand, Russel enrolled at Auckland Grammar School. He then proceeded to Mount Roskill Grammar School.

He later dropped out of school to pursue a career in the film industry.

Gerard Butler and Russell Crowe attend amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS 2010 benefit gala dinner at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes, France. Photo: Dave M. Benett Source: Getty Images

He began his acting career in 1972 when he portrayed Orphan in the TV series Spyforce. His fame skyrocketed in 2000 when he played Maximus in the drama film Gladiator. He is widely known for appearing in movies such as Les Misérables, A Beautiful Mind, and L.A. Confidential.

On the other hand, Gerard James Butler is a renowned actor, film producer, and voiceover artist born on 13 November 1969 in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents are Edward Butler and Margaret.

Unfortunately, his parents divorced when he was a child. His father, a bookmaker, died in 1991. The Scottish star was raised alongside his older siblings, Brian Butler and Lynn.

Gerard went to St Mirin’s Academy. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Glasgow School of Law. Butler first hit the big screens in 1997 after appearing in the drama film Mrs Brown. He has also appeared in The Bounty Hunter (2010), Law Abiding Citizen (2009), and 300 (2006).

Are Russell Crowe and Gerard Butler related?

No, Russell Crowe and Gerard Butler are not related and have no blood or marriage ties. There is also no close relationship between the two talented actors.

Why do fans think Russell Crowe and Gerard Butler may be related?

Do Russell Crowe and Gerard Butler look alike? Many have mistaken them for one person or seen them as twin brothers. The duo’s striking resemblance was discovered after Crowe and Butler played lead roles in the 2000 drama film Gladiator and the 2006 action film 300, respectively.

Russell and Gerard starred as Maximus and King Leonidas in their respective movies. The pair looks identical when portraying their distinct athletic warrior characters in the two films.

Interestingly, they have light brown hair and blue eyes. In 2016, during an interview with Esquire UK, Butler confessed that he had often been confused with the Gladiator star.

However, the two entertainers in their fifties look different from when they played lead roles in 300 and Gladiator. Russel Crowe has significantly added weight and looks heavier than Gerard.

Who is Russell Crowe related to?

Russell delivers a speech after receiving the Crystal Globe during the opening ceremony of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Photo: Gabriel Kuchta Source: Getty Images

The popular musician is a cousin to Martin and Jeff Crowe, former New Zealand national cricket captains. He is also a nephew of cricketer Dave Crowe. He is also a direct descendant of Simon Fraser, the last man to be decapitated in Britain.

Russell is related to Simon through his paternal grandmother.