Russell Crowe gets Walk of Fame star

Apr 13, 2010, 12:02 GMT

Russell Crowe has been given a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

The Oscar-winning actor - who has previously refused offers to have the prestigious honour - was accompanied by wife Danielle Spencer and their two sons, Charles, six, and three-year-old Tennyson, as he was presented with a plaque to commemorate the unveiling of his star on Hollywood Boulevard.

Accepting his star, Russell said: "Next to Sir Anthony Hopkins, that's not a bad spot. It's a nice piece of real estate. There's no place I would rather be, apart from with my family, than on a movie set on a feature film - particularly those first few days when the excitement and the freshness is still there.

"Anyway, as I said, thanks for the privilege and I'll always be grateful for it. Cheers."

As well as his family, the 46-year-old 'Gladiator' star was also joined by former colleagues and friends, including director Ron Howard, producer Brian Glazer, actor Sam Worthington and talk show host Jay Leno.

Leno described him as "an all-round good guy who just happens to be one of the greatest actors in the world".

The New Zealand-born heartthrob used to be a notorious hellraiser but has calmed down since marrying Danielle and becoming a father.

Danielle has said: "I don't think I've tamed him, I just think there's a natural progression when you become a parent and are relaxed and happier.

"Perhaps, before that, he was going through quite a ride in terms of his celebrity, which can be confronting. So I think you possibly get defensive. He's moved into a calmer environment that works better for him, but he's just as passionate about his work - and just as complicated an individual."