Russell Gets Too Big For His Britches...Literally

Posted Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 12:56 PM Central

by Heather Koehler

The Gladiator may like his bigger build but the studios feel otherwise. Fans think he's a heart-throb in any weight class, but Russell Crowe has been given the official word: lose weight or lose jobs.

Movie executives told the star he must lose at least 42 pounds if he wants to land anymore leading roles over much more buff competition like Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt.

A friend contributes the weight gain to his "loneliness after splitting from Meg Ryan." Maybe he thinks some extra love handles will give her something more to hold on to? Doubtful.