On Friday, Gladiator star Russell Crowe threw his weight behind Rome's bid to host the Expo World's Fair in 2030, posing at the Campidoglio with a t-shirt for the universal exhibition, with the logo that the Italian capital has chosen, and his name written above it.
New Zealand-born Crowe, 58, spoke with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri about the bid, and said he was the "No. 1 supporter" of the candidacy.
The actor was feted warmly upon arrival in the Bel Paese’s capital, with Gualtieri welcoming the actor to City Hall, perched atop the ancient Capitoline Hill. The two stepped out on a balcony, waving to fans and press as they admired the vista, a breathtaking view of the ancient Roman Forum.
Crowe was gifted a plaque by Gualtieri, bestowing him the title of ‘ambassador or Rome in the world.’
Speaking Italian, Crowe said:
“I am always at the service of Rome."
Crowe portrayed Maximus, an enslaved general who then becomes a gladiator, in the acclaimed 2000 film Gladiator.
Crowe is currently in Rome for the occasion of the city’s annual film festival, whereat a movie he directed and stars in, Poker Face will have its world premiere.
The mayor remarked that the city had decided to give Crowe the plaque, “as the symbol of friendship and affection of Rome for Russell Crowe.”
