Psycho Crowe

Film

16:30 26 September 2005

Russell Crowe claims Hollywood turned him into a "messy, psychologically-damaged weirdo".

The Oscar-winning actor, who threw a phone at a New York hotel worker in a fit of rage, says you have to be slightly disturbed to work in movies.

He quipped: "I am obviously a complicated, messy, psychologically damaged weirdo and that is the fundamental requirement for my job.

"It's an unfortunate thing that people don't simply understand that and leave me to my padded cell."

Crowe also confessed he was "stupid" for throwing the telephone at Nestor Estrada in June.

He told Australia's Channel 9 'Sunday' programme: "It was a stupid thing to do but one doesn't dance alone."

Crowe is currently trying to get his assault charge reduced - so he will have no problems working in Hollywood.

The New Zealand-born actor was charged with second degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon after the alleged attack.

If found guilty, Crowe could be banned from working in America.

The hot-headed star explained to Australia's The Bulletin magazine: "Every time I apply for a visa, it's like you need a suitcase into the embassy. So to add this charge, even as a misdemeanor level, basically stops me getting certain types of visa."

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