Russell Crowe's Doubts Over Weighty Role 10/3/08

Actor Ruseell Crowe wants to avoid roles where he has to put on weight - after piling on the pounds for Ridley Scott's upcoming movie Body Of Lies. The star plays a CIA boss in the thriller movie, and was told by Scott he needed to bulk up for the role.

So the Gladiator actor piled on more than 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms) preparing for the part. But Crowe was so disgusted with his appearance, he will now think twice about accepting a similar role again.

He tells USA Today newspaper, "Ridley called up and said ‘Now, mate, would you mind putting on a significant amount of weight? I see him (the character) as an ex-athlete who has let himself go'.

And I trust him so much, I say yes first and rationalize pretentious artistic reason later. "When I see my gut hanging between my legs, I don't know what I was thinking. I'm not sure I'd do that again."

Crowe's Body of Lies co-star and close friend Leonardo DiCaprio was also shocked by the actor's bulky new physique. He adds, "I busted out laughing, I couldn't stop."