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Russell Crowe pays tribute as 'beautiful' father dies aged 85

Russell Crowe attends the Showtime limited series premiere of
Russell Crowe's father has died at the age of 85. (AFP via Getty Images)

Russell Crowe has paid tribute to his father John Alexander Crowe following his death aged 85.

The Les Miserables star said he had died on Tuesday in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia where he had been living for the past 25 years.

The 56-year-old actor shared the news with his Twitter followers in message that saw him describe his dad as "beautiful" and "the most gentle of men".

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He wrote: "I arrived back in the bush last night. Today, although the sun is shining and the torrential rain has abated, this date will forever be tinged with sadness.

"My dear old man, my beautiful dad, the most gentle of men, has passed away."

Crowe continued: "I’m posting this because I know there are people all over the world who’s [sic] heart he touched and who’s [who's] ribs he tickled with his sparkly eyes and his cheeky attitude to everyone, and everything, and this is probably as efficient a method as any to pass on the news.

Russell Crowe's parents during
Russell Crowe's parents pictured during the premiere of Cinderella Man in Los Angeles. (WireImage)

"John Alexander Crowe 13th March 1936- 30th March 2021.

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"Born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Passed away in Coffs Harbour, NSW, his home for the last 25 years. Rest In Peace."

The Gladiator star's profile picture was changed to a snap of his father and mother Jocelyn at a red carpet event.

A picture he had posted to Instagram last year of his father smiling while wearing sunglasses and a Princeton cap was also seen as his header photo on Twitter.

He wrote on the photo-sharing site last April: "Isolating with the old man. 84 now. Wearing a hat I got at Princeton while shooting A Beautiful Mind."

Crowe grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, before his family moved to Sydney, Australia, when he was four years old.

His parents both worked as film set caterers while his father also managed a hotel.

Watch: Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman to head Australia Academy of Cinema and Television Arts