Russell Crowe Slams Director as “Idiot” for Criticizing Meg Ryan Affair

The Scandalous Affair That Overshadowed Proof of Life

In the 2000 thriller Proof of Life, Russell Crowe played a role that mirrored his real-life situation.

While filming the movie, Crowe and his co-star Meg Ryan began an off-screen affair that caused quite a stir.

The scandalous romance between the two actors overshadowed the release of the film and led to Crowe calling director Taylor Hackford an “idiot.”

Let's delve into the details of this notorious affair.

At the time, Ryan was married to actor Dennis Quaid.

Crowe, who had recently achieved fame for his role in Gladiator, was single and at the peak of his career.

However, Ryan, known as “America's Sweetheart” after starring in popular romantic comedies such as Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, was already a household name.

Rumors of a budding romance between Ryan and Crowe started circulating during the filming of Proof of Life.

In June 2000, Ryan and Quaid announced their separation, followed by confirmation from the New York Post that Ryan and Crowe were indeed a couple.

Reports claimed they were seen getting cozy in various restaurants and clubs in London.

When Proof of Life was released in December 2000, it faced numerous challenges.

The film's production was marred by the death of a stand-in actor, and both Crowe and Ryan refused to do interviews to avoid questions about their relationship.

Director Taylor Hackford expressed his disappointment with the lack of support from the actors, blaming their affair for the movie's poor performance.

Hackford had even cut a love scene between Crowe and Ryan after testing versions of the film with audiences.

The film received mediocre reviews and failed to attract audiences, resulting in financial losses.

Hackford believed that the tabloid coverage of the real-life affair overshadowed the film and contributed to its underwhelming reception.

In an interview, he stated that the affair had a destructive effect on the film's release in the US.

When confronted with Hackford's remarks, Crowe didn't hold back.

He called the director “an idiot,” emphasizing his disdain for the comments made.

However, Crowe later reconciled with Hackford and worked with his wife, Helen Mirren, in a different project.

Despite assumptions, Ryan denied that her affair with Crowe was the reason behind the end of her marriage to Quaid.

She described her relationship with Quaid as “unhealthy” and claimed that Crowe was not responsible for breaking up their marriage.

Ryan later revealed that Quaid's infidelity played a part in their separation.

Following the scandal, Ryan's career took a hit, and she struggled to regain her previous success.

However, she found liberation in facing public scrutiny and disapproval.

Despite the setbacks, Ryan is set to return to her rom-com roots with an upcoming movie titled What Happens Later, where she serves as both a co-star and director.

The affair between Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan caused quite a buzz in Hollywood, leading to strained relationships and career repercussions.

While the scandal may have faded over time, its impact on the lives of those involved will forever be remembered.