10 Actors Who Died As Heroes (& Then Lived To Become Villains)

6. Russell Crowe

Died A Hero - Gladiator

Considering his special brand of gruffness would seem to fit more villainous characters, it's still rather strange that Russell Crowe's most defining role is still in Gladiator. As Maximus, his steel is transformed into the quiet poise of a military man, his rough edges a mark of war and his one-man-army-against-Rome story is as compelling now as it was on release.

It was always fitting that Maximus would die at the end, having got his revenge on Commodus, because it meant he got his happy ending of returning to his family. And it arguably added the poignant final note to make him one of the best heroes ever.

But Became The Villain - Les Miserables

Having butchered Joaquin Phoenix's malicious emperor in Gladiator to our collective delight, Crowe then turned his attention to butchering some stage musical tunes as Javert in 2012's Les Miserables. Perhaps that's a little cruel, but when enough people say it...

He was actually pretty good in terms of fitting the brief for Javert's presence, despite the divisive singing and offered a great balance to Hugh Jackman's tortured hero. And he was so good that when he bounced off the dam, people probably had to stifle cheers.