'Hard' Crowe pens soppy letter to son

With his drinking, fighting, womanising and general hellraising, it seemed no one could rein in Russell Crowe.

The star's aggressive role as Maximus in Gladiator was almost art imitating life as off-screen he earned a reputation as a Hollywood troublemaker.

Then along came his first child ... and the hardman melted.

Now, a year on from the birth of Charles Spencer, Crowe is more besotted than ever with his son and has released an effusive first birthday letter he has written to the little boy - whom he lovingly calls 'Charlie Boonker'.

Posted on his fan- based website, it describes how he and his wife Danielle Spencer were at their Australian ranch when she went into labour and they had a four-hour journey to get to the hospital in Sydney for the birth.

He says: 'I can tell you that it has been the most wonderful year of our lives. You are a very special little boy, so affectionate and lovely. I am going to wake you up in a minute and give you your first birthday bottle, then later mum and I will take you on the harbour for breakfast.'

He signs off, writing: 'Thank you for coming into my life Charlie Boonker, I love you, Dad.'

Marriage and family life have clearly changed 40-year- old Crowe.

After a feisty on-off, 13-year relationship with ex-Home And Away actress Danielle, they married in April last year.

The chapel ceremony - which is believed to have cost around £1million - was at his ranch in Coff's Harbour, New South Wales.

Last year, before Charles was born, Crowe said: 'Priorities shift with age and maturity as well, not just because you get married and not just because of impending fatherhood.

'People keep asking me what kind of father am I going to be. I don't know who my boy is

yet, but hopefully I'll be the father he needs.' Now, as our picture shows, he is loving every minute of fatherhood.

During a family day out on a boat in Sydney Harbour, he was every inch the doting parent.

After spending a few leisurely hours on the water, Crowe disembarked to take Charles for a stroll.

As he lifted up the strapping, ginger-haired tot for cuddles and kisses, the youngster giggled happily.

Such family contentment is a world away from the actor's wild days of fiery temper, fluctuating-weight and unkempt appearance. Three years ago, he was outraged after a poem he read during his acceptance speech at a Bafta awards ceremony was cut when it was broadcast on television.