This unexpected admission added a layer of personal intrigue to the actor’s storied career, offering fans a glimpse into his off-screen life during a significant period leading up to his marriage with Spencer.

The New Zealand-born actor, 61, appeared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday and shocked the hosts with the admission after being asked if he had ever ‘dressed up’ as one of his characters for anyone special.

‘There was one point when I was shooting Master and Commander and Danielle, we weren’t married at the time, but we were coming towards our marriage. It was 2002,’ Russell began.

He added that his ex was so impressed by seeing him in period costume playing a Naval commander in the 1800s, that she began calling him a cheeky nickname.  

‘We were shooting it and she visited the set, she was very much into the high pants and the English Navy uniform,’ Russell revealed.

‘To the point where every now and then she’d call me Captain!’

Russell Crowe has made the bombshell confession that he used to roleplay as one of his characters with his ex-wife Danielle Spencer. Pictured together in 2011

The New Zealand-born actor appeared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday and shocked the hosts with his racy admission after being asked if he had ever ‘dressed up’ for anyone special

In September, it was reported that Russell and his ex-wife Danielle were getting back together – on stage. 

The former couple will share the limelight at Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party, held at the Enmore Theatre on December 20, each performing music on the night. 

Danielle, 56, revealed that the pair originally bonded over their love of music and performed together when their sons were children. 

Revisiting that bond for this new performance has been a sentimental process for the actress and singer. 

‘Russell and I connected through music in the early days of knowing each other,’ Danielle told news.com.au. 

‘We’ve performed together countless times over the years. It seemed like a lovely full circle moment.’

Earlier this year, Russell revealed he is still in close contact with his ex-wife.

Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Russell shared his excitement for the one-night-only performance and a surprising opening act.

Russell revealed that his ex-wife Danielle loved seeing him in a navy costume on the set of Master and Commander – and even gave him a cheeky nickname

The actor is known for his elaborate on-screen costumes. Pictured in hit film Gladiator in 2000

‘My former paramour, my ex-wife, Danielle Spencer, she’s opening the show for us,’ he told the radio hosts. 

Kyle went on to commend the 61-year-old for his ability to remain on good terms with his ex, whom he was married to from 2003 – 2018.

‘Isn’t it nice when you can get an ex to also show up and it doesn’t cause any trouble with the current missus? Everyone’s happy. She’s the mother of your child,’ he said of the blended family. 

Russell replied: ‘Yeah everybody’s cool. The coolest about that is my kids. They’re like, “Dad, that’s excellent”.’

Russell shares two sons, Charles, 21, and Tennyson, 19, with Danielle, who has become famous for hits such as Wish I’d Been Here and A Night Like This.

The pair married in 2003, split in 2012 and their divorce was finalised in 2018.