Eric Bana
Eric Bana began his career as a comedian in the sketch comedy series Full Frontal and gained critical recognition in the biopic Chopper (2000). After a decade of critically acclaimed roles in Australian television shows and films, Bana gained Hollywood’s attention after landing the role of American Delta Sergeant Norm ‘Hoot’ Gibson in Black Hawk Down (2001), before his breakthrough in 2003 when he was featured in the lead role as Bruce Banner in the Ang Lee directed film Hulk (2003).
He has become both an accomplished dramatic actor as well as comedian, and has received Australia’s highest film and television awards for his performances in Full Frontal and Chopper. Bana performs predominantly in leading roles in a variety of low-budget and major studio films, ranging from romantic comedies and drama to science fiction and action thrillers. His most popular films include Hulk (2003), Troy (2004), and Munich (2005).
For the role, Bana shaved his head and gained thirty pounds, he also spent two days with Read to perfect his mimicry. During filming he would arrive on set at four in the morning, spending five hours in makeup, being covered in Read’s trademark tattoos. Although the film received a limited release outside of Australia, Bana’s performance was met with positive reviews. American film critic Roger Ebert complimented Bana on his performance stating: "in a comedian named Eric Bana the filmmakers have found, I think, a future star…He has a quality no acting school can teach you and few actors can match. You cannot look away from him".[6][1] Chopper was a critical and financial success in Australia, and was nominated for Best Film at the Australian Film Institute Awards in 2001. Bana’s performance won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor.
Bana is an advocate for the Mental Illness Fellowship, which works to increase the awareness of mental illness in Australia. In 2004, he appeared in several high profile advertisements for the fellowship.[18] Bana is also active in campaigns with the Australian Childhood Foundation and the Bone Marrow Donor Institute. Since 1995, he has participated in the Motorcycle Riders Association Toy Run in Melbourne, which raises money and toys for needy children at Christmas.[19]
In 2005, Bana narrated the documentary Terrors of Tasmania about the endangered Tasmanian Devil. The film was created to raise awarness about an incurable facial cancer which threatens the survival of the species.[20] He has also worked with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, donating money to animal shelters in Berlin while filiming Troy in 2004.
