The Gladiator cast features Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Ridley Scott’s 2000 movie on Amazon and Paramount+. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Gladiator takes place in 180 AD. When the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius chooses a general as his successor, he gets killed by his jealous son. The narrative follows the aforementioned military leader as he tries to avoid a life of slavery by fighting against fellow warriors for public entertainment. Here’s every actor and character in Gladiator.

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Gladiator Cast: Russell Crowe as Maximus

Character Profile: A Roman general. He is widower who gets enslaved by the late emperor’s son. Maximus transforms into a legendary gladiator.

Crowe’s Resume: Hando in Romper Stomper (1992), Bud White in L.A. Confidential (1997), John Nash in A Beautiful Mind (2001), Javert in Les Misérables (2012), Jackson Healy in The Nice Guys (2016)

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Gladiator Cast: Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus

Character Profile: The son of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. He wants to save Rome from politicians. Commodus kills his father and has romantic feelings for his sister.

Phoenix’s Resume: Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005), Freddie Quell in The Master (2012), Theodore in Her (2013), Arthur Fleck in Joker (2019), Napoleon Bonaparte in Napoleon (2023)

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Gladiator Cast: Connie Nielsen as Lucilla

Character Profile: Commodus’ sister. She muses about the greatness of Rome. Lucilla looks out for her former lover, Maximus, upon learning about a murder plot.

Nielsen’s Resume: Christabella Andreoli in The Devil’s Advocate (1997), Nina Yorkin in One Hour Photo (2002), Hippolyta in Wonder Woman (2017), Catherine Monroe in Inheritance (2022), Gwen Carver in Role Play (2024)

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Gladiator Cast: Oliver Reed as Proximo

Character Profile: A warrior trainer. He is a former gladiator. Proximo purchases Maximus in North Africa and teaches him how to please crowds.

Reed’s Resume: Bill Sikes in Oliver! (1968), Athos in The Four Musketeers: Milady’s Revenge (1974), Frank Hobbs in Tommy (1975), Doyle Lonnegan in The Sting II (1983), Vulcan in The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)

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Gladiator Cast: Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius

Character Profile: The Roman emperor. He wants Maximus to be the protector of Rome. Marcus gets killed by his son, Commodus.

Harris’ Resume: Squadron Leader Barnsby in The Guns of Navarone (1961), King Arthur in Camelot (1967), English Bob in Unforgiven (1992), Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001), Abbe Faria in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

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Gladiator Cast: Derek Jacobi as Gracchus

Character Profile: A Roman senator. He plans to smuggle Maximus out of Rome. Gracchus plots against Commodus.

Jacobi’s Resume: Caron in The Day of the Jackal (1973), Franklyn Madson in Dead Again (1991), Probert in Gosford Park (2001), Prologue in Anonymous (2011), The Metatron in Good Omens (2019-23)

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The Gladiator cast also includes:

• Djimon Hounsou as Juba
• David Schofield as Falco
• John Shrapnel as Gaius
• Tomas Arana as Quintus
• Ralf Moeller as Hagen
• Spencer Treat Clark as Lucius
• David Hemmings as Cassius
• Tommy Flanagan as Cicero
• Sven-Ole Thorsen as Tiger
• Omid Djalili as Slave Trader

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.