Eric Bana: Net Worth, Age, Height, Career, Family And More

Eric Bana is an acclaimed Australian actor known for his versatility and powerful performances. He gained international fame with his roles in movies like “Hulk,” “Munich,” and “Troy.” Bana’s career spans over two decades, showcasing his talent in both dramatic and action-packed roles.

Eric Bana Biographical Information

Full NameEric Banadinović
Place Of BirthMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
HomeTownMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Of BirthAugust 9, 1968
Age56 (as of 2024)
ProfessionActor, Comedian
Zodiac SignLeo
NationalityAustralian
ReligionNot publicly disclosed

Eric Bana Education

QualificationNot publicly disclosed
College/UniversityNational Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
High SchoolPenleigh and Essendon Grammar School

Eric Bana Personal and Professional Challenges

Eric Bana has faced several challenges throughout his career, including the pressure of transitioning from comedy to serious acting roles. Despite initial skepticism, he successfully proved his versatility. On a personal level, maintaining privacy in the public eye has been a significant challenge.

Eric Bana Physical Attributes

AttributesDetails
Height6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
WeightApproximately 93 kg (205 lbs)
Eye ColourBrown
Hair ColourDark Brown
Skin ToneFair
Notable Physical AttributesAthletic build, often noted for his intense on-screen presence

Eric Bana Net Worth

Main Sources of Income

  1. Film and Television Roles
    • Major Films: Eric Bana has starred in several high-grossing films, including “Hulk,” “Troy,” “Munich,” and “Star Trek.” These roles have significantly contributed to his net worth.
    • Television: Early in his career, Bana appeared in Australian television shows such as “Full Frontal,” which helped establish his reputation and provided a steady income.
  2. Voice-Over Work
    • Bana has lent his voice to various animated films and documentaries, adding another stream of income. His distinctive voice has made him a sought-after talent in this field.
  3. Endorsements and Sponsorships
    • Over the years, Eric Bana has been associated with several brands, endorsing products and services that align with his public image. These endorsements have provided substantial financial benefits.
  4. Directorial Ventures
    • In 2009, Bana directed and produced the documentary “Love the Beast,” which explores his passion for cars and racing. This project not only showcased his talents behind the camera but also added to his earnings.
  5. Motor Racing
    • Eric Bana is an avid car enthusiast and has participated in various motor racing events. While this is more of a passion than a primary income source, it has contributed to his overall wealth through sponsorships and winnings.

Investments and Assets

  1. Real Estate
    • Bana owns several properties, including a luxurious home in Melbourne, Australia. Real estate investments have been a significant part of his financial portfolio, providing both value appreciation and rental income.
  2. Automobiles
    • Known for his love of cars, Eric Bana owns an impressive collection of vehicles. This includes classic cars and high-performance models, which are valuable assets in his portfolio.
  3. Other Investments
    • Bana has made various other investments, including stocks and bonds, which have contributed to his net worth. His financial strategy includes a diversified portfolio to ensure long-term financial stability.

Financial Management

Eric Bana is known for his prudent financial management. He has worked with financial advisors to ensure his wealth is well-managed and invested wisely. This careful planning has helped him maintain and grow his net worth over the years.

Philanthropy

Eric Bana is also involved in charitable activities. He supports various causes, particularly those related to children’s health and education. His philanthropic efforts, while not directly contributing to his net worth, reflect his commitment to giving back to the community.

Eric Bana Career

Early Career

Eric Bana began his career in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian in the early 1990s. He performed at various venues while working as a barman at Melbourne’s Castle Hotel. His comedic talent soon landed him a spot on the Australian sketch comedy series “Full Frontal” in 1993, where he gained popularity for his impressions of celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

Breakthrough Role

Bana’s breakthrough came in 2000 with the biographical crime film “Chopper,” where he portrayed the notorious Australian criminal Mark “Chopper” Read. His transformation for the role, which included gaining weight and spending time with Read, earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award for Best Actor.

Hollywood Success

Following his success in “Chopper,” Bana caught the attention of Hollywood. He starred in Ridley Scott’s war film “Black Hawk Down” (2001), which further established his reputation as a versatile actor. In 2003, he played the titular role in Ang Lee’s “Hulk,” showcasing his ability to lead a major blockbuster.

Major Film Roles

  • “Troy” (2004): Bana played Hector, the noble Trojan prince, in this epic historical drama. His performance alongside Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom was widely praised.
  • “Munich” (2005): Directed by Steven Spielberg, this historical thriller featured Bana as Avner Kaufman, a Mossad agent. The film received critical acclaim and several award nominations.
  • “Star Trek” (2009): Bana portrayed the villain Nero in this reboot of the iconic science fiction franchise. The film was a commercial success and introduced Bana to a new generation of fans.

Continued Success

Throughout the 2010s, Eric Bana continued to take on diverse roles in both film and television:

  • “Lone Survivor” (2013): Bana played Lieutenant Commander Erik S. Kristensen in this war drama based on a true story.
  • “Deliver Us from Evil” (2014): He starred as police sergeant Ralph Sarchie in this horror film inspired by real events.
  • “Dirty John” (2018): Bana took on the title role in this true crime miniseries, showcasing his talent in a long-form narrative.
  • “The Dry” (2020): Returning to Australia, Bana starred in this outback thriller, which was both a critical and commercial success.

Additional Ventures

In addition to his acting career, Eric Bana is a passionate motor racing enthusiast. He has participated in various racing competitions in Australia and even directed a documentary, “Love the Beast” (2009), about his love for cars and racing.

Current Activities

As of 2024, Eric Bana continues to work in the entertainment industry, taking on roles that challenge and showcase his range as an actor. He remains a respected figure in both Australian and international cinema.

Eric Bana Awards and Nominations

AwardYearWorkCategoryResult
Logie Award1997Full FrontalMost Popular Comedy PersonalityWon
Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award2000ChopperBest Actor in a Leading RoleWon
Stockholm Film Festival2000ChopperBest ActorWon
Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Award2001ChopperBest Actor – MaleWon
Chicago Film Critics Association Award2002Black Hawk DownMost Promising PerformerNominated
Phoenix Film Critics Society Award2002Black Hawk DownBest Acting EnsembleNominated
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA2003HulkCinescape Genre Face of the Future Award – MaleNominated
MTV Movie + TV Awards2005TroyBest Fight (shared with Brad Pitt)Nominated
Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award2006MunichBest ActorNominated
Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award2007Lucky YouBest ActorNominated
Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award2007Romulus, My FatherBest Lead ActorWon
News Limited Readers’ Choice Award2007Romulus, My FatherReaders’ ChoiceWon
Boston Society of Film Critics Award2009Star TrekBest Ensemble CastWon
Teen Choice Award2009Star TrekChoice Movie VillainNominated
Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Award2009Star TrekBest EnsembleNominated
Scream Award2009Star TrekBest VillainNominated
Gold Derby Film Award2010Star TrekEnsemble CastNominated
Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Award2008Romulus, My FatherBest ActorNominated
Australian Film Institute (AFI) International Award2008The Other Boleyn GirlBest ActorNominated
Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Award2022The DryBest ActorNominated
Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Award2022The DryBest Film (shared with Robert Connolly, Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson, Bruna Papandrea)Nominated
Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award2021The DryBest Film (shared with Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson, Steve Hutensky, Robert Connolly)Nominated
Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award2024BluebackBest Supporting Actor in FilmNominated

Eric Bana Family

Background and Personal Life

Eric Bana was born to Ivan Banadinović, a Croatian-born logistics manager, and Eleanor Banadinović, a hairdresser. He grew up in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in a close-knit family environment. His parents’ diverse backgrounds have influenced his cultural heritage and personal values.

Parents

  • Father: Ivan Banadinović
    • Profession: Logistics Manager
    • Background: Croatian-born, migrated to Australia
  • Mother: Eleanor Banadinović
    • Profession: Hairdresser
    • Background: Australian

Siblings

  • Brother: Anthony Banadinović
    • Details: Eric Bana has an older brother named Anthony. Not much is publicly known about Anthony, as he tends to stay out of the spotlight.

Spouse

  • Wife: Rebecca Gleeson
    • Profession: Publicist
    • Marriage Date: 1997
    • Details: Eric Bana and Rebecca Gleeson met while she was working as a publicist for a television network. They married in 1997 and have maintained a strong and supportive relationship over the years.

Children

  • Son: Klaus Banadinović
    • Date of Birth: 1999
    • Details: Klaus is the elder child of Eric and Rebecca. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on his education and personal interests.
  • Daughter: Sophia Banadinović
    • Date of Birth: 2002
    • Details: Sophia is the younger child of the family. Like her brother, she maintains a low profile and is focused on her studies and personal growth.

Extended Family

Eric Bana’s extended family includes relatives from both his father’s Croatian side and his mother’s Australian side. He often speaks about the importance of family and how his upbringing has shaped his values and career choices.

Family Life

Eric Bana is known for keeping his personal life private, but he has occasionally shared insights into his family life. He values spending quality time with his wife and children, often engaging in family activities and vacations. Despite his busy career, Bana prioritizes his family and ensures a balanced life.

Eric Bana Wife

Rebecca Gleeson is the wife of renowned Australian actor Eric Bana. Known for her work as a publicist, Rebecca has played a significant role in supporting Eric’s career while maintaining a low profile herself. Their relationship is often highlighted as one of the most stable and enduring in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Rebecca Gleeson
  • Place of Birth: Australia
  • Nationality: Australian
  • Profession: Publicist

Career

Rebecca Gleeson has worked as a publicist for various television networks. Her professional background in media and public relations has been instrumental in managing the public image and media interactions of her clients, including her husband, Eric Bana.

Marriage to Eric Bana

  • Marriage Date: 1997
  • Meeting: Eric Bana and Rebecca Gleeson met while she was working as a publicist for a television network. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to their marriage in 1997.

Family Life

Rebecca and Eric have two children together:

  • Son: Klaus Banadinović (born 1999)
  • Daughter: Sophia Banadinović (born 2002)

Rebecca is known for her dedication to her family. Despite Eric’s demanding career, she has managed to maintain a balanced family life, ensuring that their children grow up in a stable and supportive environment.

Public Image and Privacy

Rebecca Gleeson prefers to stay out of the limelight, focusing on her family and professional responsibilities. She rarely makes public appearances, and when she does, it is often in support of her husband. Her preference for privacy has helped the family maintain a low profile despite Eric’s fame.

Supportive Role

Rebecca has been a pillar of support for Eric throughout his career. Her understanding of the media industry has been invaluable in navigating the challenges that come with being in the public eye. Eric often credits Rebecca for her unwavering support and the stability she brings to their family life.

Interests and Hobbies

Rebecca enjoys a variety of interests and hobbies, including:

  • Traveling: The family often travels together, exploring new destinations.
  • Fitness: Rebecca maintains an active lifestyle, often participating in fitness activities with Eric.
  • Reading: She is an avid reader and enjoys spending her free time with a good book.

Eric Bana Social Media Accounts

  • Instagram: Not Official
  • Twitter: Not Official
  • Facebook: Not Official

Eric Bana Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Early Career: Eric started his career as a stand-up comedian.
  2. Passion for Cars: He is an avid car enthusiast and has participated in motor racing.
  3. Voice Work: Bana has done voice-over work for animated films and documentaries.
  4. Charity Work: He is involved in various charitable activities, particularly those related to children’s health.
  5. Directorial Debut: Eric directed a documentary titled “Love the Beast” about his car and racing passion.
  6. Fitness Routine: He maintains his fitness with a mix of weight training and cardio exercises.
  7. Privacy: Despite his fame, Bana is known for keeping his personal life private.
  8. Languages: He speaks a bit of Croatian, thanks to his heritage.
  9. Favorite Role: He has often cited “Chopper” as one of his favorite roles.
  10. Hobbies: Besides acting and racing, he enjoys surfing and spending time with his family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is Eric Bana’s real name?
    • Eric Banadinović.
  2. When was Eric Bana born?
    • August 9, 1968.
  3. How tall is Eric Bana?
    • He is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
  4. What is Eric Bana’s net worth?
    • Approximately $45 million as of 2024.
  5. Who is Eric Bana’s wife?
    • Rebecca Gleeson.
  6. How many children does Eric Bana have?
    • Two children, Klaus and Sophia.
  7. What was Eric Bana’s breakthrough role?
    • His role in “Chopper” (2000).
  8. What are Eric Bana’s hobbies?
    • Car racing, surfing, and spending time with family.
  9. What languages does Eric Bana speak?
    • English and a bit of Croatian.
  10. What is Eric Bana’s favorite role?
    • He often cites “Chopper” as his favorite role.

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