Network Of Shame

How Russell Crowe transformed his look to play a disgraced TV executive…

NEW DRAMA

The Loudest Voice Thursday, Sky Atlantic HD, 9pm & 10.05pm

Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe makes a rare appearance on our TV screens this week – but you might have trouble recognising him.

The 55-year-old star underwent hours in the make-up chair – including having a bald cap and bodysuit fitted – to transform himself into a disgraced American TV executive in Sky Atlantic’s new seven-part series The Loudest Voice.

The real-life drama – starting this week with a double bill – chronicles the rise and fall of Roger Ailes, who was the founder and CEO of ultra-conservative TV channel FOX News until he was forced to resign in 2016 following numerous allegations of sexual harassment.

Ailes, who died of a brain injury in 2017, aged 77, spent two decades building FOX News into the most-watched cable news network in America, giving airtime to controversial hosts like Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity (played by Josh McDermitt and Patch Darragh).