Washington says Crowe is just a 'softy at heart'

Russell Crowe

Denzel Washington says Russell Crowe is a big "softy".

There were fears the two strong-willed actors would clash on the set of the recently completed film, American Gangster, but Washington said Crowe did not live up to his infamous reputation.

"Russell Crowe is cool. He's a good guy," Washington said. "He's intense, but he's a sweetheart. He's a softy."

American Gangster, a crime drama set in 1970s New York and directed by Ridley Scott, is scheduled for release in November and will likely have Washington and Crowe in line for Oscars.