Russell Crowe...The Soap Star

Yes, Russell Crowe of A Beautiful Mind (2001) and Gladiator (2000) made some of his earliest screen appearances in the Aussie soap Neighbours back in 1987 (he was born in 1964). You can read his full screen appearances at imdb.com and a write up of his Neighbours three show slot at murphsplace.com The character he played in the long running soap was Kenny Larkin and you can read UK updates of the show at Neighbours Spoilers

He had a chance to extend his contract on Neighbours, but opted out saying he was holding out for: "more serious roles."