Eric Bana facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eric Bana AM
Bana in 2009
Born	Eric Banadinović (1968-08-09) 9 August 1968 (age 57) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1993–present
Spouse(s)	Rebecca Gleeson ​ (m. 1997)​
Children	2
Relatives	Murray Gleeson (father-in-law) Jacqueline Gleeson (sister-in-law)
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Eric Banadinović (born 9 August 1968), known professionally as Eric Bana, is a famous Australian actor and comedian. He started his career in TV comedy shows before becoming well-known in films like The Castle (1997).

After working in Australian TV and movies for ten years, Eric Bana became noticed in Hollywood. He starred in the war film Black Hawk Down (2001) and played Bruce Banner in the superhero movie Hulk (2003). He also played Hector in the epic war film Troy (2004) and had a main role in Steven Spielberg's historical thriller Munich (2005). In 2009, he played the villain Nero in the science-fiction movie Star Trek, which was very popular. Eric Bana continued to act in the 2010s, appearing in films like Lone Survivor (2013) and Deliver Us from Evil (2014). In 2020, he returned to Australia to star in the thriller The Dry.

Eric Bana has won several awards from the Australian Film Institute. He has played many different types of characters in various movies, from big historical films to science fiction and action thrillers. Besides acting, Eric Bana loves motor racing and has taken part in many races in Australia. In 2019, he was given the title Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his great work in drama.

Growing Up and School

Eric Bana was born on 9 August 1968 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His father, Ivan, was from Croatia and worked as a manager. His mother, Eleanor, was from Germany and was a hairdresser. He has an older brother named Anthony. Eric has said he is very proud of his background, which shaped his childhood. He grew up in the Melbourne suburbs of Broadmeadows and Tullamarine. He went to Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School.

Eric showed acting talent from a young age. When he was six or seven, he started imitating his family members. At school, he would mimic his teachers. As a teenager, he watched the Mel Gibson film Mad Max and decided he wanted to be an actor. However, he didn't seriously think about acting as a job until 1991. At that time, he was working as a barman in Melbourne and was encouraged to try comedy. His stand-up comedy shows in pubs didn't earn him enough money, so he kept working as a barman and waiter.

Acting Career

Starting Out (1993–1997)

In 1993, Eric Bana first appeared on TV in Steve Vizard's talk show, Tonight Live. His performance caught the eye of producers from the comedy show Full Frontal. They asked him to join the show as a writer and performer. During his four years on the show, Eric wrote much of his own material. Some of his characters were based on his family members. He became popular for his impressions of famous people like Columbo, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Tom Cruise.

Because of his success, he recorded a comedy album called Out of Bounds in 1994. He also hosted his own TV special called Eric in 1996. This led to his own comedy series, The Eric Bana Show. This show had skits, stand-up comedy, and celebrity guests. However, it didn't attract many viewers and was cancelled after only eight episodes. Even so, in 1997, he won a Logie Award for "Most Popular Comedy Personality" for his work on the show.

In the same year, Eric Bana made his first movie appearance in the Australian film The Castle. This movie is about a family in Melbourne trying to keep their home near the airport. Eric played a supporting role as Con Petropoulous, a kickboxing accountant. The Castle was a big success, earning a lot of money in Australia.

Hollywood Success (1998–2004)

In 2001, director Ridley Scott chose Eric Bana for the film Black Hawk Down. Scott was impressed by Eric's acting and didn't even need him to audition. In the movie, Eric played Norm "Hoot" Hooten, an elite soldier. He fights his way out of a battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. Eric trained hard for months before filming. He also learned how to use weapons and clear rooms with real soldiers.

Between 2000 and 2001, Eric Bana also played Joe Sabatini in Something in the Air. This was an Australian TV show set in a small town. After two seasons, Eric left the show to focus on his Hollywood career.

Eric's next movie was the 2002 Australian film The Nugget. This comedy shows what happens when three working-class men suddenly become rich. Eric liked the script because it reminded him of his childhood. While filming The Nugget, Eric was offered the main role of Bruce Banner in the movie Hulk (2003). He decided to take the role after learning that director Ang Lee was involved. Eric admired Lee's work and thought the character of Bruce Banner had "dramatic potential." Even though Hulk received mixed reviews, Eric's acting was highly praised.

In 2003, he lent his voice to the hammerhead shark named Anchor in the popular animated Pixar film Finding Nemo. In 2004, Eric Bana starred with Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom in the war epic Troy. He played Prince Hector, the leader of the Trojan forces fighting against the Greek warrior Achilles. Eric prepared for the role by taking sword fighting lessons and learning to ride horses. Troy was a big financial success, earning US$497 million worldwide. Eric's performance was well-received by critics.

Historical Films and Star Trek (2005–2010)

Bana at the premiere of Lucky You in May 2007

In 2005, Eric Bana starred with Daniel Craig and Geoffrey Rush in Steven Spielberg's thriller Munich. Eric played Avner, a secret agent. The film was praised by critics and earned $131 million worldwide. It was nominated for five Academy Awards in 2006. Critics praised Eric's acting, saying he showed both sensitivity and strength.

In 2006, Eric Bana was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His next film was the Australian drama Romulus, My Father (2007). This film is based on a true story about a couple trying to raise their son through tough times. The film was a success, and Eric's acting won him another Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor.

Eric's next project was the historical drama The Other Boleyn Girl (2008). In this movie, he played Henry VIII of England alongside Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman. The following year, he starred with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto in the science fiction film Star Trek. Eric played Nero, a villainous space captain. To prepare, Eric shaved his head and wore face tattoos. The film was very popular and earned over US$380 million worldwide. Eric said it was an "unbelievable experience" but he did not return for the sequel.

Star Trek premiere at Sydney Opera House, 2009

In 2009, he also appeared in the science fiction film The Time Traveller's Wife. This movie is about Henry DeTamble (Bana), a librarian who can randomly time travel. He tries to build a relationship with Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams), who becomes his wife. Critics liked the chemistry between Eric and Rachel.

Bana at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

Eric Bana also starred with Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen in the 2009 comedy Funny People. This was Eric's first time in a major American comedy. Critics said Eric showed "real comic flair." Also in 2009, Eric directed and starred in the documentary Love the Beast. This film is about his personal connection with his first car, a Ford GT Falcon Coupe. Lastly, Eric provided the voice of Damien in the animated film Mary and Max (2009).

Recent Work (2011–Present)

In 2011, Eric Bana played Erik Heller, a former secret agent, in the action thriller Hanna. He starred alongside Saoirse Ronan and Cate Blanchett. The film was successful, opening at number two at the United States box office. Many critics praised Eric's performance. A year later, Eric starred in Deadfall, a drama about two siblings after a failed heist.

Eric Bana played Lieutenant Commander Erik S. Kristensen in Lone Survivor (2013). He said he loved the story and knew the director, Pete Berg, was the right person for the job. Lone Survivor earned US$154.8 million worldwide. Critics praised the actors for being "convincing in their humanity." Eric then appeared in the thriller Closed Circuit (2013), playing a lawyer.

In 2014, Eric Bana starred as Ralph Sarchie, a police sergeant who investigates strange cases, in the horror film Deliver Us from Evil. The film was released on 2 July 2014. In 2016, he played Frank Bonneville, a struggling radio journalist, in Ricky Gervais's Special Correspondents. This film was streamed on Netflix. Eric also had a role in Disney's The Finest Hours (2016). In the same year, Eric played doctor Stephen Grene in The Secret Scripture.

In 2017, Eric Bana played Uther Pendragon, the king of Britain and father of future King Arthur, in Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017). In 2021, Eric Bana starred in the mystery drama, The Dry. This film is based on the popular book of the same name. In the same year, Eric provided the voice of zookeeper Chaz in the animated film Back to the Outback. In 2022, he voiced Monterey Jack in the animated film Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers. He also appeared in the drama Blueback. In 2024, he starred in Force of Nature: The Dry 2 and A Sacrifice. He also voiced James The Magistrate in Memoir of a Snail. As of July 2025, Eric Bana is filming a movie called Apex. He also starred in the miniseries Untamed, which began streaming on Netflix on July 17, 2025.

Personal Life

Eric Bana's birth name is still Banadinović on his official documents.

In 1995, while working on the TV show Full Frontal, Eric Bana started dating Rebecca Gleeson. She was a publicist and the daughter of a judge. They got married in 1997. Eric and Rebecca have two children: Klaus (born 1999) and Sophia (born 2002). Klaus has studied film, and Sophia is studying part-time at the University of Melbourne.

In 2019, Eric Bana was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to drama.

Interests and Hobbies

Eric Bana loves motor racing and takes part in many races in Australia. When he was 14, he wanted to leave school to become a mechanic. However, his father convinced him to finish school, telling him not to turn his hobby into a job. Eric bought his first car, a 1974 XB Ford Falcon coupé, when he was 15. He made his racing debut in 1996 in the Targa Tasmania race. In 2004, Eric bought a Porsche 944 to compete in Australia's Porsche Challenge. On 21 April 2007, Eric crashed his 1974 XB Falcon Coupe in a rally, but he and his co-driver were not hurt. Eric appeared on the British motoring show Top Gear in 2009.

Eric Bana is a big fan of Australian rules football. He has loved the sport since he was young. His godfather took him to games to see the St Kilda Football Club, which is his favorite team. Eric often attends AFL games when he is in Australia. His love for the St Kilda FC led to the club being shown in his film Funny People. In 2010, Eric was named the "Saints Number One Ticket Holder."

Charity Work

Bana with American service personnel in Kuwait during a screening of Star Trek

Eric Bana is an ambassador for Father Chris Riley's charity, Youth Off The Streets. This charity helps homeless young people. Eric also supports the Mental Illness Fellowship, which helps people understand mental illness in Australia. In 2004, he appeared in advertisements for the fellowship. Eric also works with the Australian Childhood Foundation and the Bone Marrow Donor Institute. Since 1995, he has taken part in the Motorcycle Riders Association Toy Run in Melbourne. This event raises money and toys for children in need at Christmas.

In 2005, Eric Bana narrated a documentary called Terrors of Tasmania. This film was about the endangered Tasmanian devil. He has also worked with RSPCA Australia, donating money to animal shelters.

In 2007, Eric introduced an episode of the ABC-TV documentary series Australian Story. The episode honored actress Belinda Emmett, who starred with Eric in the film The Nugget and passed away from cancer.

During the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season, Eric Bana voiced radio and TV advertisements to encourage donations for the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.

Filmography

Film

Television

Video games

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Eric Bana para niños