Marcus Aurelius, played by Richard Harris, starts the film as the Roman Emperor. He is knee-deep in a 12-year war campaign, with General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe) bravely leading his army against a Germanic tribe. Proud of Maximus' wartime victories, Aurelius intends to allow him to return to his farm in Spain where he can reconnect with his family. Aurelius' son, Commodus (Phoenix), learns that his father plans to have Maximus be his successor as Emperor and restore Rome to a Republic. Enraged, Commodus kills his father and takes the crown.
Despite only featuring in the film's first act, the seasoned actor adds a lot to Aurelius. He both commands and comforts, his warm voice able to bring a grounded, human element to the noble ruler. Outside of "Gladiator," Harris is known for starring in the acclaimed film adaptation of "Camelot," his Oscar-nominated role in "This Sporting Life," and the Clint Eastwood-directed Western "Unforgiven." Perhaps his most recognizable role to modern audiences is that of Professor Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, in the first two "Harry Potter" movies. Sadly, he died in October 2002 and was succeeded by Michael Gambon in the "Potter" series.
