Crowe's New Role: Dad

Russell Crowe will be embarking on a new role -- father.

The Oscar-winning actor announced on Monday that he and his wife, Danielle Spencer, are expecting a baby.

New Zealand-born Crowe told Australia's Channel Nine television the couple will become parents in January.

"Danni is 14 weeks and three days. So it is a lot of fun and she is feeling all the effects of it," Crowe said.

The 39-year-old star of "Gladiator" and other box office hits married 32-year-old singer Danielle Spencer on April 7 this year in a ceremony at Crowe's sprawling rural property of Nana Glen near the east Australian beach resort town of Coffs Harbour. — The day was also Crowe's 39th birthday.

Despite the couple's best efforts, scores of media groups clambered to cover the nuptials, hiring out all available local helicopters and staking out the entrance to Nana Glen, Crowe's property in the lush hills near Coffs Harbor, a resort town halfway between east coast cities Sydney and Brisbane.

Australia's media was abuzz in the run-up to the wedding.

Rumors had circulated since June 11 that the couple were expecting a baby.