Eric Bana (born
Eric Banadinović; 9 August 1968) is an
Australian
film and
television actor. He began his career as a
comedian in the
sketch comedy series
Full Frontal before gaining critical recognition in the
biopic Chopper (2000). After a decade of critically acclaimed roles in Australian
TV shows and films, Bana gained
Hollywood's attention by playing the role of American
Delta Force Sergeant Norm 'Hoot' Gibson in
Black Hawk Down (2001) and the lead role as
Bruce Banner in the
Ang Lee directed film
Hulk (2003).
An accomplished dramatic actor and comedian, he received Australia's highest film and television awards for his performances in
Chopper,
Full Frontal and
Romulus, My Father.
["Biography". LaurenBergman.com.au. Retrieved 15 March 2008.] Bana performs predominantly in leading roles in a variety of low-budget and major studio films, ranging from
romantic comedies and
drama to
science fiction and
action thrillers. His most popular films include
Black Hawk Down (2001),
Hulk (2003),
Troy (2004), and
Munich (2005).