Eric Bana

Biography

Eric Martin Andrew Banadinović (born 9 August 1968), known professionally as Eric Bana, is an Australian actor, comedian, producer, and director. He began his career in the sketch-comedy series Full Frontal before gaining notice in the comedy-drama The Castle (1997). He achieved critical recognition for starring in the biographical crime film Chopper(2000) and as the titular character in Hulk (2003).

After a decade of roles in Australian television shows and films, Bana gained Hollywood's attention for his performance in the war film Black Hawk Down (2001) and as Bruce Banner in the superhero horror film Hulk(2003). He played Hector in the war epic Troy (2004) and took a leading role in Steven Spielberg's historical thriller Munich (2005). In 2009, he played the villain Nero in the science-fiction film Star Trek, which was a critical and commercial success. Bana continued to work steadily in the 2010s, portraying Lieutenant Commander Erik S. Kristensen in Lone Survivor(2013) and playing police Sergeant Ralph Sarchie in the horror film Deliver Us from Evil(2014). In 2018, Bana played the title role in a true crime miniseries, Dirty John. In 2020, he returned to Australia to star in outback thriller The Dry.

Bana has received several Australian Film Institute awards and has performed distinctive lead and character roles across various genres—from epics to science fiction and action thrillers. In addition to acting, Bana is a motor-racing enthusiast and has participated in multiple racing competitions in Australia. Bana was appointed Member of the Order of Australia(AM) in the 2019 Birthday Honours for his services to drama.