Russell Crowe recollects likelihood encounter with Sinéad O’Connor in shifting tribute: ‘Oh, it’s you Russell’

Russell Crowe shared a touching tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor following the sudden information of her demise at age 56 on Wednesday.

The “Gladiator” actor, 59, recalled an opportunity encounter he had with the singer exterior a pub in Eire final 12 months in a shifting essay posted on his social media.

Whereas working in Eire — O’Connor’s homeland — final 12 months, the actor mentioned he was having drinks with friends exterior a pub in Dalkey, situated round half-hour from the capital metropolis of Dublin, when a fascinating lady walked by him.

“Puffy parker zipped to the nape and her bowed head coated in a shawl,” he wrote of the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer.

“There underneath streetlights with mist on my breath, I met Sinéad. She appeared in my eyes, and uttered with disarming softness, ‘oh, it’s you Russell,’” the actor recalled.

“She got here with us again to the desk and sat within the chilly and ordered a sizzling tea. In a dialog with out fences we roamed by way of the latest Dublin heatwave, native politics, American politics,” wrote Crowe, who was born in New Zealand and grew up in Australia.

“The continued battle for indigenous recognition in lots of locations, however notably in Australia, her heat reminiscence of New Zealand, religion, music, films and her brother the author,” Crowe continued.

“I had the chance to inform her she was a hero of mine.”

Crowe went on to explain the sheer impression the “wonderful” singer had on him following the random encounter that evening.

“When her second cup was taking over the evening air, she rose, embraced us all and strode away into the fog-dimmed streetlights,” he wrote. “We sat there the 4 of us and variously expressed the identical factor. What an incredible lady. Peace be together with your brave coronary heart Sinéad.”

O’Connor’s demise comes 18 months after the January 2022 suicide of her 17-year-old son, Shane.

“My lovely son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very gentle of my life, determined to finish his earthly battle right this moment and is now with God,” she tweeted on the time.

“Might he relaxation in peace and should nobody observe his instance. My child. I really like you a lot. Please be at peace.”