RUSSELL CROWE has missed out on some prime roles - because he's too honest.

The Australian GLADIATOR star, who once auditioned for THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, was eventually told to smarten up. He says, "I auditioned for the Shawshank Redemption, and I never even got to meet the director. I talked to the casting director and this producer, stated my case and left the room. "The producer chased after me and said, 'You've got to get smart, kid. You can't just come into meetings and be that honest, because no one is going to care.'"

The GLADIATOR actor reveals that she told him to lie - but he didn't think he could work with someone who'd fall for his lines. Crowe says the astute producer also advised him, " 'My advice is - use an American accent and never let them know you're not from Idaho.' I told her that if I could con a director into giving me a role, I wouldn't want to work with him, because I'd believe he was f**king stupid. When I meet a director who understands what the job of acting is, then I'll work with him."

(ALS/TF/KW)

Source: WENN