Well, it is slimming! Russell Crowe hides his fuller frame in black polo shirt as he enjoys quality time with sons Charlie and Tennyson

While much has been made of Russell Crowe's expanding waistline over recent months, the actor has been staying mum on whether or not it's for an upcoming role. 

But either way the 51-year-old appeared to be conscious of his less than Gladiator physique, opting to wear a loose-fitting black Ralph Lauren polo shirt in an effort to flatter his fuller figure.

The father-of-two completed his casual ensemble with tracksuit shorts and a pair of running shoes for an outing with sons Charlie, 11, and nine-year-old Tennyson in West Hollywood on Thursday.

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Slimming in black? Russell Crowe appeared to be trying to hide his expanding waistline in a black Polo top, as he headed out with his sons Charlie and Tennyson in Los Angeles on Thursday

Slimming in black? Russell Crowe appeared to be trying to hide his expanding waistline in a black Polo top, as he headed out with his sons Charlie and Tennyson in Los Angeles on Thursday

A mystery woman joined the Crowe clan for their outing, although, it's understood the brunette beauty is a nanny to Charlie, 11, and Tennyson, nine, who are currently on their school holidays. 

Russell's estranged wife, Danielle Spencer is also believed to be in the California with the boys after jetting over earlier this month.

On the US Fourth of July holiday, Danielle posted a photo of fireworks on her public Facebook page, boasting about the glorious scenes in Malibu.

Flattering his fuller figure? The 51-year-old appeared to be opting for loose clothing to flatter his fuller figure

Flattering his fuller figure? The 51-year-old appeared to be opting for loose clothing to flatter his fuller figure

Like father, like son! As Rusty walked around town in cut off track pants, his younger son Tennyson seemed to be dressing like his dad, also wearing knee length grey marl shorts

Like father, like son! As Rusty walked around town in cut off track pants, his younger son Tennyson seemed to be dressing like his dad, also wearing knee length grey marl shorts

Mystery woman: While the Crowe clan were spotted with a mystery brunette woman, she's understood to be the boys' nanny, not a love interest of the actor

Mystery woman: While the Crowe clan were spotted with a mystery brunette woman, she's understood to be the boys' nanny, not a love interest of the actor

It is believed the couple celebrated Tennyson's ninth birthday together last week.

Talking about the couples separation in April, Russell said he still feels 'connected' to the mother of their two children. 

'To this day everything I do is still connected to that,' he said during an appearance on Late Night With Seth Myers. 

'We haven't done the deal yet. I'm a very persistent person, you never know. I didn't get married to get divorced.'  

Keeping her distance: The leggy lady strolled behind the Hollywood heavyweight on the outing, keeping 11-year-old Charles company as they walked through West Hollywood

Keeping her distance: The leggy lady strolled behind the Hollywood heavyweight on the outing, keeping 11-year-old Charles company as they walked through West Hollywood

School holiday fun: Russell's sons are understood to be on school holidays and enjoying time with their dad, although mum Danielle Spencer is believed to be there as well

School holiday fun: Russell's sons are understood to be on school holidays and enjoying time with their dad, although mum Danielle Spencer is believed to be there as well

The estranged couple, separated in 2012 after nine years of marriage, and the Oscar winner added he hopes to convince her to rekindle their relationship in the future.

Russell also revealed he doesn't like not wearing his wedding ring and feels unbalanced.

Speaking to Charlie Rose on CBS This Morning he said: 'I was so proud to wear that ring, Charlie. I don't feel balanced..' 

Russell has released his directorial debut The Water Diviner across the globe over much of the past year and has been doing constant press tours to help promote the Australian film. 

Far from his Gladiator self: The Oscar winner is looking a far cry from his toned and trimmed Gladiator physique of 2001

Far from his Gladiator self: The Oscar winner is looking a far cry from his toned and trimmed Gladiator physique of 2001

Press tour: The actor's weight has been expanding as he has been promoting his directorial debut The Water Diviner across the globe over the past year

Press tour: The actor's weight has been expanding as he has been promoting his directorial debut The Water Diviner across the globe over the past year

 

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