Oscar winner Russell Crowe has had his share of tough-guy roles, but he penned a tender note for his son's first birthday.

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Crowe, 40, wrote the open letter about "the most wonderful year" since Charlie's birth. "You are a very special little boy -- so affectionate and so lovely. I'm going to wake you up in a minute and give you your first birthday bottle," hellomagazine.com reported.

"Later mum and I will take you on the harbor for breakfast and this afternoon your grandparents will come over and will spoil the birthday boy rotten. Thank you for coming into my life."

Crowe's softer side also will be seen in the upcoming film "Eucalyptus," a romance starring fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman. Crowe's character must name every type of eucalyptus tree on her father's plantation to marry Kidman.