Which actor played detective Richie Roberts in American Gangster?

Russell Crowe played detective Richie Roberts in American Gangster. The film follows Roberts as he leads a task force investigating Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian, American Gangster was loosely inspired by the real investigation into Lucas's heroin operation. Crowe prepared for the role by studying the real Roberts's speech and mannerisms. The movie presents Roberts as a principled detective who turns against corruption within law enforcement while pursuing Lucas.

A common mix-up is confusing Crowe's role with Washington's: Washington plays Lucas, while Crowe plays Roberts. The film also takes substantial dramatic liberties with the real events, and the real Roberts was not portrayed entirely literally. Crowe and Washington had previously appeared together in Virtuosity, making their pairing in this crime drama especially notable.