Who is Eric Bana?
Eric Bana is an acclaimed Australian actor and comedian known for his versatility across genres—from intense dramas to epic blockbusters. He rose to prominence with his gripping portrayal of criminal Mark “Chopper” Read in Chopper (2000), and later gained international fame through roles in Black Hawk Down, Hulk, Troy, and Munich. Beyond acting, Bana is also a passionate motor-racing enthusiast and a dedicated family man.
Eric Bana Biography
Born Eric Banadinović on August 9, 1968, in Melbourne, Victoria, Bana began his career in comedy, performing stand-up while working as a barman. His breakthrough came with the sketch comedy show Full Frontal, where his impersonations of celebrities and quirky characters earned him national attention. He transitioned to film with The Castle (1997), and his dramatic turn in Chopper solidified his reputation as a serious actor.
Hollywood soon came calling, and Bana starred in Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down (2001), followed by Ang Lee’s Hulk (2003), where he played Bruce Banner. His role as Prince Hector in Troy (2004) and Avner in Spielberg’s Munich (2005) showcased his range and depth. In recent years, he’s returned to Australian cinema with critically acclaimed performances in The Dry and its sequel Force of Nature.
Eric Bana Net Worth
Eric Bana’s estimated net worth is $45.5 million. His wealth stems from a successful film career spanning over two decades, including major Hollywood productions and Australian films. He also earns from endorsements, producing, and voice acting roles in animated features like Finding Nemo.
Eric Bana Family
Eric Bana is married to Rebecca Bana (née Gleeson), a former TV publicist. The couple has two children: Klaus and Sophia. Despite his fame, Bana maintains a low-profile family life in Melbourne, Australia, and is known for being a devoted husband and father.
| Family Member | Relation | Background / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ivan Banadinović | Father | Croatian, born in Zagreb; worked as a logistics manager for Caterpillar Inc. |
| Eleanor Banadinović | Mother | German heritage; worked as a hairdresser; originally from near Mannheim, Germany |
| Anthony Banadinović | Brother | Older sibling; not publicly active in media |
| Rebecca Bana | Wife | Publicist; married Eric in 1997; daughter of former Chief Justice Murray Gleeson |
| Klaus Banadinović | Son | Born in 1998; interested in filmmaking and history |
| Sophia Banadinović | Daughter | Born in 2002; dancer and model; active in Melbourne’s creative scene |
| Murray Gleeson | Father-in-law | Former Chief Justice of Australia |
| Jacqueline Gleeson | Sister-in-law | Judge of the High Court of Australia |
Eric Bana Age
As of 2025, Eric Bana is 56 years old.
Eric Bana Wife
Eric Bana married Rebecca Gleeson in 1997. They met while working on the TV show Full Frontal, where Rebecca was a publicist for the Seven Network. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and Bana proposed during a trip to the U.S. after being named Cleo Magazine’s “Bachelor of the Year.”
Eric Bana Birthday
Eric Bana was born on August 9, 1968, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. That makes him 56 years old as of 2025. His birthday falls under the zodiac sign Leo, often associated with charisma, creativity, and leadership—traits that definitely shine through in his acting career.
Eric Bana Nationality
Eric Bana is Australian by nationality. He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and his full name is Eric Banadinović. His father is of Croatian descent and his mother is German—so while his heritage is European, he was raised in Australia and built his career there.
Eric Bana Ethnicity
Eric Bana is of Croatian and German descent. His father, Ivan, was born in Zagreb, Croatia, and his mother, Eleanor, hails from Mannheim, Germany.
Eric Bana Children
Eric Bana has two children with his wife, Rebecca Bana:
| Name | Birth Year | Interests/Career |
|---|---|---|
| Klaus Banadinovich | 1999 | Aspiring filmmaker; loves history and travel |
| Sophia Banadinovich | 2002 | Dancer and model; works with Melbourne’s Talent Buro |
Klaus is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts and has already worked on projects like The Underpass. Sophia, meanwhile, is carving out her own path in the creative world with ambitions to act in the future.
Eric Bana Daughter
Sophia Bana is Eric’s daughter. She’s a dancer, model, and aspiring actress who signed with a talent agency and made her runway debut at Melbourne Fashion Week in 2024. She’s also studying at the University of Melbourne and has expressed interest in acting, following in her father’s footsteps.
Eric Bana Height
Bana stands at 6 feet 2½ inches tall, which is approximately 189 cm. His commanding height has often complemented his roles in action-packed films like Hulk, Troy, and Black Hawk Down, where physical presence adds to the character’s intensity.
Eric Bana Birth Sign
Bana’s zodiac sign is Leo, based on his August 9 birthday.
Eric Bana Father
Bana’s father is Ivan Banadinović, originally from Zagreb, Croatia. He worked as a logistics manager for Caterpillar Inc., a role that likely influenced the structured and grounded upbringing Eric experienced in Melbourne, Australia. Eric has spoken fondly of his heritage, noting how his Croatian and German roots shaped his worldview and personal identity.
Eric Bana Instagram
Bana’s official Instagram handle is . As of recent reports, he has around 19,000 followers, where he occasionally shares glimpses of his work, personal interests, and behind-the-scenes moments
Eric Bana Movies
| Title | Year | Genre | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopper | 2000 | Biopic/Crime | Mark “Chopper” Read |
| Black Hawk Down | 2001 | War/Drama | SFC Norm “Hoot” Gibson |
| Hulk | 2003 | Superhero/Action | Bruce Banner / Hulk |
| Troy | 2004 | Historical Epic | Prince Hector |
| Munich | 2005 | Thriller/Drama | Avner Kaufman |
| Lucky You | 2007 | Romance/Drama | Huck Cheever |
| The Time Traveler’s Wife | 2009 | Romance/Fantasy | Henry DeTamble |
| Star Trek | 2009 | Sci-fi/Action | Nero (Villain) |
| Lone Survivor | 2013 | War/Action | Lt. Cmdr. Erik Kristensen |
| Deliver Us from Evil | 2014 | Horror/Thriller | Ralph Sarchie |
| The Finest Hours | 2016 | Historical Drama | Daniel Cluff |
| The Dry | 2020 | Crime/Drama | Aaron Falk |
| Blueback | 2022 | Family/Drama | Mad Macka |
| Untamed (Netflix Series) | 2025 | Thriller/Mystery | Kyle Turner |