SYDNEY - HOLLYWOOD actor Russell Crowe has been named as an ambassador for Sydney, the government of Australia's largest state said Sunday.

New South Wales state premier Morris Iemma said Crowe was one of three leading figures who would feature in a promotional campaign to promote the city in the United States later this year.

The other two ambassadors named alongside Crowe are businessman Peter Holmes a Court and world surfing champion Layne Beachley.

'They are international heavyweights who can influence people from industry, business, entertainment and sport,' Iemma said in a statement. 'Their public support of Sydney will encourage people to visit and invest in business, tourism, the arts, sport and education.

'The Sydney ambassadors will be part of a promotional campaign that will appear in the US later this year.'

Since achieving success in the United States Crowe has maintained strong links with Sydney, and has invested in one of the city's rugby league clubs. -- AFP