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Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer. - Source: Getty Images -
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Danielle Spencer's father said he was "sad" to learn that his daughter and actor Russell Crowe have separated.
The Dancing with the Stars contestant and the Gladiator actor announced their nine-year marriage was over on Monday.
Don Spencer, a former children's TV show presenter, told WHO magazine: "I love them both and am naturally sad as any father would be in this situation."
The couple were said to be living in separate homes in Australia for the past year whenever the Hollywood actor was in the country.
Spencer's friends have also spoken out about her marital break-up and were quick to blame Crowe for prioritising his career over his wife and their two children, Charles, eight, and Tennyson, six.
A friend told the MailOnline: "Danielle is a very 'giving' person and has been very supportive of Russell over the years. She's raised his children pretty much single-handedly while giving Russell the chance to get on with his sparkling career.
"But a show business marriage should still be a two-way street and he has been less behind her career than she has been behind his. She's had to struggle on with the children, keep up her song writing and singing while he's been able to do his own thing in the US."
Crowe's hectic filming schedule is thought to have contributed to the couple's problems.
The actor - who will appear in six movies next year - is currently shooting Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic Noah in New York.
Spencer is said to be expecting a payout of at least $25 million.