Russell Crowe, 48, Denies Dating 22-Year-old Samantha Barks — Sort of

Are Russell Crowe and the Jonas Brothers now going for the same women?

As disturbing as that sounds, the 48-year-old Crowe has been romantically linked to his "Les Misérables" co-star Samantha Barks — the same British actress once reported to be dating Nick Jonas! In case you forgot, that's the youngest JoBro, who's the ripe old age of 20. (Nick was Barks' co-star in the production of the classic story in London's West End in 2010.)

To further put Barks and Crowe's age difference in perspective, consider that Barks' part in the "Les Miz" film was the role of Eponine, the one that almost went to 23-year-old Taylor Swift! And don’t forget that by the time Crowe became a mega-star in "Gladiator," he was 14 years older than Barks is now.

Crowe sorta-kinda denied a romantic relationship with Barks over Twitter on Monday, writing, "apparently we are an item according to Aussie magazines...sorry about that Sammi."

But it's not hard to see why the rumors began swirling. Crowe (the father of two sons, ages 9 and 6) and Barks were snapped looking very friendly after their film's big night at the Oscars. They've also sent Twitter messages to each other about working out together, and Barks revealed in a January interview with ITN that she performs with Crowe's rock band.

In one of his many Twitter conversations with Barks, Crowe sent a tweet that certainly sounds like one a guy would send his girlfriend. The day before the Oscars he wrote, "Last tech rehearsals for the Big O done...next up...showtime..@SamanthaBarks will be looking amazing tonight, worth tuning in just for that."

If the two are a couple, they haven't let Barks' dad in on it. Richard Barks told London's The Daily Mail this week that his daughter and Crowe are "simply friends."

The actor has been the target of multiple romance rumors since October, when it was reported that he and wife of nine years, Danielle Spencer, had separated. The "Cinderella Man" star has been linked to Dita Von Teese, 40, and 38-year-old fellow Aussie songstress Natalie Imbruglia just in the last two months.

When the New York Post's Page Six reported in January that the Oscar winner and Von Teese had received a couples massage and was flirting via Twitter, Crowe was clear about what was happening.

"@DitaVonTeese is brave,smart,sweet and elegant. She is a friend of mine," he wrote. "Who wouldn't want friends like that? Friends, not lovers"

He also went on the defensive about Imbruglia.

"I am not having an affair with nor am I dating Natalie Imbruglia," Crowe tweeted. "She has been a friend for years. No flirting, no whispers, total BULLS**T."

Crowe is either simply one friendly guy, or he's a total stud!