ACTOR
Theatre
Russell has performed in numerous theatre productions throughout New Zealand and overseas, with a career spanning 35 years.
His most recent performance was as the flamboyant music producer Bob Crewe in the NZ Tour of ‘Jersey Boys’ for G&T Productions.
In 2018, he was invited to perform in ‘Ken Hills Original Phantom of the Opera’ at Tokyo’s Orb Theatre, Japan.
Russell returned to New Zealand in 2013, having spent 7 years in the UK where he performed the leading, comic role of Alberto Beddini in the West End production of ‘Top Hat’ at London’s Aldwych Theatre.
He was cast in the UK tour of ‘The Witches of Eastwick’, playing the role of Joe Marino and understudying the lead role of Darryl van Horne played by Marti Pellow (from the band WetWetWet).
Russell played both Mr Lyons and Narrator in the UK Tour of Blood Brothers, Mr Lyons on the West End at London’s Phoenix Theatre and in the UAE premiere of Blood Brothers in Dubai at the Madinat Jumeira Theatre. He was also invited to play the role of Mr Lyons in the STARCAST performance at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre to commemorate the 20 Year Anniversary of the show.
Film / TV
Russell's film and television credits are numerous and include playing the supporting lead role of Thomas S Monson in the feature film ‘The Other Side of Heaven 2 – The Fire of Faith’ which premiered in the USA in 2019 and was the most successful ‘faith film’ in America for that year.
In November 2013 Russell filmed the David Walliams, Miranda Hart and Joanna Lumley - BBC Christmas TV Movie ‘Gangsta Granny’, playing the role of The Judge and was the standby performer for the role of Flavio Flaviolli played by Robbie Williams.
NZ Film & Television credits include; Shortland Street, Hercules -The Legendary Journeys, Riverworld, Underbelly, Dear Murderer and many TV commercials.
Other Television work includes TV3 Weather Presenter and former television chef. He presented the Tegel Taste Kitchen TV series and competed with Jamie Oliver in the award-winning TVC ‘Duelling Chefs’ for Pams.
