Russell Brand is an English actor, comedian, writer, and activist. He is best known for his flamboyant and loquacious style. He has received three British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA Award nomination during his career timeline. His career includes hosting the television show Big Brother's Big Mouth, starring in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, Arthur, and Rock of Ages, and releasing successful stand-up specials like Messiah Complex. He also hosted The Russell Brand Show on radio and launched the political-comedy web series The Trews on YouTube. In September 2023, Brand faced allegations of rape, sexual, and emotional abuse by five women dating from 2006 to 2013, which he has denied, stating that his relationships have always been consensual.
Russell Brand, a prominent English comedian, actor, writer, activist, and radio host, is well-known for his outspoken views on topics like wealth inequality, addiction, corporate capitalism, climate change, and media bias. He has a diverse filmography, including roles in movies and TV shows such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, Despicable Me, White Teeth, Rock of Ages, and many more. Brand has used his platform to engage in discussions on various societal issues.
Russell Brand took birth on 4th June 1975. He was born in Orsett Hospital in Grays, Essex, England. He is the only child of her mother, Barbara Elizabeth (née Nichols), and her father, Ronald Henry Brand. His parents separated when he was six months old, and he was raised by his mother. When he was 14, he developed bulimia nervosa. He made his theatrical debut at the age of 15 in a school production of Bugsy Malone and then began work as a film extra. He attended Grays School and in 1991, he was accepted to the Italia Conti Academy and had his first year of tuition funded by Essex County Council.
Russell Brand's career encompasses stand-up comedy, acting, presenting, radio, podcasting, and writing. He gained attention in 2000 at the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year final, leading to representation by Bound and Gagged Comedy Ltd. He made his Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut in 2000 and performed in various comedy shows. His confessional one-man shows about his heroin addiction, such as "Better Now" and "Shame," garnered critical acclaim and tours. Brand performed stand-up at Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball in 2006 and 2012.
Furthermore, he has hosted several TV shows, including "Big Brother's Big Mouth" and "The Russell Brand Show." His acting career took off with roles in films like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "Get Him to the Greek," and "The Tempest." Brand is known for his controversial stint hosting the 2008 MTV VMAs. He also ventured into radio, podcasting, and writing, with books like "My Booky Wook" and "Revolution." In 2017, he launched the podcast "Under the Skin" and authored "Recovery" and "Mentors," among other projects.
Russell Brand's political activism, which began in 2009 with his condemnation of Israel's Gaza assault and defense of Baháʼí Faith leaders, has evolved significantly. His involvement in the 2009 G-20 protests, 2010 arrest for an altercation with a paparazzo, and hosting an event for the Dalai Lama in 2012 marked early interventions. His controversial "Oracle" award speech at the 2013 GQ Awards and Newsnight interview with Jeremy Paxman, where he called for revolution and critiqued the British political system, stirred debate.
Brand's editorial work for the New Statesman and participation in protests like the Anonymous Million Mask March highlighted his activism. The launch of "The Trews" YouTube series, anti-austerity engagement, and documentaries on drug policies and inequality characterized his 2014-2017 period. He encouraged voting in 2015, endorsed Jeremy Corbyn, and continued political involvement. However, Brand's recent focus on conspiracy theories and COVID-19 denialism led to a shift in his political direction and the establishment of "Stay Free with Russell Brand" on Rumble.
Russell Brand, a multi-talented individual known for his comedy, acting, writing, and activism, has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2023. He makes an annual salary exceeding $5 million, primarily stemming from his career in the entertainment industry and supplemented by his success as an author. Brand's passion for automobiles is evident through his collection, which includes a Volvo XC90 valued at $70,000 USD and a Jaguar F-TYPE, which set him back $120,000 USD. Additionally, he owns an Audi Q2, a Tesla Model X, and a Range Rover Sport.
Brand's assets extend beyond cars, encompassing eight real estate properties and two luxury yachts. His primary residence is a luxurious 9,400-square-foot home located in Grays, Essex, which he acquired for an estimated $13 million and features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Russell Brand is currently enjoying a lavish lifestyle.
Russell Brand is currently married to actress Laura Gallacher, and they tied the knot on August 26, 2017, in Henley-on-Thames. Their relationship has had its ups and downs. Russell first dated Laura Gallacher from March 2006 to December 2007, and although he wanted to have children with her, their relationship ended due to Brand's reluctance to commit to monogamy. They reconciled in late 2009, but it wasn't until early 2016 that they got engaged. They welcomed their first child, daughter Mabel, in November 2016, followed by their second daughter, Peggy, in July 2018. In June 2023, it was revealed that they were expecting their third child together, and the family continues to lead a happy life.
Before his marriage to Laura, Russell Brand was married to American singer Katy Perry. They first met in mid-2009 and began dating after reuniting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards in September. They got engaged on New Year's Eve 2009 during a holiday in India and had a Hindu ceremony on October 23, 2010, near the Ranthambhore tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan. However, their marriage didn't last, and Brand filed for divorce on December 30, 2011, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in July 2012. After his divorce from Katy Perry, Russell had several brief relationships with individuals such as casting director Isabella Brewster, Geri Halliwell, writer Jemima Goldsmith, and TV personality Ferne McCann in the years that followed.
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Russell Brand is a tall and slim actor with a height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and a weight of 74 kg (163 pounds). He has distinctive features including scruff, a Sanskrit tattoo on his arm, and big hair, often using catchphrases like "The Swines!", "Hare Krishna!", and "T'is rhubarb!" His body measurements are approximately a chest size of 41 inches (104 cm), arms/biceps of 14 inches (35.5 cm), and a waist of 32 inches (81 cm). He is believed to wear size 10 (US) shoes.
Russell maintains his physique through yoga sessions and follows a vegan diet, which not only refreshes his mind and body but also helps him in socializing with new people. Before his marriage to Katy Perry, he also trained in Krav Maga, a martial art, as part of his fitness regimen.
Brand embarked on his entertainment journey as a stand-up comedian, captivating audiences with his distinctive combination of humor, storytelling, and quirky persona. His comedic talents garnered him early recognition and a dedicated following within the comedy club circuit throughout the United Kingdom.
Russell has been open about his struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Additionally, he has received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a condition that can lead to extreme mood swings, affecting one's emotional states significantly.
Brand's passion for football runs deep, and he has been a dedicated fan of West Ham United since his childhood. Interestingly, he's not the only celebrity who lends their support to "The Hammers." The club boasts a roster of famous supporters, including John Cleese, Keira Knightley, James Corden, Ray Winstone, and even former U.S. President Barack Obama, all rallying behind its players.
Brand once worked as a postman, although he was not exactly an employee of the month at Royal Mail. He had to say sorry for stealing letters and birthday cards while on the job to feed his drug addiction. Apparently he only took the job in the hope of being propositioned by lonely women.
Russell Brand made a significant dietary choice when he became a vegetarian at the young age of 14. Later, in 2011, he took his commitment to the next level by embracing a vegan lifestyle. His dedication to vegetarianism even earned him the title of 'World's Sexiest Vegetarian' by PETA in 2007. Brand humorously remarked on his choice, saying, "Even as a junkie, I stayed true – 'I shall have heroin, but I shan't have a hamburger.' What a sexy little paradox."