Russell Brand Biography

Fast Facts

• Supports Focus 12, a non-profit focused on helping spread sobriety through mission work and fundraising
• Co-founded production company Branded Films in 2011
• Born to photographer Ronald Brand
• Had his first major film role in St Trinian's in 2007
• Studied at Drama Centre London from 1995 to 1998
• Discovered by agent Nigel Klarfeld after his comedy act at the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 2000
• Made his stage debut with his role in "Bugsy Malone․"
• Quote: "I've always had this thing in me ․․․ The thing that says there's only this, there's only now, there's nothing else, so [screw] everything․․․ I have to say to myself, remember, you've got all these things to do - don't ruin it just for the moment․"
• Quote: "Whilst human beings are diverse and different, ultimately - everyone knows what it is to be in love․ Everyone knows what it is to find something funny․ Everyone knows what it is to hate or to be jealous or feel insecure․"
• Gained popularity in the United States with several comedic film roles including "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek․"
• Co-hosted "The Russell Brand Show" for BBC Radio in 2006
• Has been a guest editor for the magazine New Statesman
• Released "My Booky Wook" in 2007
• Has been a vegetarian since age 14 and has kept to vegan diets for long stretches