Russell Arthur Benson Jr. was born to Cynthia Lattof, a student at Gloucester State College, and Russell Benson, a union plumber who had returned from Vietnam, following a tumultuous event in his life. The couple's union was short-lived, as they divorced in 1979, prompting Cynthia to relocate Russell and his infant brother to Sacramento, California, where she would eventually meet her future husband, Frank Russo. Frank, a kind-hearted individual, adopted the two boys, and Russell's name was legally changed to Russell Austin Russo, marking a significant turning point in his life.
The Russo family, now consisting of Russell, his brother, and their adoptive father, settled in Phoenix, Arizona, before embarking on a cross-country adventure in December 1982 to Long Branch, New Jersey, where Frank's family resided. The family's nomadic lifestyle continued as they rented various homes and duplexes, and Russell's father remarried, resulting in the birth of three more children, further expanding the family's dynamics.
Years later, in April 1992, the Russo family made another significant move, relocating to Rumson, New Jersey, where Russell completed his senior year of high school at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and graduated in 1994.
After completing his high school education, Russell made the bold decision to relocate to Clearwater, Florida in June 1996, accompanied by his long-term girlfriend, Laura Wood. However, the relationship unfortunately came to an end, and in November 1997, Russell returned to his hometown of Rumson, New Jersey, seeking a fresh start.
Upon his return, Russell enrolled in business-finance studies at Brookdale College, pursuing a new path and furthering his educational endeavors. It was during this period that he stumbled upon the Jewelbox Theatre, a renowned institution that would play a pivotal role in shaping his future.
In February 1999, Russell discovered an internship program for acting classes, led by the esteemed director Jade Greene. This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of his journey into the world of acting. Under the guidance of Jade Greene, Russell delved into various acting techniques, including Alexander, Meisner, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, and Method acting.
As he honed his craft, Russell worked as a utility actor in numerous plays, gradually building his confidence and experience. His hard work eventually paid off when he landed a lead role in Clifford Oddet's classic production of "Awake & Sing" as Moe Axelrod, a character previously portrayed by the legendary Sanford Meisner. This accomplishment was a testament to Russell's dedication and perseverance, setting him on a path towards a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Russell's journey as an actor commenced with his travels to the esteemed city of New York, where he pursued his passion for the craft by enrolling in various acting workshops at Tisch, a renowned institution. During his time in the city, he collaborated with the NJ Theatre Exchange, a respected organization that fosters artistic growth and development.
In March 2002, Russell's talent and dedication were recognized when he landed the lead role in the independent film "Envy". This critically acclaimed production saw him portray a complex character afflicted with multiple personality disorder, a challenging and nuanced performance that showcased his impressive range as an actor.
The film's success was marked by its win at the prestigious New York Independent Film Festival, where it received the coveted Buzz award. This milestone achievement not only solidified Russell's position as a rising star in the industry but also served as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Since then, Russell has continued to hone his skills by taking on a wide range of roles in both stage productions and films, further cementing his status as a talented and versatile actor.
