Russell Waters embarked on an acting career in the 1930s, swiftly landing various film roles that seemed to promise a brilliant future as a thespian. However, the onset of World War II drastically altered his prospects; he was conscripted into the army, serving for the duration of the war. Amidst the chaos of battle, Russell suffered a debilitating injury around mid to late 1944, resulting in his invalidation back to England.
Following his return home, Russell encountered a young war widow named Barbara, and they eventually tied the knot. The union produced four children: John Waters, Angela, Stephen, and Fiona Fizz Waters. The Waters family resided in a rented two-bedroom flat on the top floor of a property in Anlaby Road, Teddington, Middlesex, conveniently situated near the Thames TV studios.
Despite his evident talent, Russell's acting career was marked by unpredictability, often leaving him underrated and overlooked. This was likely due to the vagaries of time and circumstance brought about by the events of World War II, which had a profound impact on his life and career.