Moved to California in the late 1920s and attended Hollywood High School, appearing on stage before moving into films.
Appeared in over 60 WWII-era movies as various cadets and military rookie types, retiring in 1948 for a career in business and real estate in the Palm Springs area.
Developed the El Dorado Country Club in the mid-50s and was the chairman of the Palm Springs Golf Classic tournament (now called the Bob Hope Classic) there for numerous years.
Russell was awarded a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Palm Canyon Drive and was the recipient of the The Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
He and wife Janie had two children: Joanie, who predeceased him, and Jeff.
