As a child, Russell played harmonica, ukulele, guitar, trombone and
Encouraged by his friends who recognized his talents, Russell
Russell also pursued stand-up comedy, and made appearances in
Anthony came into prominence as "Tony Russo" on the hit comedy on
Russell's film credits include "The Black Dahlia" with Josh
Russell continues to play piano everyday, loving the classic
Personal Info
Tony was recently in the film "The Black Dahlia" playing the
Tony will be seen in a film called "Norbit" starring Eddie Murphy
Russell was one of the regulars on the ABC Touchstone sitcom
"Throughout all the struggles my wife Rosemarie believed in my
Over the years, Tony has worked many times in Las Vegas
Tony is currently conducting acting classes in Los
Barry Wise
Anthony Russell has parlayed an extensive talent for music into an
acting career that includes stage, film and television productions.
piano. He worked his way through college playing and singing in a
show band. After graduating Montclair State College with a major in
trombone and a minor in piano, his band was booked as a Las Vegas
lounge act in many of the major hotels. Russell even worked in the
Atlantic City 500 Club where Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis first got
together as a team.
journeyed to New York to study acting at HB Studios and
eventually earned a coveted membership in the acclaimed Actors
Studio. He appeared in four of the group's stage productions,
and was also in the cast of "Lamppost Reunion" which won the
best ensemble acting award at the Court Theater in Hollywood.
Russell's other Theatrical appearances include, "A Streetcar
Named Desire", "Guys & Dolls", "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's
Nest" and "Two Gentelmen of Verona".
many of the famed U.S. comedy clubs such as The Comedy Store,
The Improv in Hollywood, The Ice House, and The Comedy Magic
in Hermosa Beach. He also made comedic appearances on "The Merv
Griffin Show", "The Dinah Shore Show", "Norm Crosby's Comedy
Shop", "Madam's Place", "Make Me Laugh", and "The John Davidson
Show" to name a few. He's opened for Las Vegas stars such as
Frankie Avalon, Julie London, Roger Miller, Joe Williams, Tony
Martin and Lou Rawls.
the ABC Television Network's "Life With Bonnie". Anthony says,
"Bonnie Hunt changed my life. After many years of struggle, she
wrote the part for me and fought with the network to hire me.
I owe her a debt of gratitude that I'll probably never be able
to repay." Also on television, he was a recurring character on "The
Fanelli Boys" and guest starred on "NYPD Blue", "Becker", "Home
Improvement", "Mad About You", "Roseanne", "The George Carlin
Show", "The Profiler", "Reba", "The John Larroquette Show",
"Diagnosis Murder", "Silk Stalkings", "Night Court", "Sabrina,
the Teenage Witch", "Family Law" and "Arliss."
Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson and Hilary Swank,"Bugsy" with
Warren Beatty, "Casino" with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci,
"Ed Wood" with Johnny Depp and Martin Landau, "Out For Justice"
with Steven Segal, "Suddenly" with Kirstie Alley, "Living out
Loud" with Holly Hunter and Danny De Vito, and "Winchell"
with Stanley Tucci.
composers of American music, particularly The Gershwins,
Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, Jerome
Kern, and Frank Leosser. Russell also has a jazz band where
he sings, plays, does stand-up and has wail of a time. Russell's
other passions include watching old movies with his wife and
best friend Rosemarie, walking with his beloved dog Angelo,
learning old songs, and appreciating natural beauty. He's also
very busy when not involved in projects on TV and film with personal
appearances around the country in theaters and corporate events.
Hometown - Newark, New Jersey
Birthday - September 22
Studio City Lifestyle
Anthony Russell, originally from Newark, New Jersey, came to
Hollywood in 1967 to pursue a career in show business.
Anthony, or Tony as his friends call him, is multi-faceted
being an actor/stand-up comedian/singer/musician/entertainer.
character Morrie Friedman, a gangster of the 1940's.
"Working with Brian DePalma," says Tony, "was one of the
highlights of my career."
that opens February 9 playing Sam Giovanni, an Italian restaurant
owner. "This is a hysterical movie and it was a true honor
working with such a comedic giant as Eddie."
"Life with Bonnie" starring Bonnie Hunt. "Bonnie changed my life.
I was waiting for a break for so many years and she came through.
Bonnie wrote the part for me and fought to get me on the show."
talent and never questioned what I was doing. It took a lot of
time, effort and pain and she was behind me 100%.
Rosemarie is the love of my life."
opening the show as a stand-up comedian for entertainers
like Joe Williams, Lou Rawls and others.
Angeles and is a member of the Actors Studio.