Actor Alex Russell on finally getting roles in Australia after his success in Hollywood
SUCH is the frustration of many Aussie actors, Alex Russell had to make it in America before he was taken seriously on home turf. And while he has several notches on his belt, each and every day is a hustle for the hardworking 30-year-old.
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SUCH is the frustration of many Aussie actors, Alex Russell had to make it in America before he was taken seriously on home turf.
And while he has several notches on his belt, each and every day is a hustle for the hardworking 30-year-old.
“Generally I didn’t get much love in Australia in the early years when I was going out for stuff,” Russell told Confidential, promoting new local thriller Rabbit.
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“My first movie was Wasted On The Young (in Australia in 2010). My second movie was an American film, Bait 3D. It was only when I kind of established and got some attention from the American projects that I started to get more of a chance and a look at in Australia. I don’t have anything negative to say about that but it is interesting how it works and I am grateful for all of those opportunities.”
Russell graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2008 before making his mark in Hollywood, where he is currently shooting the next season of hit US TV series, S.W.A.T.
His other film credits include a lead role in Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken and a starring gig alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Joel Jackson in Greg McLean’s Aussie film Jungle.
“I am really happy with where I am at and I think that it is a blessing for anyone in the world to get to say that about their career, especially an actor,” he said.
“But I have all the naturally occurring creative ambition and human desire that the next guy has so I am always hustling, always focusing on what is next without compromising my focus on what is at hand.”
Rabbit, directed by Luke Shanahan and also starring Adelaide Clemens, has been released digitally.
Russell will also be seen next in American baseball flick Brampton’s Own.
“I am living the dream and I am constantly very happy with all the projects that I get to be a part of,” he said.
“I really love being able to do both and then sometimes people ask me if I prefer doing American stuff now or Australian. I just love great stories and if I read good scripts that (are) going to make a great movie, and they are happy to have me, then I am keen to jump on board.”
Originally published as Actor Alex Russell on finally getting roles in Australia after his success in Hollywood
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