A supporting actor in adult westerns and other "A"-budget films after WWII, he was a look-alike for John Trent (1906-66), star of "B" action films of the 1930s and 1940s, such as the "Tailspin Tommy" series. The two men were not related (Trent's real name was LaVerne Brown).
Born at 12:5am-PST
Buried at a military cemetery in Westwood California.
Discovered by a talent agent while in a Beverly Hills restaurant
Enlisted in the US Marine Corps during WW II, was decorated for valor and received a field promotion to lieutenant during the battle of Guadalcanal. It was there he was wounded and also contracted a severe case of malaria. He was sent back to the US, hospitalized, and eventually received a medical discharge from the Corps.
In 1930, lived at 338 South Hobart Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.
Married twice. His first marriage lasted over twenty years before their divorce. His second marriage to a much younger woman lasted less than a year. He had three children.
Some references state Russell's birth name as William Lawrence Russell, but U.S. Census records and California birth and death records confirm his birth name as John Lawrence Russell.
Was frequently seen in Westerns as tall, sneering villains.