Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Harrison Russell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Harrison, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
This is a very interesting question because I’m technically still learning. I believe anyone who wants to be great at something has to work at it. Especially in the acting business. The only way to truly speed up the process is to do just that. Speed it up. So I take as many classes as I can as often as I can. The most essential skill to being a good actor I believe is listening. You have to listen and understand what’s going on then respond truthfully. As far as obstacles in the way, I would say the cost of this life can be expensive and also just having the confidence and mental toughness to continue in the face of rejection.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
. I’ve had the desire to act and entertain since I was about 3 years old watching The Fresh Prince. That was the moment I knew what I wanted to do. I’m a first generation actor so it was tough figuring out where to start and what to do. Just wanting it, will never be enough. But my career started in the stereotypical type of way. I started doing extra work on shows in Atlanta before eventually submitting to local independent films as well as school projects to get the experience of acting and being on a set. After years of trying I finally submitted to a great agency and I’ve been working ever since. I would have to say I’m most proud of my resilience. My jobs have varied from tv to film to commercials. But I pride myself on being prepared and having a genuine joy and intention to deliver great work to the directors or the consumer. I just think my true child like joy and love for this is what truly sets me apart. In addition to my talent which I work to improve everyday.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Sure. I can specifically remember a time when I wasn’t acting but I was doing double and stand in work for Will Smith on Gemini man in Savannah, Ga. In addition to being on set earlier than almost everyone for 6am shoots. Little did most people know was that I was also driving from Atlanta every weekend. So Monday-Friday on set. Drive to Atlanta to work my waiter job on weekends and then drive back around 2am Monday morning to be back on set. For 3 months. All while staying alert, learning lines and set ups for the scene and being completely present. But eventually it all paid off when I was asked to work with him again on Bad Boys 3. Members of production took notice to how hard I worked and how seriously I took what I was doing. This eventually led to great relationships with Big time directors, producers and actors. It also gave me the confidence to know that anything is possible, you just have to put yourself in the right positions to succeed.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
For me I have a very simple and particular goal in mind when it comes to my journey. And I believe my biggest mission is to be a provider. I love to help people and make people feel good and just comfortable with themselves. And not only that but when done successfully this career path can not only provide for my family but other families as well. Not just financially but also mentally and physically. There’s no better feeling than getting immersed in a great film or tv show and I just would love the opportunity to provide that joy and feeling to someone else. I know how cinema makes me feel and how you feel like you can do or be anything after a great time at the movies. I would just love to give that feeling to other people and also myself because I really am such a big fan and I love it.
Contact Info:
- Website: Actorsaccess.com/harrisonrussell
- Instagram: @harrintino
- Facebook: Harrison Russell