RUSSELL ANDREWS is an actor, director, producer, and the founding member of StageWalkers Productions, a multi award winning and Los Angeles based Stage Company. A veteran of Stage, TV and Film, Russell's career has spanned over 30 years and includes numerous theatrical tours of the United States and the United Kingdom, most notably with the works of the late Pulitzer PrizeÒ winning playwright, August Wilson. Chosen by August Wilson as an actor and producer in his canon of plays, Russell originated 2 of the late author's more memorable characters, 'Mister' in King Hedley II and 'Youngblood' in Jitney, at Pittsburgh's Public and Hazlet Theatres. Russell has received numerous awards including 2 NAACP Theatre Awards and 2 LA Stage Alliance Ovation AwardsÒ for his work with Wilson's Piano Lesson, Jitney and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom in which Mr. Andrews received his first NAACPÒ Theatre Award for Best Actor. As 'Youngblood' in the UK cast of Jitney, Russell, along with Wilson and the stellar ensemble, were the recipients of the 2002 Sir Laurence Olivier AwardÒ for Best New Play performed at London's Royal National Theatre. Russell is a longtime social activist, advocate, and volunteer for LA's homeless community. He continues to give time and service to the Hollywood Food Coalition, The Giving Spirit, and Hollywood's "Unusual Suspects" a non-profit organization that gives second chances to at risk youth. Russell lives in Los Angeles, CA with his daughter Anya and son Kai.
