Russell Edward Brand is an English podcaster and media personality. He established himself as a standup comedian and radio host before becoming a film actor. After beginning his career as a comedian and later becoming an MTV presenter in the UK, in 2004 Brand gained a role as the host of the television show
Big Brother's Big Mouth, a
Big Brother spin-off. He had his first major film role in British comedy
St Trinian's (2007) before starring in the Hollywood comedies
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008),
Get Him to the Greek (2010),
Arthur (2011), and
Rock of Ages (2012). He has released several stand-up specials including
Scandalous (2009),
Messiah Complex (2013), and
Brandemic (2023). He hosted his own radio show
The Russell Brand Show and also hosts the podcasts
Stay Free with Russell Brand and
Under the Skin with Russell Brand. He has received three British Comedy Awards and a nomination for a BAFTA Award. Over the course of his career, Brand has been the subject of frequent media coverage for issues such as his promiscuity, drug use, political views, provocative behaviour at various award ceremonies, his dismissal from MTV, and his resignation from the BBC amid a prank call controversy.