Russell Gilbert
Russell Gilbert (born 17 October 1959) is an Australian comedian and actor from Footscray, Victoria, best known for his radio and television appearances, on programs such as The Comedy Company, Hey Hey It's Saturday and Thank God You're Here; he is also a live stage and film actor.[1]
| Russell Gilbert | |
|---|---|
 Russell Gilbert at Sexpo, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia, in March 2013 | |
| Born | 17 October 1959 Footscray, Victoria, Australia |
| Medium | Comedian, radio and television presenter |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Genres | comedy |
| Partner(s) | Rochelle Nolan (1996–2015) |
| Notable works and roles | The Comedy Company Hey Hey It's Saturday Thank God You're Here Great Comedy Classics Russell Gilbert LIVE |
Career
Television
Gilbert has appeared in several Australian TV comedies, first attracting notice as "Russ the Postie" on ATV-10's The Comedy Company (1988–89). This role led him to a nine-year stint on GTV-9's Hey Hey It's Saturday (1990–1999).[2] Gilbert also played Kev the tow-truck driver in the sitcom Bingles (1992). In the late 1990s, he began starring in his own shows made at GTV-9, all of which were short-lived—even though they all rated well. The Russell Gilbert Show (1998),[1] a sketch comedy show; Russell Gilbert Live (2000), a Saturday-evening variety show featuring celebrity interviews as well as live and sketch comedy; and Russell Gilbert Was Here! (2001), another sketch series. He also hosted the dog game show Bark-Off (2003) with Livinia Nixon. In 2004, he ventured into radio as host of Weekend Leave Pass on SEN 1116 with Mark Fine. Most recently, Russell made guest appearances on the cult Channel 31 Melbourne sketch comedy show The Shambles and the comedy program Thank God You're Here (2006).
In 1995 and 1996 Gilbert was nominated for a Logie for the Most Popular Comedy Personality[1] for his work on Hey Hey It's Saturday.
He worked for HSV-7 hosting Great Comedy Classics, a compilation of popular British sitcoms, including Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em and Are You Being Served?. In May 2007, Russell appeared as one of the celebrity performers on the celebrity reality singing competition It Takes Two.
Film
Russell has acted in four Australian films: Nirvana Street Murder (1990); Ned Kelly (2003), playing Constable Hall; The Extra (2005); and Housos vs. Authority (2012). He also appeared unbilled in the Jason Donovan telemovie Loot (2004).
Personal life
Gilbert is also a passionate supporter of the AFL club Western Bulldogs and has made several guest appearances at AFL Legends Matches. In 2002, he kicked a goal while on the bench in an AFL Legends Game. In 2010, Russell made a comeback to the EJ Whitten Legends Game. He kicked a goal in the third quarter and then another in the fourth. He has since played in several games since. As a running gag during these games, Gilbert is notorious for ripping off his guernsey in the final minutes of the game while in possession of the ball deep in defense. Underneath, his opponent team's guernsey would be revealed, kicking a goal for the team for which he had changed allegiance to.
References
- "Russell Gilbert". ninemsn. Retrieved 22 March 2008.
- Wilmoth, Peter (26 April 2006). "In search of Somers". theAge.com.au. Retrieved 22 March 2008.