Russell Brand - Biography

In a nutshell

Born in Essex, Russell started out as a young actor taking part in a school production of Bugsy Malone before moving on to study at the Italia Conti Academy but ? some things never change ? was expelled in his first year.

Although Russell did various stand-up comedy at the Edinburgh Festival and Secret Policeman's Ball, he didn't really gain any real exposure until MTV gave him a presenting role in 2000. He was one of their 'VJs' which, we believe, means 'video jockey', on the Dancefloor Chart show.

You'd think MTV would be a natural home for a slightly wacky, way-out young comedian like Russell Brand. Well, as he was to find out later at the BBC, there is sometimes an invisible line which people don't usually want to cross. But he crossed it on September 12th when he decided to come into work dressed as Osama Bin Laden. MTV didn't find it too funny and fired him.

But, when somebody gets rid of Brand it isn't long until he's hired again. He presented Big Brother spin-off 'Big Brother's Big Mouth', eventually returned to MTV for their 1 Leicester Square show and presented the Brit Awards in 2007.

Although you're probably sick of hearing about it, we can't help but mention that Russell (along with Jonathan Ross) got into a bit of trouble by making some prank phone calls to some old ex-Faulty Towers actor. Shame on them etc! Although only 2 people complained after the show itself, thousands more jumped on the bandwagon when the press got hold of the story and ultimately Brand resigned from Radio 2.

Although they haven't got a clue who he is, Brand forced himself on the American masses by presenting the MTV Video Music Awards in 2008, shocking half of the audience to death with his rude comments and probably repulsing the other half. He's also trying to get his name all over Hollywood although, after seeing 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' we think he's got his work cut out.

Russell has been dating singer Katy Perry recently and after just 3 months together the couple announced their engagement - how long will these celeb nuptials last?

Did you know?