…By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Craig Russell’s Background and Career
Craig Russell is a multi-talented individual whose work in acting, producing, and writing has taken him to different parts of the world for the last three decades.
Despite his busy schedule, the 45-year-old from Cornwall never fails to stay active, whether it’s through chasing after his two boys or working out in the gym.
Growing up in Cwmtwrch, acting was never on Craig’s radar.
However, it seemed inevitable since he and other Welsh actors, Richard Corgan, Steven Meo, and Torchwood’s Eve Myles, all hailed from the tiny village and were around the same age.
Like most Welsh children, Craig discovered his love for acting by being forced to take part in his school Eisteddfod.
Craig’s Career in London and Cornwall
After attending National Youth Theatre of Wales, Craig moved to London in the 1990s with Steve and Rich. Living in London was brilliant for Craig and his friends.
They lived along the street from Richard Ellis, who played the first Welsh character in EastEnders.
Thanks to Richard, they even had backstage passes to Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers gigs.
Despite all the excitement of the big smoke, Craig said he was always more than happy to come back to his hometown.
He now lives in Cornwall with his wife, Kate Edney, who is also an actor.
Craig’s Interest in Writing and Producing
Craig Russell started to take more of an interest in writing and working behind the camera rather than in front of it in the mid-2000s.
He developed a character called Dave Granger, which he describes as a “Bear Grylls parody” and turned it into a web series.
Craig is also working on a series of children’s books that he writes with Caryl Parry Jones.
Craig’s Health Struggle
In January 2023, Craig started to experience pounding headaches and other symptoms, which led him to visit his GP.
He was given the devastating news that he had a brain tumour, and within weeks, he was in the operating theatre.
The doctors explained that the tumour had likely been growing in his head for around 15 years.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Craig remained optimistic and grateful to the NHS and his wife, Kate, for their support.
He is now on the road to recovery and is soon to be back working on his projects, including his series of children’s books and his second feature, Protein, which is due to hit the festival circuit this summer.