Actor Christopher Russell chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about starring in the new Syfy horror series “Day of the Dead,” and being an actor in the digital age.
Walt Disney once said: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Actor Christopher Russell is living proof of this wise quotation by the cartoon legend.
‘Day of the Dead’ series
“Day of the Dead” will premiere on October 15 on Syfy. The series is inspired by the zombie apocalyptic universe of George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead.” Although it’s not a reprisal role, Chris is eager to jump back into the world of the living dead after starring in Romero’s “Land of the Dead.” “This series is really good,” he admitted.
In “Day of the Dead,” he plays the role of Trey Bowman.”Trey is an unintentionally comedic character. He is a funny guy but he doesn’t know it so it was fun to lean into that comedy aspect of it because the show itself is quite intense,” he said.
“To be the comic relief was fun to be a part of,” he added.
In the world of Hollywood façades, Russell attributes his success in the entertainment industry to being authentic to himself. Instead of exhausting energy on the stress of trying to fit someone’s mold especially when auditioning, Russell has learned to lean into what makes him unique and interesting and trust his gut.
His no BS technique has landed him many roles as well as upcoming lead roles in “Reacher” and “In Action,” among other credits.
On his daily motivations as an actor, he said, “It varies from day to day. Ultimately, if you are really passionate about it, there is pretty much nothing else you can do, and that’s the benefit of it. There is something about bringing characters to life and hopefully, tell meaningful stories, and that makes it all worthwhile.”
Advice for hopefuls in acting
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “First of all, you should definitely train. Do as much research as you can. Read as many of the classic acting books as you can. Every acting great has a different technique but it all stems from a similar origin.”
“Really work hard and don’t give up. Keep going to classes, and don’t get down on yourself. Don’t try to be somebody that you are not, that’s super important. Be authentic. If you put the work in, eventually it will pay off,” he added.
Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, he said, “Approaching Middle Age.”
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, he said, “The digital age makes the work more accessible where more people are able to see the work. As a viewer, I enjoy the shows being dropped all at once as opposed to waiting several weeks for new shows to drop.”
“With the digital series, writers and creators can tell a story over eight to 15 episodes, where they can take their time and piece it out. It is enjoyable to watch, and as an actor, one can play a longer arc as opposed to just doing a 90-minute film where one would have to get to the point a little quicker,” he said.
Family, fitness and balance
Aside from his work on screen, Russell devotes his time to his family, fitness, and expanding his understanding of varying global spiritual beliefs and practices. “My day is pretty structured,” he acknowledged.
Being a conscious observer has allowed him to maintain balance despite his demanding schedule, and it has allowed him to lead by example for his children, in hopes of limiting their capacity for anxiety that so many young people are riddled with today. “My kids are eight and five years old,” he said.
On the best advice that he was even given, he said with a sweet laugh, “Just say ‘yes’ because you never know what is going to happen so it sets every opportunity that comes your way. So just say ‘yes’ and see what happens.”
Hallmark films
Russell shared that he loves working on Hallmark films. “I am always excited to be there and I am happy to be making something that people can watch and feel good about, especially since there is so much negativity out there,” he said.
He had great words about working with fellow Hallmark actors Andrew Walker and Tyler Hynes. “I have worked with both of them and they are both hilarious,” he said. “When I played opposite Andrew Walker, he was the ‘other guy,’ and with Tyler Hynes, the characters we played were best friends but I was into his girl without realizing that he had feelings for her. Tyler and I had a blast working together and I think that was one of the funnier Hallmark movies,” he said.
Toys for Tots
“Christmas Is Not Cancelled” is back for some holiday cheer to help raise money for children through the “Christmas University” initiative, which benefits Toys for Tots and Childhelp.
Jen Lilley recruited Russell to be part of the Toys for Tots fundraiser this fall, along with many other Hallmark stars. “Jen Lilley is great,” he said. “People should definitely check that out and go to her Instagram, which has links to the website. She was able to recruit all those guys to get on board and help with that fundraiser. Jen does a lot for foster kids.”
Dream acting partner
Russell noted that he would love to work with Emmy winner Evan Peters, and he praised his acting as Detective Colin Zabel in the hit HBO series “Mare of Easttown.” “Evan was so good in it. I would love to work with him. I loved his scene where his character was really drunk. He had the best drunk acting I had ever seen in my life,” he said.
“I would also like to work with Australian actor Joel Edgerton since ‘Warrior’ is one of my favorite movies, and I liked him in ‘Animal Kingdom’,” he added.
Alternate career choice
If he weren’t in acting, he revealed that he would be a professional soccer player. “If I stuck at it, and maybe had the right training, it might have happened,” he said. “Other than acting, I would be a soccer player.”
If he were to do any track and field event, he would tackle the 100 meter sprint and the long jump. “I can jump really far and I am a fast runner for a short period of time,” he said.
In swimming, he listed the breaststroke as his personal favorite stroke.
Success
Russell defined the word success as “knowing that you’ve done good in the world today and that you have no regrets.” “Also, seeing your regrets as an opportunity to grow, and they become an asset,” he said.
For his fans and supporters, he concluded about “Day of the Dead,” “This show is going to be a lot of fun, especially in the zombie genre. It certainly is a social commentary and at times, it’s a satire. Also, sometimes it’s thrilling and sometimes, it’s hilarious. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
To learn more about actor Christopher Russell, follow him on Instagram.
