Russell Geoffrey Banks

About Russell

Russell's journey in the film industry began as an extra and stand-in for prominent actors including James Van Der Beek, Neal McDonough, Chris Klein, John Cusack, and Bradley Cooper. These formative experiences on set provided invaluable insights into filmmaking and shaped his understanding of the craft.

It was during this period that Russell first collaborated with Director and Cinematographer Richie Moore while serving as his stand-in on the Nomads TV pilot. This meeting marked the start of a significant creative partnership.

Russell's breakout role came in Joel Soisson's horror film Cam2Cam, where he played a serial killer opposite Jade Taylor and Tammin Sursok. This role highlighted his ability to infuse intensity and depth into dark characters, leading to a series of U.S. horror films where he often portrayed antagonists.

In 2017, Russell further cemented his presence in the genre by starring alongside James Landry Hébert and Scout Taylor-Compton in Rich Ragsdale's Ghost House.

Russell's first lead role came in Who's Watching Oliver, a project he co-wrote with Richie Moore. The film, which gained a cult following and aired on Paramount for several years, earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the deeply disturbed titular character. Andrew Pollard of Starburst described his performance as "a true genre standout of 2018," while Jennie Kermode from Eye for Film praised his depiction of psychological torment. His work earned him a spot in Pop Horror's "5 Must-See Indie Horror Performances of the Decade," drawing comparisons to Jack Nicholson's iconic role in The Shining.

Critical praise continued with Bloody Disgusting highlighting Russell’s ability to tackle a complex role, and reviews from Moria Reviews and Morbidly Beautiful noting his convincing transformation into Oliver. Voices from the Balcony emphasized his skill in evoking empathy, while Horror Cult Films and Spling Movies commended his balance of vulnerability and chilling portrayal.

Russell’s portrayal of the antagonistic British officer David Barry in Swatantra Veer Savarkar further demonstrated his versatility. Starring opposite Randeep Hooda, his role added a chilling layer to the film's depiction of India's fight for independence. Filming at the historic Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands added authenticity to his performance.

Looking ahead, Russell's credits include high-profile projects such as Warner Brothers' Taklee Genesis, the anticipated Bambi: The Reckoning, and the Alien TV series. He will also reunite with Richie Moore for their second feature film, Surviving Silence, marking another exciting chapter in their creative collaboration.

Keep up with Russell on Instagram