Ken Russell

Ken Russell's biography

Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell is 84 years old film director born at Southampton. He was born on Sunday 3rd of July 1927. He is often nicknamed as Ken Russell, Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell. According to year of birth 1927 he belongs to Greatest Generation. Birthday on 3rd of July means Ken is Cancer. Cancer is a watery sign. They are very friendly and show motherly love to everyone. According to ascendant calculator, an important trait of these natives is their sensitive nature.He was married 2 times.

He is white british. Ken is citizen of United Kingdom. He is roman catholic. Ken´s primary profession is to be film director. You can know Ken also as actor, screenwriter, cinematographer, film producer, film editor. He is recently known as television director.

Ken Russell's family

Ken Russell's ex wifes

Hetty Baynes

Ken Russell and Hetty Baynes have been together since 1992 for 7 years. She is known as actor. Ken´s ex wife was born on Thursday 16th of August 1956 in Bournemouth.

Shirley Ann Russell

Ken Russell and Shirley Ann Russell have been together since 1956 for 22 years. She is known as costume designer. Ken´s ex wife was born on Monday 11th of March 1935 in London. His ex wife died on Monday 4th of March 2002 in London. Shirley Ann Russell was 75 years old, when this happened.

Ken Russell's schools

We found 3 schools He attended. Complete list of schools: University of East London, Pangbourne College, Walthamstow College of Art.

Ken Russell's career

His main focus is to be film director. Ken is famous thanks to Tommy.

Is Ken Russell gay ?

Ken is known to be straight.

How did Ken Russell die

He died on on Sunday 27th of November 2011 when he was 84 years old at London. Ken Russells death was caused by natural causes.

Awards and competitions

Ken Russell's Awards

• During his stay at Belgrade as a guest of FEST film festival he was awarded with a Golden Seal Award from Yugoslav Cinematheque for his complete work and contribution to world cinema and film.

Ken Russell's Nominations

• Directed 2 actresses to Oscar nominations: Glenda Jackson (Best Actress, Women in Love (1969)) and Ann-Margret (Best Actress, Tommy (1975)). Jackson won an Oscar for her performance.

What Ken Russell has done for a first time

• Has tried to work on film with Barbra Streisand twice, first in the early 1970s on a biography of Sarah Bernhardt, and then in the version of the stage musical "Evita".
• His first wife, Shirley Russell, was the costume designer on all of his films until 1978 when they divorced. She was later nominated for two Oscars: Michael Apted's Agatha (1979) and Warren Beatty's Reds (1981).

Ken Russell's quotes

• The Devils (1971) is a harsh film, but it's a harsh subject. I wish the people who were horrified and appalled by it had read the book, because the facts are more horrible than anything in the film.
• It is a pity when one, either through force of circumstance or because one is afraid of being ridiculed by others, won't produce and expose to everyone that little spark of something special which is unique to him alone.
• A critic's typical praise is "Beautifully understated." That means beautifully false . . . I'd rather go the other way - to gamble rather than play it safe. If I err it's by overstating, but I try to get it right.
• I never want to do a violent, disturbing film like The Devils (1971) again. That's why I did The Boy Friend (1971). It's pure escapism and fun.
• Life is too short to make destructive films about people one doesn't like. My films are meant to be constructive and illuminating.
• I know my films upset people. I want to upset people.
• This is not the age of manners. This is the age of kicking people in the crotch and telling them something and getting a reaction. I want to shock people into awareness. I don't believe there is any virtue in understatement.
• [on Stanley Kubrick] I find his films quite long and boring, but I quite liked Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964).
• [on working with screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky on Altered States (1980)] I don't think Paddy had ever been involved with a director who wasn't malleable. He would make suggestions and I would listen courteously, and then disagree.
• Sir Richard 'I'm-going-to-attack-the-Establishment-fifty-years-after-it's-dead' Attenborough is guilty of caricature, a sense of righteous self-satisfaction, and repetition which all undermine the impact of the film.
• [advert on his own website, through which he met his fourth wife Elize Tribble Russell] "Unbankable film director Ken Russell seeks soulmate. Must be mad about music, movies and Moet & Chandon champagne."
• I believe in what I'm doing whole-heartedly, passionately, and what's more, I simply go about my business. I suppose such a thing can be annoying to some people.
• See also Other Works |  Publicity Listings |  Official Sites

Ken Russell's height, body shape

Lets describe how Ken Russell looks. We will focus on his height, body shape and hair color. He is tall as 5' 7½" (171 cm). Body build is average. His hair is shade of salt and pepper.