Date of Birth: July 3, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: November 27, 2011
Biography
Ken Russell was an influential British film director, known for his flamboyant and controversial style. Born Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell, he gained fame for his work in both television and cinema. His career began in the 1950s, but he became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s with films such as “Women in Love” (1969), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Russell was known for his bold visual style and often explored themes of sexuality, religion, and the human psyche, making him a pioneering figure in the British New Wave movement. His notable works include “The Devils” (1971), “Tommy” (1975), and “Altered States” (1980). Despite facing criticism for his unorthodox methods, Russell’s impact on the film industry remains significant, influencing a generation of filmmakers.
5 Interesting Facts about Ken Russell
1. Ken Russell started his career as a ballet dancer and photographer before transitioning to filmmaking.
2. He directed the film adaptation of The Who’s rock opera “Tommy,” which starred Roger Daltrey, Elton John, and Tina Turner.
3. Russell was known for his biographical films about composers, including “The Music Lovers” (Tchaikovsky), “Mahler,” and “Lisztomania.”
4. He directed the controversial film “The Devils,” which faced censorship and banning in several countries due to its graphic content and themes.
5. Russell appeared as himself in the 2006 film “Trapped Ashes,” showcasing his willingness to be part of meta-commentary on the horror genre.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ken Russell
1. “I believe in what I’m doing wholeheartedly, passionately, and what’s more, I simply go about my business.”
2. “Reality is a dirty word for me. I know it isn’t the truth.”
3. “I sometimes think of myself as a missionary who has fallen into the wrong company.”
4. “The only performance that makes it, that really makes it, that makes it all the way, is the one that achieves madness.”
5. “In my films, images are the stars, not the dialogue.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ken Russell’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Ken Russell had five children: Xavier, James, Alexander, Victoria, and Molly.
Relevant Links
1. [Ken Russell IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001692/
2. [Ken Russell Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/filmmaker/ken-russell
3. [Ken Russell – The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/nov/28/ken-russell
4. [Ken Russell – BFI Profile](https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b9f1abf1e
5. [Ken Russell Interview on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz8X_8isq4Q
