English comedian and actor Russell Brand was born in Grays, Essex, England to Barbara Elizabeth and Ronald Henry Brand, photographer. He made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian, radio presenter, and actor and even as a writer.

Brand`s parents separated when he was six months old. His mother raised him alone and Russell had a somewhat isolated and lonely childhood. He made his theatrical debut at the age of 15 playing ‘Fat Sam’ in a school production, which prompted him to become an actor.

To pursue his acting passion, Russell applied for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Drama Centre London and was accepted to Drama Centre. By this point he was a heroin addict and an alcoholic, which eventually led to his expulsion from the final term of his last year for smashing a glass over his head and then stabbing himself in the chest and arms because of poor reactions to one of his performances.

After leaving Drama Centre, Brand decided to focus on comedy, and began writing.

Brand achieved mainstream fame in the UK for presenting a ‘Big Brother’ spin-off ‘Big Brother’s Big Mouth’. However, Brand`s big break came with his work in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ in 2008. Russell reprised his role as Aidous Snow in ‘Get Him to the Greek’, co-starring Jonah Hill.

Russell – who is famed for his womanizing ways – insists he is ready to put his philandering past behind him to settle down with singer Katy Perry.

Brand proposed to girlfriend Katy in India as they came visiting the Taj Mahal to celebrate Christmas and New Year last year. They have decided to tie the knot on Oct 23.

Russell admitted in his second autobiography ‘My Booky Wook 2: This Time It`s Personal’ that he fell in love with Katy Perry the moment she hit him over the head with a plastic bottle!