From party animal to political analyst!
Welcome to WatchMojo UK and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 best
of Russell Brand.
Whether he’s crossing paths with Hollywood stars, performing award-winning stand-up routines
or rebelling against the system, Russell always gives us hilarity and controversy in almost
equal measure.
For this list, we take a look at his best bits.
From calling out Google to describing an awkward first encounter with Britney Spears, whatever
subject matter Russell takes to the stage, he always brings unique energy and razor-sharp
wit to the performance.
And even without his ever-intelectual material, Russell’s mere look and stage presence is
enough to keep anyone enthralled.
But if you ever attend a live show yourself, heckle him at your peril - this guy’s got
an answer for everything!
Perhaps “Loose Women” isn’t the first show you’d expect to see Russell on, but
he pops up with a peach of an interview here.
The self-confessed former sex and drug addict appeared on the programme in 2017, and was
kind enough to lend his expertise to Katie Price, to aid her in coping with her boyfriend’s
own struggles with addiction.
With Katie being a constant target for comedians in the past, it must have been a relief to
have one give her some genuine, honest advice.
To another unexpected pairing, when Brand interviewed His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama,
at Manchester Arena in 2012.
Brand often incorporates his own spirituality into his act, especially in more recent years,
and here he relished the chance to speak with one of the world’s foremost religious leaders.
And it’s not just Russell providing jokes either, as the Dalai Lama’s sense of humour
drives conversation too, allowing them to share a few laughs between insights and stories.
Russell is a regular on “Question Time” nowadays, but his most memorable appearance
has to be when he took on ex-UKIP leader Nigel Farage, during a debate over immigration.
What starts as a mostly calm disagreement, quickly escalates into more hostile territory,
as the audience themselves join the fray and tensions grow increasingly more heated on
both sides.
And through all the shouting, we’re left in little doubt as to what Russell thinks
of Nigel.
When Jeremy Clarkson found himself at the centre of controversy with the BBC, who could
have been better qualified than prank call pals Brand and Jonathan Ross to offer their
views on the matter.
Russell gets rather philosophical considering the story involved someone punching someone
else over a sandwich, but Brand never fails to find the bigger picture.
You might even say that he has unplugged himself from the Matrix.
Which is handy, because Keanu Reeves (AKA Neo) is sat right next to him.
Never one to shy away from the big issues, Russell drew on his experiences as an ex-heroin
addict to offer opinion to the Home Affairs Select Committee, in 2012.
Despite the obvious formality of the occasion, Brand can’t resist cracking a joke here
and there, but he mostly manages to stick to protocol, delivering sincere and eloquent
points on an important topic.
Given the flamboyance we’re used to, Brand’s efforts reveal a different side to his character,
earning him praise from all corners.
Brand’s first (and probably most famous) foray into Hollywood saw him shake things
up as Rock Star Aldous Snow in the 2008 comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”.
And the character proved so popular he was giving his own spin off a couple of years
later, in “Get Him to the Greek”.
Since then, Russell has starred alongside the likes of Tom Cruise in “Rock of Ages”
and Jennifer Garner in “Arthur”, cementing himself as a go to guy for elaborate comedy.
And don’t forget his voice work as Creek in “Trolls”!
The hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” got more than they bargained for when Russell
stopped by to promote his “Messiah Complex” stand-up show.
Quickly diverting from talk of the tour, Brand teaches his hosts everything from basic manners
to the importance of body language, focusing on the psychology of news stories, before
outright mocking the presenters and the programme, and going rogue straight to camera.
If Russell ever wants to add to his ever expanding CV, he’d make a mighty fine news anchor.
He’s a well-known activist, but it’s not just the political system that Brand disagrees
with - he’s got beef with the “Big Fat Quiz”, too.
Russell, and his teammate Noel Fielding, ran riot on the anniversary show in 2015, refusing
to play by the rules and constantly proving a sizeable thorn in the side of host Jimmy
Carr.
Assists from Jonathan Ross and Jack Whitehall only made the rebellion stronger and even
funnier for the rest of us watching at home.
Today’s winner, and it’s quintessential Russell Brand, pitching his anarchical, political
outlook with unique humour - and all for Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight in 2013.
Even Paxman seems perplexed at times, taking issue with Russell landing a role as a political
magazine editor.
And the interviewer becomes increasingly bemused as Brand flits between his beliefs on the
voting system, and his admiration for Jeremy’s beard.
It’s not all fun and games however, as Russell uses facts and statistics
to back up his anti-establishment arguments.