Career Timeline of Russell Brand: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Russell Brand built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Russell Brand is a British comedian, actor, podcaster, and media personality known for his stand-up comedy, film roles, and broadcasting career. He gained recognition as a comedian and MTV presenter before hosting "Big Brother's Big Mouth." Brand transitioned into film, starring in comedies like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek." He's released stand-up specials such as "Messiah Complex" and hosts podcasts like "Stay Free" and "Under the Skin." Brand has received British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA nomination, solidifying his presence in entertainment and media.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2004: Reviewer Stated That 'You'd Rather Hug Him Than Hit Him'

Following a show in Edinburgh in 2004 after being ejected from The Gilded Balloon, a reviewer stated about Russell Brand that "you'd rather hug him than hit him", as he had embraced recovery by this point.

2006: Vanessa Feltz clip from Brand's TV show released

In 2006, television presenter Vanessa Feltz released a clip of her appearance on Russell Brand's TV show where he asked if he could "have it off" with her or her daughters, which left her "deeply offended".

2007: Lorraine Kelly felt uncomfortable during appearance on The Graham Norton Show

In 2007, Lorraine Kelly said she felt uncomfortable during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show after Brand touched her thigh and called her a "slut".

2009: Fundraisers for Focus 12

In 2009, Russell Brand organised three fundraisers for Focus 12 in London, Dublin and Belfast, and has also acted as a "sponsor" for numerous people during the rehabilitation stage of their treatment process.

September 2013: GQ Awards Ejection

In September 2013, Russell Brand was ejected from the GQ Awards after making controversial remarks during his acceptance speech for the "Oracle" award. He referenced sponsor Hugo Boss's historical association with the Nazis and made light of their appearance before being removed for his "offensive" remarks.

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October 2013: Guest-Edited New Statesman Issue

In October 2013, Russell Brand guest-edited a special issue of the New Statesman focused on the theme of Revolution. In this issue, he articulated his concerns about environmental destruction due to greed and advocated for a shift in consciousness alongside political and economic reforms for a more sustainable future.

October 2013: Newsnight Interview

In October 2013, Russell Brand was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman on BBC's Newsnight. During the interview, Brand criticized the British political system, discouraged voting, and discussed his idea of revolution.

2013: New Statesman Guest Edit

In 2013, Russell Brand guest-edited The New Statesman.

January 2014: Cambridge Union Society Invitation

In January 2014, Russell Brand was invited to participate in an interview by the Cambridge Union Society. Also in 2014, Brand launched his YouTube series 'The Trews: True News with Russell Brand'.

June 2014: People's Assembly Against Austerity

In June 2014, Russell Brand participated in the People's Assembly Against Austerity in London, addressing a crowd of approximately 50,000 people. He criticized the political establishment and called for a reclaiming of power by the people.

November 2014: Russell Brand: End the Drugs War Airs

On 26 November 2014, BBC Three aired the documentary 'Russell Brand: End the Drugs War,' in which Russell Brand explores global drug policies and advocates for a compassionate approach to drug use.

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January 2015: Channel 4's Big Fat Anniversary Quiz

In January 2015, during Channel 4's 'Big Fat Anniversary Quiz', Russell Brand insulted politician Ed Balls, who then called Brand a "pound shop Ben Elton".

March 2015: Trew Era Cafe Announcement

In March 2015, Russell Brand announced he would use money from his 'Revolution' book to open the Trew Era Cafe in Hackney, London, which would employ recovering drug addicts; the cafe opened on March 26, 2015.

March 2015: Brand: A Second Coming Premieres

In March 2015, the film documentary 'Brand: A Second Coming,' reflecting on Russell Brand's journey into political activism, premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.

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April 2015: The Emperor's New Clothes International Premiere

On 24 April 2015, 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' a documentary produced by Russell Brand and directed by Michael Winterbottom, had its international premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film examines the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and global economic inequality.

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April 2015: Interviews with Political Leaders

On 29 April 2015, eight days before the 2015 UK general election, Russell Brand published an interview with Labour leader Ed Miliband on The Trews. The following day Brand released an interview with Green Party leaders and advised people to vote Green.

2015: Endorsement of Labour and Corbyn

In 2015, Russell Brand shifted his stance on voting, endorsing the Labour Party and later Jeremy Corbyn in the Labour Party leadership election. He admitted uncertainty about the reality of a Labour government but stressed the importance of decisive action.

2018: Closure of Focus 12 Drug Treatment Programme

In 2018, the Focus 12 drug treatment programme and rehabilitation charity, of which Russell Brand was a patron after his own use of the service, closed.

September 2022: Move to Rumble

In September 2022, after YouTube removed one of his videos due to its policy on medical misinformation, Russell Brand moved his channel to Rumble, launching a new daily live show, 'Stay Free with Russell Brand'.

September 2023: Russell Brand Performs at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and Tour Postponement

On 16 September 2023, Russell Brand performed at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, expressing gratitude for support but acknowledging his inability to discuss certain issues. Subsequently, on 18 September 2023, the remaining tour dates were postponed, and Brand was dropped by his agent, Tavistock Wood, due to accusations of being misled.

May 2024: Comedy Set for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

On 15 May 2024, Russell Brand performed a comedy set at a campaign event for presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. Brand was paid around $70,000 for his performance.