Billy Russell

Biography

Billy Russell was a British comedian and character actor born in Birmingham on July 16, 1893. He began performing at age seven in Gloucester and later worked as a child actor in the north of England, Midlands, and Wales before serving in the South Staffordshire Regiment during World War I. After the war, he adopted the persona "Old Bill," entertaining troops with monologues that earned Bairnsfather's endorsement, before modifying the act to "Old Bill in Civvies" for broader appeal.