Russell was a rangy, square-jawed lead actor, second lead, and supporting actor of American films and TV. He had two screen careers. In 1937 he entered films as a juvenile and appeared in a number of films through 1940. Following service with the Marines in World War Two, he re-entered films in 1945, appearing in many big-budget westerns and action films. Gradually he moved into character roles and often played smooth heavies. He starred in the TV series Soldiers of Fortune (1955-56) and The Lawman (1958-62), achieving great popularity in the latter as Marshal Dan Troop; from 1979-81 he starred in the children's show Jason of Star Command.