Name: Keri Lynn Russell
Birthdate: March 23, 1976
Birthplace: Fountain Valley, California
Claim to fame: She rose to fame in the late 90’s playing the title role of Felicity Porter on the WB Network series, Felicity, from 1998-2002.
What we can see her in next: She plays Ellie in this summer’s blockbuster Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, which is set to release in theatres on July 11.
Interesting fact: After cutting her signature long, curly hair for the start of the second season of Felicity, ratings began to decline. While there is no way of proving it, the removal of her hair was considered to be one of the main instigating factors.
Best quote: “Acting happened to me. If I had pursued it, I think it would have been like someone going to a bar, desperately looking for love and not finding anyone.” — On how she just stumbled into the craft of acting.
Why we love her: Well, for those of you who can manage to dig deep into the archives of your memories dating way back to the 90’s, then Keri Russell’s image will probably come up. Yes it’s a long time ago, but she was kind of a big deal back then. Her and her massive throngs of curly hair captured audiences in a big way when she appeared as the lead character in the hit television show, Felicity. That’s why she’s our crush this week, because she’s about to make a bit of a career revival, as she’s set to appear in this summer’s likely-to-be hit blockbuster, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Keri Russell got her start in modeling (don’t they all), which eventually led her on a trip to Los Angeles for work. It was here where she booked a spot on the famous Mickey Mouse Club. She booked the spot on the show because of her dancing and acting abilities (she grew up a trained dancer). While she was considerably older, some of her cast mates included Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera. Soon after came several two-bit parts on made-for-TV movies and television series. Then finally, at the age of 22 she found her big break when she booked Felicity, which launched her and her co-star, Canadian Scott Speedman, into temporary superstardom.
While Felicity made her a household name in the early 2000’s, she didn’t quite take the next leap into A-list leading lady territory. Instead, she opted to take a few years off and appear in off-Broadway productions. Since, her most notable film roles have been Mission Impossible 3 (2006), Waitress (2007), and August Rush (2007). Now she’s about to jump back into the limelight in a big way when Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits theatres on July 11. On top of that, she also stars in the hit FX television series, The Americans.
Keri Russell you disappeared on us, like that old high school photo of the girl we used to have the biggest crush on, but now you’re back, better and more attractive than you were in your Felicity days. That’s why you’re our crush this week, because time has done you well and made us all ape sh*t excited to see you back on the big screen.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits theatres everywhere on July 11.
