Russell to appear in ‘Mother’s Day’ movie
Published 6:47 pm Friday, April 22, 2016
Grayson Russell is about to graduate from Chilton County High School and also appear in his 10th film.
His most recent movie and the first movie since he entered high school is “Mother’s Day,” which will be released on April 29 and co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts and Jason Sudeikis.
According to Russell, he began appearing in commercials when he was 6 years old and was cast for his first films in 2006 with “The Rainbow Tribe” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”
Grayson Russell walked on the red carpet in Los Angeles during the premiere of “Mother’s Day,” which releases to the public on April 29. (Contributed Photos)
Since then, he has had a movie role during each segment of schooling. In elementary school he appeared in “Talladega Nights,” while in middle school he filmed the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series and now was given the chance to be part of “Mother’s Day” as a high school student.
According to Russell, filming for the movie began in August with the majority of scenes taking place in Atlanta.
The film was directed by Gary Marshall, who is known for his work in directing sitcoms “Happy Days” and “Mork and Mindy.”
“I had the honor to work with Gary Marshall,” Russell said. “He was a very personal director, and I’ve never worked with anyone like that before.”
“Mother’s Day” continues the pattern of comedies that Russell has been involved with in the past.
According to Russell, comedies have been comfortable to be part of, but he also looks forward to branching out to other genres in the future.
One of the differences that Russell experienced was the fact that he was able to drive during a scene in the film.
Russell spent about seven days on the set shooting his scenes and spent much of the time acting alongside Sudeikis, who is a noted comedian.
Russell worked with Gary Marshall, who has directed television sitcoms such as “Happy Days” and “Mork and Mindy.”
“It was cool just to watch and observe,” Russell said. “You had to do your best to match it.”
Balancing both school and acting has been a challenge at times but something that Russell has grown to embrace over the years.
“Most sets are required to have tutors,” Russell said. “The Chilton County school board has been so supportive.”
As a high school student, he worked on the sidelines at Chilton County football games and was also able to attend his senior prom.
“I’ve missed a lot of pep rallies and happenings over the years,” Russell said. “I really feel like I’ve had the best of both worlds.”
Russell plans to attend Jefferson State Community College and take advantage of their online program while looking into future movie roles.
“I had the best childhood, but now it’s time to work,” Russell said.
For more information and to follow the latest news on Grayson Russell, join him on Facebook at “grussellfan,” as well as Instagram and twitter at “GraysonCRussell.”
