Russell Edward Brand (born June 4, 1975, in Grays, Essex, England) is an English comedian, actor, podcaster, media personality, and activist known for his sharp wit, flamboyant style, and provocative political commentary. He rose to prominence in the UK during the early 2000s as a stand-up comedian and presenter, gaining widespread recognition as the host of Big Brother's Big Mouth on E4 from 2004 to 2007. His career expanded into acting with roles in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) and Get Him to the Greek (2010), as well as voice work in Despicable Me (2010). Brand has also worked in radio, including a stint on BBC Radio 2 until a controversial 2008 incident involving prank calls. In recent years, he has shifted focus to online platforms, amassing millions of followers on YouTube where he discusses politics, spirituality, and conspiracy theories, often critiquing mainstream institutions. He also hosts the podcast Under the Skin and continues live tours.

Brand's personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships, including marriages to Katy Perry (2010-2012) and later to Laura Gallacher in 2017, with whom he has two daughters. He has been open about struggles with addiction, having achieved sobriety in 2002, and has embraced spiritual practices influenced by transcendental meditation and 12-step programs. As an activist, he advocates for mental health awareness, environmental issues, and anti-establishment politics, authoring books like Revolution (2014).

His career has faced significant controversies, including a 2008 scandal leading to his dismissal from the BBC and, more recently, allegations of sexual assault from multiple women spanning 2006-2013, which surfaced in 2023 and prompted investigations by UK police and media outlets; Brand has denied the claims, asserting all encounters were consensual. His adversarial stance toward global elites and promotion of alternative narratives have polarized audiences, earning him both a devoted following and criticism for spreading misinformation.