Russell Edward Brand born 4 June is an English comedian, actor, podcaster and media personality. He established himself as a standup comedian and radio host before becoming a film actor. He has released several stand-up specials including Scandalous , Messiah Complex , and Brandemic Over the course of his career, Brand has been the subject of frequent media coverage for issues such as his promiscuity , drug use , political views , provocative behaviour at various award ceremonies, his dismissal from MTV , and his resignation from the BBC amid a prank call controversy.
Since guest-editing an edition of British political weekly New Statesman in , [ 4 ] Brand has become known as a public activist and campaigner, and has spoken on a wide range of political and cultural issues, including wealth inequality, addiction, corporate capitalism, climate change , and media bias. In September , following a joint investigation by The Times , The Sunday Times and Channel 4 's documentary series Dispatches , five women publicly accused Brand of sexual assault and sexual and emotional abuse.
Following the allegations, a further report of an alleged sexual assault was made against him to the Metropolitan Police , dating from When Brand was 8, his mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer and then breast cancer one year later. While she underwent treatment, Brand lived with relatives. When he was 14, he developed bulimia nervosa.
At age 16, Brand left home because of disagreements with his mother's partner. He then started to use illegal drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines , LSD , and ecstasy.
He made his theatrical debut at the age of 15 in a school production of Bugsy Malone , and then began work as a film extra. Brand attended Grays School and in , he was accepted to the Italia Conti Academy , [ 18 ] and had his first year of tuition funded by Essex County Council.
