He finished studies at Rockhampton Grammar School in 2004[3] and afterward attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney.

He directed a short film as well, titled Love and Dating in L.A., which was featured on El Rey Network's Peoples Showcase: Horror Edition.

In 2012, Russell starred in Josh Trank's found footage science fiction film Chronicle,[5] which was a critical and commercial success.

A year later, he featured in Kimberly Peirce's remake of Stephen King's Carrie as Billy Nolan, a role originated by John Travolta.

Five years after his TV debut as a guest star on NTSF:SD:SUV in 2012, Russell joined the main cast of the 2017 reboot of the 1975 series S.W.A.T.