Happy Birthday, Russ!

Today's in everyone's favorite bow-tie wearing scene partner's birthday. Happy Birthday, Ruskins! - Heidi

Happy Birthday, Russ!

"Russ is a sweet, open spirit and makes a bow tie look like the perfect accessory for every occasion and every day. He is the actor I want to cast absolutely every time I'm directing, because he's THAT GOOD.  He's the kind of performer that makes it all look effortless - and maybe for him it is because I'm telling you, he's oozing with talent. Did I mention I like him on stage? Because I do. A lot. Russ, you are the actor of my dreeeeams. Happy, happy birthday!" - Laura

"Russ has a warm heart in life and fearless heart on stage. He also rocks bow ties and neck beards with the best of them. Happy birthday, ya big nerd!" - Tanner

"Russ is a calm, positive, solid, creative force in SU.  He is absolutely brilliant onstage creating and portraying characters with amazing depth and life! He adores his wife and finds such joy in the small, beautiful, everyday comings and goings of the world!  I love that he and I share a great appreciation and excitement for comic books and graphic novels...  And he can turn just about anything into a fabulous stringed instrument!  Go! Go! Can-jo! Happy Birthday Russ!" - Christina

"Russ is like the best possible Midwesterner. He's humble, multi-talented, sunny, super interesting, really nice, and can grow a mean neck-beard. Happy Birthday Russ!" - Candy

"Russ is full of surprises. Just when I think I've got him pegged: he zigs when I think he's gonna zag. Also: he is handsome, kind, and generous, and he is a pleasure to direct and to watch on the stage. Wishing you so much joy, birthday boy." - Blake

"Russ' smile makes all the babies coo. And by babies, I obvz mean SU company members. And by coo, I obvz mean smile, too. He brightens up every room and reminds us all that it's okay to be silly and ourselves. When he's excited about something... you know it... and you can't help but be excited, too!" - Hannah

"Russ really is the best - he epitomizes what it means to be an open and generous actor, setting himself and his scene and life partners up to be the best they can be. He's got the chops - acting, mutton and otherwise - to take him as far as he wants to go, and we're so happy he's ours. Happy birthday Russ!" - Carl

"As a scene partner, Russ is an absolute dream. He's aware, intuitive, and extremely giving. While he looks great in his quirky bow ties and sharp suspenders, it would be fun if he wore shortie-shorts like in the One-Minute Play festival. That was funny." - Heidi

"Russ was the second person I met at undergrad on freshmen orientation day with my mom. I feel like Russ and I have grown up together. Or maybe we are growing old together too. Russ is sensitive, giving, and super fun. All the things that make him a great actor easily make him one of the greatest friends you'll ever have. " - Amber