Russell Hodgkinson

Biography

Russell Hodgkinson was born on Homestead Air Force Base and spent his formative years in St. Petersburg, Florida. His journey into acting began in seventh grade when he took on the role of the Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz." Throughout high school, he pursued his passion for performance but ultimately chose to enlist in the Army after becoming a father during his senior year, forgoing a theatre arts scholarship. His military service during peacetime allowed him to showcase his talent at the prestigious Fort Bragg Playhouse, where he performed regularly. By the end of his military career, he had obtained his Actor's Equity card and relocated to New York City.

In 1986, Russell reenlisted, this time in the Coast Guard, serving aboard the USCG Cutter Sassafras in Hawaii. During his free time, he honed his craft at the Honolulu Film Actor's Workshop. His journey took him to Long Beach, California, where he met his future wife, actress Shelley Poncy. In 1992, the couple relocated to Louisiana, becoming prominent figures in the vibrant New Orleans theatre scene. In 2003, they moved to Seattle, where Russell reignited his theatre career and became involved in the independent film industry. His notable role as 'Doc' in the SyFy original series "Z Nation," which he began in 2014, further solidified his presence in the entertainment world.