Bill Russell

Biography

William Felton "Bill" Russell was a legendary American professional basketball player who played as a center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969, widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history. Born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, Russell's impact on the game goes beyond statistics. He played the center position for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, winning an astonishing 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons. Renowned for his defensive prowess, leadership, and shot-blocking abilities, Russell was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time NBA All-Star. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, becoming the NBA's first African American head coach. Russell continued to influence the game, leaving an indelible mark on basketball both on and off the court.

Known For

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Saturday Night Live

The Mike Douglas Show

Miami Vice

The Merv Griffin Show

The Dick Cavett Show

Basketball: A Love Story

The White Shadow

All Movies (16)

• Behind the Shield: The Power and Politics of the NFL2022 · as Self (archive footage)
• El otro Rey de Chicago2022 · as Self
• 2016 NBA Finals Mini-Movie2016 · as Himself
• O.J.: Made in America2016 · as Self (archive footage)
• Mr. Russell's House2013
• Uncle Drew: Chapter 22012 · as Self
• Fathers of the Sport2008 · as Himself
• History Rings True: Red Sox Opening Day Ring Ceremony2005 · as Self
• :03 from Gold2002 · as Self (archive footage)
• Jim Brown: All-American2002 · as Self
• Bill Russell: My Life, My Way2000
• The Journey of the African-American Athlete1996 · as Self
• Rickles... On the Loose1986 · as Self
• Bob Uecker's Wacky World of Sports1985 · as Self (archive footage)
• On the Right Track1981 · as Robert
• The Jackson 5: Goin' Back to Indiana1971 · as Self

All TV Shows (15)

• Celtics City2025 · as Himself
• Bill Russell: Legend2023 · as Self
• Shut Up and Dribble2018 · as Self - NBA Hall of Famer
• Basketball: A Love Story2018 · as Self
• O.J.: Made in America2016 · as Self (archive footage)
• Iconoclasts2005 · as Self
• Miami Vice1984 · as Judge Roger Ferguson
• The White Shadow1978 · as Bill Russell
• Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self - Host
• The Flip Wilson Show1970 · as Self
• The Dick Cavett Show1968 · as Self - Guest
• Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In1968 · as Self
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962 · as Self
• The Merv Griffin Show1962 · as Self
• The Mike Douglas Show1961 · as Self