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
1973
The Mike Douglas Show
1974
Saturday Night Live
1979
The Merv Griffin Show
1968
The Dick Cavett Show
1972
Miami Vice
1986
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
1971
The Flip Wilson Show
1972
Basketball: A Love Story
2018
The White Shadow
1981
Shut Up and Dribble
2018
O.J.: Made in America
2016

FILMOGRAPHY

All
Movies
TV
Acting
34
2025
Celtics City
as Self
2023
Bill Russell: Legend
as Self
2022
Behind the Shield: The Power and Politics of the NFL
as Self (archive footage)
2022
El otro Rey de Chicago
as Self
2021
Kevin Garnett: Anything Is Possible
as Self (Archive Footage)
2018
Basketball: A Love Story
as Self
2018
Shut Up and Dribble
as Self - NBA Hall of Famer
2017
Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies
as Self
2016
O.J.: Made in America
as Self (archive footage)
2016
2016 NBA Finals Mini-Movie
as Himself
2016
O.J.: Made in America
as Self (archive footage)
2013
Mr. Russell's House
2012
Uncle Drew: Chapter 2
as Self
2008
Fathers of the Sport
as Himself
2005
History Rings True: Red Sox Opening Day Ring Ceremony
as Self
2005
Iconoclasts
as Self
2002
Jim Brown: All-American
as Self
2002
:03 from Gold
as Self (archive footage)
2000
Bill Russell: My Life, My Way
1999
Wilt Chamberlain
as Himself (Archive Footage)
1996
The Journey of the African-American Athlete
as Self
1986
Rickles... On the Loose
as Self
1986
Miami Vice
as Judge Roger Ferguson
1985
Bob Uecker's Wacky World of Sports
as Self (archive footage)
1981
On the Right Track
as Robert
1981
The White Shadow
as Bill Russell
1979
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Host
1974
The Mike Douglas Show
as Self
1973
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
1972
The Flip Wilson Show
as Self
1972
The Dick Cavett Show
as Self - Guest
1971
The Jackson 5: Goin' Back to Indiana
as Self
1971
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
as Self
1968
The Merv Griffin Show
as Self