Russell Simmons

Acting

Russell Simmons

Born

1957-10-04 (69)

Place of birth

Queens, New York, USA

Known for

Acting

Credits

70 titles

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, the co-founder, with Rick Rubin, of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam, and creator of the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics. Russell Simmons is the third richest figure in hip-hop, having a net-worth estimate of $340 million. Description above from the Wikipedia article Russell Simmons, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Known for

The Colbert Report poster
7.0

The Colbert Report is an American satirical late night television program. It stars political humorist Stephen Colbert, a former correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The Colbert Report is a spin-off from and counterpart to The Daily Show that comments on politics and the media in a similar way. The show focuses on a fictional anchorman character named Stephen Colbert, played by his real-life namesake. The character, described by Colbert as a "well-intentioned, poorly informed, high-status idiot", is a caricature of televised political pundits.

The Colbert Report

2005

Jimmy Kimmel Live! poster
5.3

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

2003

Real Time with Bill Maher poster
6.0

Each week Bill Maher surrounds himself with a panel of guests which include politicians, actors, comedians, musicians and the like to discuss what's going on in the world.

Real Time with Bill Maher

2003

Late Night with Conan O'Brien poster
7.3

Stepping into the late-late slot vacated by David Letterman, Conan O'Brien stars in a show that far outdoes its competition in sheer strangeness. Along with the celebrity interviews and musical numbers typical of late-night talk shows, this program make frequent use of odd walk-on characters and frequent "visits" from celebrity guests.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

1993

Tony Awards poster
NR

The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.

Tony Awards

1956

Moesha poster
6.9

The everyday life of Moesha Mitchell, a vivacious young woman juggling romance, school, ever-changing family dynamics, and friendships.

Moesha

1996

Film credits

2010s · 15 titles

Survivor's Guide to Prison poster
6.4

Today, you're more likely to go to prison in the United States than anywhere else in the world. So in the unfortunate case it should happen to you - this is the Survivors Guide to Prison.

Survivor's Guide to Prison

2018

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You poster
7.1

Arguably the most influential creator, writer, and producer in the history of television, Norman Lear brought primetime into step with the times. Using comedy and indelible characters, his legendary 1970s shows such as All In the Family, Maude, Good Times, and The Jeffersons, boldly cracked open dialogue and shifted the national consciousness, injecting enlightened humanism into sociopolitical debates on race, class, creed, and feminism.

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

2016

ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay? poster
6.4

Run-D.M.C. DJ Jam Master Jay made a huge impact in music and his community. But friends and family still seek closure years after his unsolved murder.

ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay?

2018

Unity poster
7.5

Despite the advent of science, literature, technology, philosophy, religion, and so on -- none of these has assuaged humankind from killing one another, the animals, and nature. UNITY is a film about why we can't seem to get along, even after thousands and thousands of years.

Unity

2015

Feel Rich: Health Is the New Wealth poster
6.3

FEEL RICH: HEALTH IS THE NEW WEALTH documents the nascent self-love revolution emerging in urban communities. Narrated by Quincy Jones III, the film features interviews with iconic artists, producers, urban farmers and meditators who have made dramatic changes in their lives by opening themselves up to new ideas about what it means to be rich. Our audience will embark on a journey led by Common, The Game, Crystal Wall, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Russell Simmons, Stic.Man, Afya Ibomu, Jermaine Dupri, Slim Thug, Styles P and the legendary Quincy Jones that provides unique context to the global health crisis in urban communities by offering a backstage pass into the hearts and minds of the hip hop elite.

Feel Rich: Health Is the New Wealth

2017

Awake: The Life of Yogananda poster
6.7

An unconventional biography by Oscar nominee Paola di Florio and Sundance winner Lisa Leeman about Hindu mystic Paramahansa Yogananda who brought yoga and meditation to the West in 1920 and authored the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," which became the go-to book for seekers from George Harrison to Steve Jobs.

Awake: The Life of Yogananda

2014

Undateable John poster
3.7

A slacker surf instructor, who's on and off the wagon, gets his life together when he falls for a beautiful but troubled young woman he meets in Alcoholics Anonymous.

Undateable John

2019

The Tents poster
6.0

Each year, tents in Bryant Park herald New York Fashion Week, whose back story is as fascinating as the couture on the catwalk. Fashion's biggest names share the sometimes shocking, often funny rags-to-riches evolution of the iconic event.

The Tents

2012

A Fatherless America poster
NR

Documentary hosted by media personality Tommy Sotomayor about the lack of fathers in modern America.

A Fatherless America

2019

G-Funk poster
6.8

G-Funk is the untold story of three childhood friends from East Long Beach who helped commercialize hip hop by developing a sophisticated and melodic new approach – merging Gangsta Rap with elements of Motown, Funk, and R&B.

G-Funk

2017

Vegan: Everyday Stories poster
7.7

A feature-length documentary that explores the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread - they're all vegan. The movie traces the personal journeys of an ultramarathon runner who has overcome addiction to compete in one hundred mile races, a cattle rancher's wife who creates the first cattle ranch turned farmed animal sanctuary in Texas, a food truck owner cooking up knee-buckling plant-based foods, and an 8-year-old girl who convinces her family of six to go vegan.

Vegan: Everyday Stories

2016

On Meditation poster
7.0

Peter Matthiessen, David Lynch, and Russell Simmons see among the many celebrity devotees interviewed in this case of Zen Buddhist meditation.

On Meditation

2016

Rappin' With The Rickster poster
2.0

Join photographer turned public access guru Ricky Powell in this collection of clips from his influential NY TV show, Rappin' With The Rickster.

Rappin' With The Rickster

2010

No artwork available
1.0

This is the story of a woman who thought she had it all until she lost her beloved mother to cancer. Trying to process and understand her profound grief, Suzanne embarked on a journey and turned to a deeper practice of yoga. Along the way, she discovers what YOGA IS.

Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey

2012

Change Begins Within poster
NR

On April 4, 2009, the David Lynch Foundation launched its Live Concert Division with "Change Begins Within," a sold-out benefit show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The event brought together an eclectic mix of legendary musicians, comedy icons, and cultural figures - including Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Moby, Donovan, Bettye LaVette, Jim James, Jerry Seinfeld, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. Designed as a unified showcase of artist advocacy, the benefit raised funds and awareness to bring Transcendental Meditation programs to one million at-risk youth worldwide.

Change Begins Within

2012

2000s · 16 titles

Brown Sugar poster
6.7

Sidney and Dre can attribute their lifelong friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant... witnessing the birth of hip-hop on a New York street corner. Now some 15 years later, she is a revered music critic at a national magazine and he is a successful, though unfulfilled, hip-hop record company executive. Both come to realize that their true life passions will only be fulfilled by remembering what they learned that day on the corner.

Brown Sugar

2002

Death of a Dynasty poster
6.4

A story which centers around Dave Katz, a journalist at a hip-hop magazine who is sent on assignment to uncover the often comedic underworld of Roc-a-Fella Records run by Damon Dash and Jay-Z.

Death of a Dynasty

2003

American Rap Stars poster
6.0

American Rap Stars centers on Omar Sharrif (director/host) as we follow him through the world of Hip-Hop.

American Rap Stars

2002

The Black List: Volume One poster
6.5

As a new chapter begins in this country, THE BLACK LIST offers a dynamic and never-before-heard perspective from achievers of color. This series of inspired - and inspiring - observations on African-American life in the 21st century forms a roll call of some of the most compelling politicians, writers, thinkers and performers ever to tackle their fields of endeavor. Watch the interview-portraits and get a sharper snapshot of where this country has been and where it's headed.

The Black List: Volume One

2008

The Hip Hop Project poster
8.5

The Hip Hop Project is the dynamic and inspirational story of a group of New York City teenagers who transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-development and personal discovery. The film traces the evolution of this award-winning outreach program developed by Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager turned youth mentor. After four years of collaboration, the group produced a powerful and thought-provoking album that provides a revealing look at their lives. In contrast to all the negative attention focused on hip hop and rap music, this is a story of hope, healing and the realization of dreams.

The Hip Hop Project

2006

It's Black Entertainment poster
8.7

A star-studded tribute (from the creators of That's Entertainment) to the contributions of Afro-Americans in film over the last century. Vanessa Williams traces the struggles and triumphs of the superstars of music and film. Among the many artists featured are: Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Cab Calloway, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Little Richard, Also included are today's contemporary superstars: Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Russell Simmons, and many, more! 80 minutes plus DVD bonus features.

It's Black Entertainment

2002

In Prison My Whole Life poster
NR

William Francome is a fairly typical, white middle-class guy. Typical except for the fact that he is about to embark on a journey into the dark heart of the American judicial system; the tangled world of renowned Death Row prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.

In Prison My Whole Life

2008

Beef poster
7.1

A documentary on the evolution of MC battles from verbal one-upmanship to street warfare.

Beef

2003

2 Turntables and a Microphone poster
6.0

Legendary hip-hop DJ Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, is gunned down in his Queens studio. Security tapes of the incident mysteriously disappear, the five witnesses are uncooperative and no one is talking... until now. 2 Turntables and a Microphone documents the investigation of the unsolved murder of Jam Master Jay, RUN- DMC's groundbreaking DJ and producer, deftly revealing the history of hip-hop and mainstream rap along the way. Exclusive, candid interviews with 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Russell Simmons, RUN-DMC, LL Cool J, The Game, and more offer insight into Jam Master Jay's life - including information that could finally help police solve the murder that shook the music world to its core.

2 Turntables and a Microphone

2008

No artwork available
1.0

A documentary about the rise and fall of rapper Jim Jones.

Jim Jones - This Is Jim Jones

2009

Run DMC: Forever Kings poster
NR

Run DMC paved the way for rap artists of today when they broke onto the scene in the early 1980s. Pioneers of the ever-evolving genre, they knew early on that rap music was a force to be dealt with, and they've commanded respect ever since. With the passing of Jam Master Jay, one-third of their blockbuster team, the surviving members take a look back at their triumphant career as one of music's most important icons.

Run DMC: Forever Kings

2004

No artwork available
NR

Long before Hollywood came calling with films such as Johnson Family Vacation, Steve Harvey was slaying audiences at comedy clubs. This collection of Harvey-hosted episodes from the popular television show captures that vibe. Funnymen James Hannah, Arnez J., Rich Vos and others unleash a tirade of laughs, demonstrating why this show served as a launching pad for so many top comic talents. Russell Simmons and Bob Sumner provide commentary.

Def Comedy Jam Classics: Volume Two

2006

Street Fury: Envy poster
NR

We bring in the year with a bang. Review last year and dive into 2005 with an in depth look at the hottest items coming your way in 2005. Check out the newest aftermarket parts and accessories at the SEMA LAS VEGAS show. We just can't stay away from Mexico, so we visited The Fast and Furious Tour Mexico, to see who Envies Who in the International import game. At the 2004 Magic Show, get a look at the hottest new fashions by -- Von Dutch, Rocawear and Russell Simmon's Phat Farm. Gloria Valez followed up her Magic show performance at the Best Import show of the Year… Extreme Auto Fest Daygo.

Street Fury: Envy

2005

Shooting Star(s): The Rise of Hip Hop Photographer Johnny Nunez poster
NR

In this revealing biographical portrait, filmmakers Axel Ebermann and Daniel Frei document the rags-to-riches story of photographer Johnny Nunez, charting his rise from a humble boy in Brooklyn to an in-demand presence on the hip-hop scene. No stranger to high-profile subjects, Nunez made a name for himself photographing wealthy A-list celebrities, but his glamorous lifestyle today belies the poverty and racism he had to overcome in his youth.

Shooting Star(s): The Rise of Hip Hop Photographer Johnny Nunez

2009

No artwork available
9.0

New Yorkers such as novelist Salman Rushdie, Yankees manager Joe Torre and hip-hop star Russell Simmons discuss how 9/11 altered their perception of the world.

9/11/03: A Day in the Life of New York

2005

No artwork available
NR

Superstars of the hip-hop scene reveal their admiration for Brian De Palma's Scarface (1983) and how the movie and Al Pacino's memorable character were important to their lives, their careers, the lessons they got from it, and obviously how truly devoted fans they are from the classic film.

Scarface: Origins of a Hip Hop Classic

2003

1980s · 3 titles

Series credits

The Colbert Report poster
7.0

The Colbert Report is an American satirical late night television program. It stars political humorist Stephen Colbert, a former correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The Colbert Report is a spin-off from and counterpart to The Daily Show that comments on politics and the media in a similar way. The show focuses on a fictional anchorman character named Stephen Colbert, played by his real-life namesake. The character, described by Colbert as a "well-intentioned, poorly informed, high-status idiot", is a caricature of televised political pundits.

The Colbert Report

2005

Jimmy Kimmel Live! poster
5.3

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

2003

Real Time with Bill Maher poster
6.0

Each week Bill Maher surrounds himself with a panel of guests which include politicians, actors, comedians, musicians and the like to discuss what's going on in the world.

Real Time with Bill Maher

2003

Late Night with Conan O'Brien poster
7.3

Stepping into the late-late slot vacated by David Letterman, Conan O'Brien stars in a show that far outdoes its competition in sheer strangeness. Along with the celebrity interviews and musical numbers typical of late-night talk shows, this program make frequent use of odd walk-on characters and frequent "visits" from celebrity guests.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

1993

Tony Awards poster
NR

The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.

Tony Awards

1956

Moesha poster
6.9

The everyday life of Moesha Mitchell, a vivacious young woman juggling romance, school, ever-changing family dynamics, and friendships.

Moesha

1996

The L Word poster
7.7

A group of lesbian friends struggle with romance and careers in Los Angeles.

The L Word

2004

The Celebrity Apprentice poster
4.9

The ultimate sixteen-week job interview where eighteen Americans compete in a series of rigorous business tasks, many of which include prominent Fortune 500 companies and require street smarts and intelligence to conquer, in order to show the boss that they are the best candidate for his companies. In each episode, the losing team is sent to the boardroom where they are judged on their performance in the task. One person is fired and sent home.

The Celebrity Apprentice

2004

The Arsenio Hall Show poster
5.7

No synopsis available yet.

The Arsenio Hall Show

2013

Sean Combs: The Reckoning poster
7.3

A revealing look at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' journey from music mogul to high-profile sexual offender, featuring footage and insider accounts that expose both his groundbreaking success with Bad Boy Entertainment and the troubling shadows behind his empire.

Sean Combs: The Reckoning

2025

The Henry Rollins Show poster
6.2

The Henry Rollins Show was a weekly talk show hosted by Henry Rollins on the Independent Film Channel. The show featured Rollins' monologues, interviews with celebrities and uncensored musical performances. The show was canceled after the wrap of its second season.

The Henry Rollins Show

2006

Payback poster
4.0

Whether it's a cheating ex, a double-crossing co-worker, or the best friend who stabbed you in the back, it's human instinct to want to get even. Though most people don't act on this impulse, there are those who are consumed with getting even. For them, what starts as a nagging bitterness evolves into obsession and results in murder. This true crime documentary series profiles those stories of revenge, told through gripping interviews with the family members, community members, and law enforcement who experienced the events firsthand.

Payback

2022

No artwork available
NR

We all know designers and trendsetters who inspire us. But have you ever wondered where their inspiration comes from? You flip through magazines gazing at the stunning houses and spaces they decorate, but wouldn't you like to know how they came up with the design behind them? My Favorite Place is an all-access behind-the-scenes look at the spaces today's top designers and trendsetters find most inspiring.

My Favorite Place

2011

Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam All Stars poster
NR

Def Comedy Jam is an HBO television series produced by Russell Simmons. The series had its original run from July 1, 1992 to January 1, 1997. Simmons was inspired to make Def Comedy Jam by Jerry Lewis' movie The Nutty Professor. The show returned on HBO's fall lineup in 2006. Def Comedy Jam helped to launch the careers of several African-American stand-up comedians.

Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam All Stars

2001

Russell Simmons Presents: The Ruckus poster
NR

Russell Simmons' name is in the title -- he's an executive producer -- but it's JB Smoove who is front and center as host of this stand-up showcase, which features a roster of rising comics and veteran stars doing their thing. Smoove gets into the act as well with new material, and JB also gives viewers an added bonus by performing in pre-taped sketches woven into each episode.

Russell Simmons Presents: The Ruckus

2012

The Hip Hop Years poster
7.0

The Hip Hop Years is a three part series of one hour television documentaries, made for Channel 4 in 1999. The series was devised by David Upshal who produced, directed and narrated the series. He also produced the 33-track compilation CD which accompanied the series and co-wrote the book with Alex Ogg, also titled The Hip Hop Years. The series charts the definitive story of Hip Hop, rising from the streets of the Bronx to become, what Upshal calls, "the new Rock'n'Roll". The programmes combine archive clips and performance from TV, movies and music videos with specially shot material and interviews with key players.

The Hip Hop Years

1999

America Beyond the Color Line poster
7.5

Henry Louis Gates Jr., Harvard's chair of Afro-American Studies, travels the length and breadth of the United States to take the temperature of black America at the start of the new century. He explores this rich and diverse landscape, social as well as geographic, and meets the people who are defining black America, from the most famous and influential to those at the grassroots.

America Beyond the Color Line

2004

No artwork available
9.7

Blowin' Up is a comedic reality show on MTV. The show stars Jamie Kennedy, an actor who follows his dream of becoming a successful rapper. The show was written by Kennedy after the success of the movie Malibu's Most Wanted, which he starred in. Along for the ride is his close friend Stu Stone, who keeps Jamie in check to stick to their rap career.

Jamie Kennedy's Blowin' Up

2006

No artwork available
NR

Bibbito Garcia takes you across the country to check out some of the rarest and most unusual sneaker collections owned by celebs.

It's the Shoes

2005

Hip Hop Honors poster
NR

Vh1 Hip Hop Honors is an annual event that airs on VH1. The television special honors old school and golden age hip hop rappers and contributors. It features live performances by most of the honorees along with new school artists who have been influenced by them. The show is taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York City. The first ceremony aired on October 12, 2004 and was hosted by Vivica A. Fox and MC Lyte. The second ceremony aired on September 26, 2005, hosted by Russell Simmons and Rev. Run. The third aired on October 17, 2006 with host Ice-T. The fourth show aired October 8, 2007, and was hosted by Tracy Morgan. The fifth show aired October 6, 2008 and was hosted by Morgan. Morgan also hosted the sixth ceremony which aired on October 13, 2009. The seventh and most recent Hip Hop Honors aired on June 7, 2010, hosted by Craig Robinson. The ceremony featured various artists from the 'Dirty South.'

Hip Hop Honors

2004

Acting Disruptive poster
5.0

'Acting Disruptive' takes viewers inside the businesses and passion projects of Hollywood's top celebrities. Follow host Max Lugavere as he sits down with notable stars and goes behind the scenes of each business, giving fans an all-access look into innovative companies and the famous faces behind them.

Acting Disruptive

2013

The Hamptons poster
6.0

Documentary about The Hamptons, an area in the eastern part of Long Island (New York), famous for being a vacation spot for the wealthiest Americans: a place where wealthy families can spend the summer and weekends by the beach.

The Hamptons

2002

Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane poster
NR

Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane is an American reality television series on the Style Network. The series premiered on the Style Network on August 5, 2007. The series ran on syndication on E! but is no longer aired. A spin-off show, Kimora: House of Fab, debuted on January 23, 2013.

Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane

2008

No artwork available
NR

Running Russell Simmons is an American reality television series on Oxygen that premiered on November 2, 2010. The series chronicles the lives of Russell Simmons and his assistants as they manage his business deals, family life and party planning.

Running Russell Simmons

2010

No artwork available
NR

The Nate Berkus Show, commonly referred to as The Nate Show, is a syndicated talk show hosted by interior designer Nate Berkus, which premiered on September 13, 2010. The series is one of three spinoffs of The Oprah Winfrey Show; both Dr. Phil and The Dr. Oz Show are the other two, although The Doctors itself is a spinoff of Dr. Phil.

The Nate Berkus Show

2010

Behind the camera

The Nutty Professor poster
5.7

When beautiful Carla Purty joins the university faculty, genetic professor Dr. Sherman Klump grows desperate to whittle his 400-pound frame down to size and win her heart. So, with one swig of his experimental fat-reducing serum, Sherman becomes 'Buddy Love', a fast-talking, pumped-up, plumped down Don Juan.

The Nutty Professor

1996

How to Be a Player poster
5.7

Dray is a young playboy whose only objective in life seems to be to have sex with as many girls as he can without getting caught by his girlfriend Lisa. Dray's sister Jenny and her friend Katrina plan to show him that the way he lives is wrong and organize a party in Malibu, inviting all of his girlfriends.

How to Be a Player

1997

Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 7 poster
8.7

Def Comedy Jam played host to some of the greatest comedians of the 1990s, many of whom went on to greater fame, due in part to the exposure they received on the program. Here, Mark Curry and Steve Harvey both show off some comic chops that that could never air on their respective network TV shows, though Harvey has shown this side of himself in Spike Lee's excellent THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY. Rounding out the performers are Don "D.C." Curry (NEXT FRIDAY) and Arnez J. Contains two episodes.

Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 7

2000

Tougher Than Leather poster
5.5

Legendary hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. must find and punish the evil drug lord-record company executive who murdered their friend. Along the way, they encounter racist bikers, blonde bimbos, and the Beastie Boys!

Tougher Than Leather

1988

The History Makers: Success poster
NR

Ossie Davis, Terry McMillan, Horace Julian Bond, Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick and many others share their inspiring stories of success in the first installment of this series about African-American history makers, including civil rights leaders, actors and authors. A good education, dedication to work, dogged determination and the courage to take risks figure prominently in these remarkable success stories told by notable African Americans.

The History Makers: Success

2005

No artwork available
NR

Def Comedy Jam played host to some of the greatest comedians of the 1990s, many of whom went on to greater fame, due in part to the exposure they received on the program. Here, Mark Curry and Steve Harvey both show off some comic chops that that could never air on their respective network TV shows, though Harvey has shown this side of himself in Spike Lee's excellent THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY. Rounding out the performers are Don "D.C." Curry (NEXT FRIDAY) and Arnez J. Contains two episodes.

Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 6

2001