| Catherine Russell | |
| Alma Mater: | Cornell University |
| Years Active: | 1980–present |
Catherine Russell (born 1956) is an American stage actress, professor, general manager, and producer. She is best known for her remarkable achievement of never having taken a sick or vacation day in the Off-Broadway play Perfect Crime since its opening in 1987.[1] Russell also holds the world record for the most performances as the same character (Margaret Thorne Brent) in that play.[2]
Russell's longevity has been covered by People and Entertainment Weekly. She has shared her tips and tricks to her success with Women's Health.[3] Additionally, she identifies as a Christian Scientist.[4]
Russell made her Off-Broadway debut in 1980 as Nicola Davies in Stephen Poliakoff's City Sugar. She has since appeared Off-Broadway in productions such as Miss Shumann's Quartet, A Resounding Twinkle, The Award And Other Plays and Creeps. In New York, she has taken on roles such as Masha in Three Sisters, Rose in Incommunicado, Edie in Lunch Girls, Missy in Home on the Range, and Cathy Cakes in Inserts. Despite her commitment to Perfect Crime, Russell has managed to make appearances on stage (after 10:30 pm or on her nights off) in Pas de Deux, Stages, Guardian Star, The Queen of the Parting Shot, also by Perfect Crime author Warren Manzi,[5] I'll See You In Hell, by Eric Zaccar [6] and, most recently, Some Enchanted Evening. Additionally, she has been involved in several films including Soundman and Remedy.
Russell teaches at NYU and Baruch College. She is also the general manager of The Theater Center and an executive producer of The Fantasticks. Additionally she co-produced Piggy Nation the Musical.