Russ is best known for his work on Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge. He was selected from nearly a thousand applicants to become one of ten cast members in season 1. Russ quickly became a fan favorite with his quick wit and willingness to help is opponents. His odd background didn't hurt either.

''To look at Russ, you would never expect him to have a Master's Degree in Literature. He looks more like a biker'', says a colleague. His literary background manifested in episode 4 in the form of a Minotaur named Cecil. Russ stunned Brian Henson, Kirk Thatcher, and Beth Hathaway with a particular detail in Cecil's design. Carved into the creatures horns were the words ''Poseidon's Slave'' written in Latin.

Russ is a self-taught special effect artist. From childhood, Russ was hooked on creatures. Tucked away in a very small town in western Pennsylvania, he fantasized about working in the movies. Influenced by artists like Rick Baker, Dick Smith, and Stan Winston, Russ decided he wanted to incite the same excitement in others that these masters provoked in him. That dream would have to wait. With no money for college, Russ joined the military. Russ credits his ten years in the service as a crash course in realistic effects. When he separated, he started his studio, Escape Design FX, and ever since has been creating those things that go bump in the night.