Russell Brand: Star Image Portfolio by

British Comedy and TV Star

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MTV's "Dancefloor Charts" 2000-2001

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Brand's first presenting gig was for MTV touring music clubs in Britain and Ibiza. This first glimpse we see of Russell's image display him to be a crazy, youthful character just wanting to have fun and explore the rave scene. He is also perceived as a down to earth, relatable individual with a very comedic personality.

Damaging to his star image? Apparently not

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Where you would think a scandal like this would end or taint a celebrity image the contrary happened to Brand. Although this did result in him being sacked from MTV, he had no trouble finding more work within the entertainment industry. An event like this arguably should have destabilised his star image. This event starts to shed light on Brand's real personality.

"Better Now" Stand-Up Show 2004: Revelations of Russell Brand's heroin addiction

201503025 — 2023-10-17 19:00:38 UTC

This stand-up show was deemed Brand's "comedic comeback" where he revealed all about his drug abuse/addiction. The way Brand is able to turn his troubled, dark past into entertainment displays him to be a relatable, arguably 'normal' star to his audiences that hasn't been handed their celebrity status. Brand is congratulated and celebrated for being able to turn his life around from drug addiction to stardom.

"Big Brothers Eforum" 2004-2007

201503025 — 2023-10-19 10:58:15 UTC

Brand's partnership with Channel 4 was a hit. In this clip you can see his 'over-friendly' nature i.e. sitting on members of the audience lap, kissing an audience member on the cheek. These mannerisms contribute to his image in the sense that he doesn't take himself too seriously or that he should be seen as being better or above his audience. The rawness of his character could explain his popularity.

2007 Royal Variety Performance

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Featuring in these type of classic British shows contributes to his star image in becoming a British icon.

Awarded The Sun's "Shagger of the Year" 2006

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Portrays his image as a rock and roll, promiscuous star. His sex life is congratulated and admired.

Sternheimer. K (2014) "Celebrity Culture and the American Dream: Stardom and Social Mobility" United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.

201503025 — 2023-10-19 13:39:30 UTC

Rather than praises for his comedic or presenting skills, Brand is celebrated for his wild sex life. The private life of stars is what intrigues audiences into the gossip of their lives.

Russell Brand's transparency about sex life

201503025 — 2023-10-19 13:56:05 UTC

It is interesting to think what the public and media reception would be if a female celebrity admitted to sleeping with three people a day.

Return to MTV: "1 Leicester Square" 2006

201503025 — 2023-10-21 10:50:30 UTC

Brand returned to MTV with his own chat show interviewing an array of stars including Tom Cruise, Will Ferrell, Uma Thurman. This particular clip continues to display his same outgoing, outspoken personality not afraid to make sexual, inappropriate jokes. From watching this clip I would argue Ashlee Simpson seems uncomfortable and lost for words at the remarks her interviewer says about her.

Host of the 2007 Brit Awards

201503025 — 2023-10-21 11:07:39 UTC

A night that was broadcasted to 5.3 million viewers and Brand was at the heart of it. However his outspoke personality and brace choice of jokes resulted in a bad reception from the British public.

Backlash from the 2007 Brit Awards

201503025 — 2023-10-21 11:17:52 UTC

Brand's digs at the Queen, Robbie Williams and Amy Whinehouse did not sit well with the British public. Yet, his star image was not entirely destabilised and his fame only grew larger.

BBC Radio 2 "The Russell Brand Show" 2006-2008

201503025 — 2023-10-21 11:49:33 UTC

Brand's radio show in its peak would draw 400,000 listeners. Despite the controversy and negative reviews from the British public over the years, the prestigious BBC granted Brand with this platform.

The end of Brand's time with the BBC

201503025 — 2023-10-21 11:58:52 UTC

Another controversy? More public complaints? Another event that should have had some sort of lasting destabilising impact on Brand's star image; but doesn't!

The break into Hollywood

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"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" 2008 - Brand achieves American Fame

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Brand's first debut in the Hollywood circle. It seems the 'rock and roll' character he plays is not so far from his 'real' personality shown in his past media texts.

"Bedtime Stories" 2008

201503025 — 2023-10-21 12:26:28 UTC

Starring alongside Hollywood legend Adam Sandler, Brand was really starting to make his mark on America. Represents the start of his transition to be recognised for children/family films.

"Get Him to the Greek" 2010

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Brand starring with another Hollywood legend Jonah Hill. Reverts back to his established star image in this role.

Host of the 2008 MTV VMA's

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Host of the MTV VMA's 2009

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The success of Brand's first time hosting the awards show lined up to host in 2009. His movement into the American fame spotlight had him be recognised and associated with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. What made Brand be able to be successful in pursing fame in America where so many other British stars have tried and failed?

"Despicable Me" 2010

201503025 — 2023-10-21 14:19:12 UTC

Brand voiced the character 'Doctor Nefario' in Illumination's hit animation motion picture. The change of his star image from rock and roll controversial comic to an established Hollywood name was drastic and impressive considering the situations he had been associated with back in the UK.

"Hop" 2011

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Brand starred the protagonist family-favourite animation film that was a hit at the box office in the US.

"Rock of Ages" 2012

201503025 — 2023-10-21 14:30:45 UTC

Russell Brand was a part of the star studded cast of the movie adaptation of the 1980s musical "Rock of Ages". We see Brand revert back to his typical 'rock and roll' star image.

"Graham Norton Show" Interview 2012

201503025 — 2023-10-21 14:46:29 UTC

In the height of his fame, Brand tells an anecdote about a whole scene being cut from the film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" due to him being unable to ride a horse. This brings Brand 'back down to earth' and shows he isn't an out of touch star that can do everything. Audiences favour relatability and honesty; qualities Brand has transpired throughout his stardom.

The beginning of Brand's relationship with Katy Perry

201503025 — 2023-10-21 15:04:50 UTC

The couple were rumoured to have started dating after they met at the 2009 VMA's. Their relationship was heavily circulated in the press as one of Hollywood's latest celeb power couples. Had the image of his rock and roll sex life been altered?

Exotic Wedding in India (Oct 2010)

201503025 — 2023-10-30 16:32:06 UTC

The couple tied the knot just under a year of being together. Could the secrecy of the wedding reflect the act of getting married contradicts Brand's promiscuous, 'Shagger of the Year' image?

The selfish star that dumps his wife over text?

201503025 — 2023-11-03 12:42:44 UTC

Brand dumped his spouse over text during her worldwide tour. This suggests Brand reverting back to his single lifestyle.

Political Activist/'Woke' Star

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Arthurs. J and Little. B (2017) "Russell Brand : Comedy, Celebrity, Politics" London: Palgrave Macmillan UK.

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Arthurs et.al displays how this controversy was used to his advantage and helped form his sell out show stand-up show 'Scandalous' (2009).

Brand's politically outspoken personality

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Displays Brand is not fearful of defying convention and speaking out against things he is opposed to in a large public setting.

Created his own charity "The Russell Brand Foundation" (2012)

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The charity raised funds to help rehabilitate drug users. This action comes from a sincere understanding of the issue as addiction was something he struggled with as well. His image is able to resonate with 'ordinary' people.

Created a documentary with the BBC "Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery" (2012)

201503025 — 2023-11-03 15:35:23 UTC

Following the death of Amy Whinehouse the previous year, Brand created this biographical documentary about his addiction to spread awareness.

Launched YouTube series 'The Trews' (2014-2020)

201503025 — 2023-11-06 21:45:07 UTC

Released a series of weekly videos speaking his opinion on the news and media, poverty, the rise of the need for revolution. Coming away from his Hollywood lifestyle and associating himself with the need for change and action with real-world issues. This episode in particular received a great deal of media attention.

Kapoor. I (2013) "Celebrity humanitarianism: The ideology of global charity", New York, NY: Routledge.

201503025 — 2023-11-06 22:01:51 UTC

The notion that celebrities take on roles of governments, charities and engage in on-going social issues.

Reflection of his fame and new representation of a humble star image

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In the interview, reflects on his past fame and states money will never bring true happiness. Complete different persona to what has been seen in previous media texts.

Became popular in the media for his dissemination of COVID-19 conspiracy theories

201503025 — 2023-11-06 22:33:06 UTC

Publicising his controversial views spread within social media. His conspiracy theorist ideologies is what he began to be mainly associated with.

Content removed from YouTube for "medical misinformation" (2022)

201503025 — 2023-11-06 22:37:51 UTC

His controversial nature is opposed but doesn't stop Brand as he moves his platform to Rumble and continues to post his content to YouTube.

Rise to Fall Trajectory

201503025 — 2023-11-06 22:38:53 UTC

The release of the Channel 4 documentary has sparked the recent de-stabilizing of Brand's star image as he has been associated with sexual assault and rape. This media text has caused a ripple effect in the media publishing old footage of Brand being inappropriate, making sexual jokes that were simply laughed off and ignored at the time.

Brand's response to the allegations

201503025 — 2023-11-06 22:49:18 UTC

Released the day before the documentary aired, Brand responding by completely refuting the allegations made. Interesting despite the weight and detail of the evidence/victim's stories, he is still supported and has a 'loyal' fanbase.

More truths that are deteriorating Brand's star image

201503025 — 2023-11-06 22:53:08 UTC

Brand's image is becoming permanently associated with sexual assault allegations.

Rumble Channel

201503025 — 2023-11-09 11:28:43 UTC

Media reaction to the allegations - Loose Women (2023)

201503025 — 2023-11-09 12:44:00 UTC

A lot of the response from the media about the allegations has been surrounded by people saying how the signs were there, how was he not cancelled or reported against more, how did he get away with the things he said and did in his media texts.

BBC Radio 4 Interview (2013)

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Was his Hollywood persona just a cover up for the real person? A character he had created?

Colour code for representation of star image:

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- Relatable, unconventional, comedic star.

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- Rock & Roll, wild, promiscuous star.

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- Woke, political activist, conspiracy theorist star.

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- Relevance of scandal.

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Fellow comedian celebrities speaking out against Brand

201503025 — 2023-11-10 10:32:10 UTC

Following the documentary, footage resurfaced from interviews and comedy panel shows where Katherine Ryan calls out a prestigious comedian for being a 'sexual predator'.

The resurface of Brand's media texts that give further weight and cause to the allegations made (2023)

201503025 — 2023-11-10 10:48:14 UTC

His grotesque, incredibly sexual 'jokes' that were accepted by audiences in the early 2000s are now being used to defame his star image and show his choice of comedy is reflective of the type of person he is.