Chuck Russell

Born: 1954
Where: Chicago, USA

Chuck Russell, one of Hollywood's most revered action, comedy and horror directors and producers, embarked on his film career as an assistant director for low-budget production companies including Sunn Classics and Roger Corman's New World Pictures.

For some years, beginning in 1977 he worked as an assistant director at American International Pictures and was given his first producing credit for his work on The Hearse, which starred Trish Van Devere and Joseph Cotton.

Soon Chuck was using his skills to executive produce projects such as the classic horror Hell Night.

His breakthrough feature was The Mask which shot Cameron Diaz to fame and brought Jim Carrey more respect as a comic actor.

Chuck's most recent project is a spin off of The Mummy Returns. The Scorpion King stars The Rock, from WWF wrestling fame.