Was a member of the Mesa Stars Dance and Drill team, which toured the U.S.; several dance scholarships followed.
Worked briefly as a model.
Had a three-year stint as a Mouseketeer on The New Mickey Mouse Club from 1991 to 1994.
Almost wasn't cast on Felicity because executive producer J.J. Abrams initially thought that she was too beautiful for the lead part; she later generated much press when she cut her trademark locks at the beginning of the show's 1999 season.
In 2004 made her stage debut in the off-Broadway production of Neil LaBute's Fat Pig. Her costars included Andrew McCarthy and Jeremy Piven.
Tested for the role of Lois Lane for the 2006 movie Superman Returns (the part went to Kate Bosworth).
Is a member of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation's advisory board; Russell starred in Shelly's final film, Waitress, in 2007.
Awards
2014, Critics' Choice Television Awards — Best Actress in a Drama Series: Nominee
2018, Emmy — Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Nominee
2016, Emmy — Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Nominee
1999, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama: Winner
2019, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama: Nominee
2015, Critics' Choice Television Awards — Best Actress in a Drama Series: Nominee
2016, Critics' Choice Awards — Best Actress in a Drama Series: Nominee
2017, Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama: Nominee
2017, Emmy — Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Nominee