Bill Russell
William Felton "Bill" Russell was a legendary American professional basketball player who played as a center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969, widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history. Born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, Russell's impact on the game goes beyond statistics. He played the center position for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, winning an astonishing 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons.
Renowned for his defensive prowess, leadership, and shot-blocking abilities, Russell was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time NBA All-Star. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, becoming the NBA's first African American head coach. Russell continued to influence the game, leaving an indelible mark on basketball both on and off the court.
Acting
TV
Miami Vice
as Judge Roger Ferguson
1984
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Host
1975
Movie
O.J.: Made in America
as Self (archive footage)
2016
TV
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
1962
TV
O.J.: Made in America
as Self (archive footage)
2016
TV
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
as Self
1968
TV
Bill Russell: Legend
as Self
2023
TV
The Dick Cavett Show
as Self - Guest
1968
TV
The Flip Wilson Show
as Self
1970
TV
The White Shadow
as Bill Russell
1978
TV
The Merv Griffin Show
as Self
1962
TV
The Mike Douglas Show
as Self
1961
TV
Celtics City
as Himself
2025
Movie
Jim Brown: All-American
as Self
2002
Movie
On the Right Track
as Robert
1981
TV
Basketball: A Love Story
as Self
2018
Movie
:03 from Gold
as Self (archive footage)
2002
TV
Iconoclasts
as Self
2005
Movie
Fathers of the Sport
as Himself
2008
Movie
Rickles... On the Loose
as Self
1986
Movie
Bill Russell: My Life, My Way
2000
Movie
The Journey of the African-American Athlete
as Self
1996
TV
Shut Up and Dribble
as Self - NBA Hall of Famer
2018
Movie
Behind the Shield: The Power and Politics of the NFL
as Self (archive footage)
2022