Russell Brand

An amalgam of debauched rock star, comic agitator and unconventional intellectual, Russell Brand rocketed to stardom after a chaotic early career. Brand mined his harrowing experiences in his struggles with addiction for a stand-up routine that soon earned him both accolades and television appearances. Eventually, Brand achieved sobriety and excelled in his various U.K. television, stage and radio efforts, but it was his turn as the decadent, self-absorbed rock star Aldous Snow in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (2008) that brought him to the attention of audiences in the U.S.

Seemingly overnight, Brand was everywhere - headlining stand-up specials for Comedy Central, welcomed hosting award shows and now headlining as star of "Get Him to the Greek" (2010), as well as high-profile work as the star of films like the animated family-feature "Hop" (2011) and the comedy remake "Arthur" (2011). Variously described as outrageous and undeniably talented, Brand used every perception to his advantage in his climb to the top of the international comedy world.