PROFILE DETAILS
NAME: David O. Russell
REAL NAME: David Owen Russell
AGE: 67
Gender: Male
weight: Information not publicly available
Height: Information not publicly available
Birthdate: August 20, 1958
Birth Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
NET WORTH: $40 Million (Estimated)
Salary: Information not publicly available (Per-project basis)
MAIN INCOME SOURCE: Film Directing, Screenwriting, and Producing
Profession: Filmmaker
RELIGION: Raised in an atheistic household (Russian-Jewish and Italian-Catholic heritage)
FAMILY: Bernard Russell (Father), Maria Russell (Mother)
PARENTS: Bernard and Maria Russell
SPOUSE: Janet Grillo (m. 1992–2007); Partner: Holly Davis (2007–Present)
CHILDREN: Matthew Antonio Grillo Russell, Leo Russell
CAREER: 1987–Present
Nationality: American
SOCIAL PROFILES: Information not publicly available (No official public social media presence)
What is David O. Russell Net Worth and salary?
As of early 2026, David O. Russell’s net worth is estimated at approximately $40 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his dual roles as a high-profile director and screenwriter. During his peak commercial period (2010–2015), Russell commanded significant upfront fees and “back-end” profit participation for hits like Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. While his 2022 film Amsterdam was a significant financial loss for studios, his established reputation as an “actor’s director” allows him to continue securing multi-million dollar deals for upcoming projects, including the Linda Ronstadt biopic and the John Madden biopic.
Early Life
David Owen Russell was born in Manhattan and raised in the upper-middle-class suburb of Larchmont, New York. His parents both worked in the publishing industry at Simon & Schuster; his father, Bernard, was a vice president of sales, and his mother, Maria, was a secretary. This literary environment influenced his early interest in storytelling. He attended Mamaroneck High School, where he was notably voted “Class Rebel.” He later graduated from Amherst College in 1981 with a degree in English and Political Science.
Before fame
Before finding success in Hollywood, Russell spent time in Nicaragua teaching English as part of a literacy program, an experience that shaped his early political views. Upon returning to the U.S., he worked as a production assistant for the PBS series Smithsonian World. He spent several years directing short films and documentaries, honing a kinetic, handheld camera style that would later become his signature. His breakthrough came with the 1994 independent film Spanking the Monkey, which he wrote and directed on a shoestring budget.
Awards
David O. Russell is one of the most decorated directors of his generation, despite the lack of a “Best Director” Oscar win. His accolades include:
- Academy Awards: 5 nominations (Best Director for The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle; Best Screenplay for Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle).
- BAFTA Awards: 2 wins (Best Adapted Screenplay for Silver Linings Playbook; Best Original Screenplay for American Hustle).
- Golden Globes: 1 win (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for American Hustle).
- Independent Spirit Awards: Multiple wins, including Best First Feature for Spanking the Monkey.
Personal Life and Relationships
Russell was married to producer Janet Grillo from 1992 to 2007. Following their divorce, he entered a long-term partnership with costume designer Holly Davis, with whom he remains as of 2026. Russell is known for being intensely private about his domestic life, though he has been open about the challenges and inspirations drawn from his family, particularly regarding mental health advocacy.
Family life
Russell has two sons. His eldest, Matthew Antonio Grillo Russell, was the primary inspiration for the film Silver Linings Playbook due to his struggles with bipolar disorder; Matthew even appeared in a cameo in the film. Russell and Holly Davis later adopted a son named Leo. His family life is centered in Santa Monica, California.
Associated with
Russell is famous for his “repertory company” of actors, frequently collaborating with:
- Jennifer Lawrence: Starred in Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and Joy.
- Bradley Cooper: Starred in Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and Joy.
- Christian Bale: Starred in The Fighter, American Hustle, and Amsterdam.
- Robert De Niro: Appeared in Silver Linings Playbook, Joy, and Amsterdam.
- Mark Wahlberg: Starred in Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees, and The Fighter.
Real Estate
Russell maintains a primary residence in Santa Monica, California. While he has owned various properties in the Los Angeles area throughout his career, he typically avoids the ostentatious real estate flipping common among Hollywood elites, preferring to maintain a stable home base for his family.
Net Worth History
- 2010: $10 Million (Post-hiatus, following the success of The Fighter)
- 2015: $30 Million (Peak earnings following three consecutive Oscar-nominated hits)
- 2020: $38 Million (Accumulated wealth from producing and residuals)
- 2026: $40 Million (Stable wealth maintained through new development deals)
Trivia
- He famously got into a physical altercation with George Clooney on the set of Three Kings.
- He is a staunch supporter of the Ghetto Film School in the Bronx.
- Russell did not attend film school, learning his craft through activism and documentary work.
- He was a student of Robert Thurman (father of Uma Thurman) at Amherst College.
BIOGRAPHY
Executive Summary
David O. Russell stands as one of the most polarizing yet undeniably talented figures in contemporary American cinema. As of February 2026, Russell is in a period of creative reinvention following the mixed reception of his 2022 ensemble piece, Amsterdam. Known for a filmmaking style characterized by intense, overlapping dialogue, kinetic camera movements, and deeply flawed but empathetic characters, Russell has carved out a niche that blends screwball comedy with high-stakes drama.
His career is defined by a remarkable “second act.” After a period of professional exile in the mid-2000s—fueled by reports of on-set volatility and the abandoned project Nailed—he returned with a string of critical and commercial triumphs starting with The Fighter (2010). This era solidified his reputation as a “star-maker,” helping Jennifer Lawrence secure an Oscar and revitalizing the careers of Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale. His ability to extract career-best performances from his cast remains his greatest professional asset.
In the current 2025–2026 cycle, Russell has pivoted toward high-profile biographical subjects. His most anticipated project is the Linda Ronstadt biopic starring Selena Gomez, a film that has generated significant buzz for its potential to return Russell to the Oscar conversation. Additionally, his involvement in the John Madden biopic starring Will Ferrell indicates a return to the “biographical sports drama” roots that first brought him mainstream acclaim.
Despite persistent controversies regarding his demanding and sometimes combative directorial style, Russell remains a sought-after collaborator for A-list talent. His work continues to explore themes of family dysfunction, mental health, and the resilience of the American spirit. At 67, Russell’s legacy is that of a relentless storyteller who thrives on the chaotic energy of the human experience, ensuring his place in the annals of modern Hollywood history.