Toronto/Montreal-based Russell Yuen is one of Canada's busiest character actors, with a diverse range of occupations that have contributed to his success. Like many actors, Yuen spent his early career taking on various jobs to make ends meet while establishing himself in the industry. However, unlike most actors, he didn't rely on traditional jobs such as waiting tables or serving drinks. Instead, he pursued his passion for athletics, working as a white water rescuer and rafting guide in Northern Quebec, running a Nautilus facility, and serving as a fitness trainer. Yuen's enthusiasm for adventure extends beyond athletics, as he is also an avid scuba diver, mountain and ice-climber, in-line skater, mountain biker, and fencer.
As a former martial artist in Shaolin, Yuen leveraged his stunt skills to transition from bit parts playing Asian gangsters and fighters to more substantial roles. His breakout opportunity came with The Red Violin, followed by numerous feature film parts showcasing his versatility as an actor, ranging from action to drama to broad comedy. His extensive filmography includes Bulletproof Monk, directed by John Woo, Owning Mahoney, Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity, Shattered Glass, Century Hotel, Between the Moon and Montevideo, The Bone Collector, starring alongside Denzel Washington, The Heist, Pluto Nash, opposite Eddie Murphy, and Eye of the Beholder.
Yuen is well-known to Quebec audiences for his work in film, particularly in the Quebec feature film Ballade des Dangereux, directed by Louis Saia. In addition to his film credits, Yuen has an extensive list of television credits on both English and French projects and series. He has recently appeared in the popular French series Jack Carter, in the recurring role of impotent mobster "Wong Phat," and has a recurring role in Diva. Other recent television credits include principal roles in Relic Hunter, The Associates, A Touch of Hope, and The Adventures of Jules Verne. His television credits also include multiple appearances in Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, and roles in Urban Angel, Counterstrike, John Woo's Once A Thief, and PSI Factor.
A fluent bilingual (French/English) individual, Yuen maintains homes in both Toronto and Montreal. Born and raised in the Montreal suburbs of St. Laurent and Pierrefond, with deep connections to Vancouver, where all of his extended family resides, Yuen was guided by his parents to pursue a career in medicine. However, his studies came to an abrupt halt when a chance Drama elective turned into a full-time pursuit. After studying Theatre at Concordia University, in the honors program, he quickly transitioned into film and television, where he has found continued success.
