Russell Dykstra is a multi-award winning Australian actor of screen, stage and television
Education
He later studied acting at the University of Southern Queensland, and in his early career worked alongside fellow actor Geoffrey Rush with the theatre company Grin and Tonic. Dykstra also studied at the schools of Jacques Lecoq in Paris and Philippe Gaulier in London.
Career
Dykstra first appeared on stage at age 10, in a theatre production of Toad of Toad Hall. In 2007 Dykstra was nominated for an American Film Institute Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Romulus, My Father directed by Richard Roxburgh. Other film appearances include Oranges and Sunshine, Clubland, Lantana, Garage Days, Ned Kelly, View from Greenhaven Drive, The Wannabes and Hey, Hey, lieutenant"s Esther Blueburger.
Dykstra’s theatre credits are extensive, including God of Carnage, The Wonderful World of Dissocia, The Unlikely Prospect of Happiness, for the Sydney Theatre Company and Babyteeth, Ray’s Tempest, The Underpants, The Laramie Project, Yibiyung and The Ham Funeral for Company B. His performances in Toy Symphony and Stuff Happens earning him national theatre Helpmann Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 2006 and 2008 and a Sydney Theatre Award (2007).
Dykstra has also worked with the Malthouse Theatre, Theatre of Image, Griffin Theatre, Ensemble, Louisiana Boite Theatre and The Queensland Theatre Company. Television credits include the Australian television series Spirited, Wild Boys, My Place, Scorched, Blackjack, American Broadcasting Company television’s Loot, All Saints and White Collar Blue.
Dykstra is perhaps most well known for his portrayal of the character Barney, in the award winning American Broadcasting Company television series Rake. In 2013 Dykstra appeared as Uncle Fester in the Australian production of the Broadway musical The Addams Family.
Currently Dykstra is playing Pumbaa in the Australian tour of Disney"s The Lion King.