Clive Russell – Biography, Height, Top Movies and TV Roles

Clive Russell is a Scottish character actor whose towering frame and gravelly voice have made him a familiar face in some of the biggest television and film franchises of the past two decades. From the battlefields of Westeros to the high seas of Netflix’s One Piece, his career spans more than five decades and continues to draw interest from new generations of viewers.

Born on 7 December 1945 in Winchester, England, and raised in Leven, Fife, Russell initially trained as a primary school teacher before turning to acting in the 1960s. He has since appeared in dozens of productions, often cast as policemen, soldiers, and other authoritative figures — a niche shaped in large part by his imposing physical presence.

This article covers his most famous roles, his filmography, his height, recent projects, and answers the most common questions fans ask about him online.

What are Clive Russell’s most famous roles?

Clive Russell as Brynden Tully (Blackfish) in Game of Thrones

Russell portrayed Brynden Tully, known as the Blackfish, in HBO’s Game of Thrones. He appeared in seven episodes across seasons 3 and 6, playing the stubborn, battle‑hardened uncle of Catelyn Stark. The role is widely considered his breakout mainstream performance and remains the one for which he is most recognised.

Clive Russell in Harry Potter: Did He Appear in the Films?

Yes, Russell appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) as a Death Eater. The exact character name (sometimes listed as “Nott”) is not consistently confirmed across sources, but his presence in the film is well documented.

Clive Russell’s role in Outlander

In the Starz series Outlander, Russell played Lord Lovat in a guest role during the second season (2014). The character is a historical figure — Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat — and appears in the storyline set in 18th‑century Scotland.

Clive Russell’s character in One Piece: Kokoro

Russell voiced and provided motion capture for the character Kokoro in Netflix’s live‑action adaptation of One Piece, released in 2023. Kokoro is a lighthouse keeper and a key ally to the Straw Hat Pirates during the Water 7 arc.

What movies and TV shows has Clive Russell been in?

Notable films featuring Clive Russell

Russell’s film credits include The 13th Warrior (1999) as a Viking warrior, King Arthur (2004) as Lancelot’s father, Sherlock Holmes (2009), and The Wolfman (2010). One of his most acclaimed performances came in Margaret’s Museum (1995), for which he earned a Genie Award nomination for Best Performance.

Television appearances and recurring roles

Beyond Game of Thrones and Outlander, Russell played Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline in the BBC series Ripper Street (2012–2013) and appeared in British staples such as Coronation Street, Still Game, Happiness, and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

Voice acting work by Clive Russell

Russell voiced characters in the video game The Last Worker (2021). Additional voice‑over credits may exist, but his primary reputation remains as a live‑action character actor.

How tall is Clive Russell?

Height verified from official sources

Clive Russell’s height is most commonly reported as 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m). Some sources, including the Coronation Street Wiki and Famous Birthdays, list heights of 6 ft 5 in or 6 ft 6 in, likely due to his imposing on‑screen presence. The 6 ft 4 in figure appears most frequently in verified biographical entries.

How his height influenced his casting

His stature has made him a natural fit for roles such as police officers, bodyguards, and warriors. Directors often cast him specifically to project physical authority, as seen in Ripper Street and Game of Thrones.

What is Clive Russell doing now? (Recent and upcoming projects)

Clive Russell in One Piece live‑action (2023)

In 2023, Russell joined the cast of Netflix’s One Piece as Kokoro, a character originally from the manga and anime. The series was renewed for a second season, though it is not yet confirmed whether his character will return.

Upcoming film: The Death of Robin Hood (2025)

Russell is attached to star in The Death of Robin Hood, directed by Michael Sarnoski and featuring Hugh Jackman. He will play the role of Elder Father. The film is currently in post‑production.

Timeline of Clive Russell’s career milestones

1. 1945 – Born in Reigate, England; family moves to Scotland.
2. 1970s–1990s – Early theatre and television roles, including BBC productions.
3. 2000 – Role in the film The House of Mirth.
4. 2011 – Cast as Brynden Tully in Game of Thrones (Season 3 onward).
5. 2011 – Appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 as a Death Eater.
6. 2012–2016 – Series regular in Ripper Street as Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline.
7. 2014 – Guest role in Outlander as Lord Lovat.
8. 2021 – Voices characters in video game The Last Worker.
9. 2023 – Plays Kokoro in Netflix’s One Piece live‑action series.
10. 2025 – Upcoming film The Death of Robin Hood (post‑production).

Certainty vs. uncertainty about Clive Russell

Context: Who is Clive Russell as a performer?

Clive Russell exemplifies the journeyman character actor who elevates every production. His physical presence and gravelly voice make him a natural for authority roles, yet he has also shown range in comedy (Still Game) and voice acting. His career spans five decades, bridging classic British television and modern global franchises. The recent surge in interest from the One Piece live‑action shows his continued relevance.

Sources and quotes about Clive Russell

“Like a lot of men who went to war, he didn’t talk about it much. He was a coastal command pilot in Liberators and Lancasters.”

— Scottish Field (2019), regarding his father’s WWII service

“He is known for his roles as Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline in Ripper Street, Angus O’Connor in …”

— Wikipedia

Summary: Why Clive Russell remains a notable figure

From the Blackfish in Game of Thrones to Kokoro in One Piece, Clive Russell has built a career defined by memorable supporting roles in major franchises. His distinctive height, gravelly delivery, and five‑decade career make him a respected presence on screen. For more on his fellow Scottish cast members, see our guide to Scottish actors in Game of Thrones. For a broader look at the series, visit the Complete Guide to Game of Thrones Cast.

Frequently asked questions about Clive Russell