GREYHOUND Star Grayson Russell Talks His Connection with Faith and Music
By Movieguide® Staff
You may remember childhood star Grayson Russell from his early role in the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID franchise, or his most recent movie GREYHOUND, but recently the Lee University graduate has pursued music.
Russell, who is the lead singer of The Breaks, recently discussed the role that music and faith play in his life ahead of a performance at Inman Street Coffee in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Russell was joined by bandmate and friend Zach Gordon, also an alumni of Lee.
“I feel super blessed to be in [the crowd’s] presence as well as Grayson’s,” Gordon told Lee Clarion. “He definitely is a legend and elevates those around him. Just so grateful to be here.”
Grayson added: “We’ve played here probably about 10 to 15 times, and Zach played last time.”
Russell said that music was a cornerstone in his household growing up.
“I’ve always done music, and film just happened. I’m not giving one more attention than the other. You want to be taken seriously in both aspects and you can’t do that without acknowledging each project,” he said. “The film [Diary of a Wimpy Kid] has given me a door to speak and preach, and I don’t mind to wear its coattails out.”
““I grew up singing southern gospel with my parents. Just a year and a half ago, I fell into where the good Lord is pushing me,” he added of his music. “It’s not necessarily How Great is Our God by any means, but it’s definitely has those undertones. I want to pitch the good Lord in there (singing) underhanded. I love somebody like Walker Hayes right now, he’s really good in the country realm, but then he’ll turn everything on it’s head and talk about how he got saved. I feel like right now that’s the direction I want to make my impact. I love sneaking the good Lord in there when people aren’t expecting it.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
Despite the pressures of Hollywood, Russell said that his primary goal is to hold to his identity in Christ.
“It is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Russell said. “Actors are wild, perhaps more so than musicians, and they can throw down with the best of them; however, I understand that the only reason I am in this position is that the Good Lord saw fit to put me here, and if I don’t do the job He’s set before me, I’ll never forgive myself.”
Although Russell has had to divide his time between college and shooting films, his time at Lee has continued to develop a passion for acting and filmmaking.
While at Lee University, Russell continued to establish how his faith and aspirations to become an actor could co-exist.
“The respect I have for the industry and the way I act has been exponentially enhanced by my time here at Lee,” Russell said. “I’m forever grateful for my time here, and I don’t ever want to take it for granted.”
- Content: +3Share:
- Content: +4