Metro Weekly

Coverboy: Russell

Coverboy Bartender Edition

Despite working at Ziegfeld’s/Secrets, and at Phase One Dupont for special events, Russell doesn’t enjoy the taste of liquor — which is why he loves to come up with creative ways to make cocktails taste better. An Iowa native, Russell loved playing in the outdoors and exploring the world. His upbringing gave him appreciation for courtesy and friendliness, though he feels they’re often in short supply. After a 13-year stint in South Florida, the 44-year-old recently moved to the D.C. area, where by day works for an insurance company. Creative, independent, and with a quirky sense of humor, he befriended a man with a similar personality – and married him. The “Dynamic Duo” even had a Batman and Robin-themed wedding reception.

Coverboy: Russell Photo by Julian Vankim
Coverboy: Russell
Photo by Julian Vankim

What’s on your nightstand?
Phone, Kleenex, a fake plant – because I’d kill a real one. Oh, and my vintage Bailey’s can with all the essentials in it – lube, condoms, all that stuff.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?
The one I watch the most is either Fast & Furious 5 or Double Jeopardy.

What’s the worst movie of all time?
I would say Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. But I love watching it anyway, because it’s so corny.

What are your three favorite TV shows of all time?
Designing WomenGolden Girls and Sirens.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Either to be able to control people’s minds, or control matter.

Pick 3 people, living or dead, who you would like to spend the day with, and what would you do?
My mom, so I could do all the stuff we didn’t do before she passed. Cher, because she’s Cher and she doesn’t give a damn. And Betty White, just to sit down and talk to her, because she’s hilarious. I think we’d probably just hang out and drink.

If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?
Anything that would involve helping people, helping kids. I call myself “The Helper Smurf.”

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