Some people know Russell Jones from the theater he’s done for several groups around Birmingham. Others know him from his on-air role at WBRC 6, where he’s a reporter and anchor for “Good Day Alabama.” He’s back on stage during the holidays, appearing in Homewood Theatre’s production of Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” that runs Dec. 5-15. Here, Jones talks about his shift to a TV career and life on stage and off.
Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from?
I was born in Birmingham, grew up in Hoover and graduated from Hoover High School and the University of Alabama. I graduated high school and moved to Auburn but didn’t accomplish much academically. While in Auburn, I got a job washing cars at a Ford dealership. I eventually returned to Birmingham and became a mechanic at Long-Lewis Ford. I enjoyed working there, but I never felt fulfilled. For years, I tried to figure out what else I could do. Finally, I decided to go back to school and get my broadcasting degree. It was a risky move, being married and having a young child. Thanks to my wife and son, I got my degree from the University of Alabama after barely getting by for several years.
What is your first memory of being on stage?
I’m pretty sure the first time I remember being on stage was when I was very young, and I played the part of a tree or present in my church Christmas show. In my late 20s, I spent several years doing local theater before returning to school to earn my broadcasting degree. My first production was “The Tempest” for Birmingham Park Players. In my second show with Birmingham Park Players, I met a hot girl who married me. That worked out pretty well. Since then, I’ve performed theater for many groups in Birmingham. My favorite productions include “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “The Boys Next Door.”
TV has curtailed your theater schedule a bit, hasn’t it?
Unfortunately, I had to stop doing so many shows when I started my career in television news. I’ve worked on morning shows for almost nine years. We work some crazy hours. I get up at 2 a.m. to be at work by 3. Theater rehearsals can run late, so it’s hard to commit, but I sure do miss it!
How did “A Christmas Memory” come up for you?
Director Kyle Bass asked me if I would like to do the show. Kyle knows I have a crazy schedule and said he would work with me. I wasn’t familiar with the show, but after reading it, I realized it would be an excellent production to do during the holidays. I’ve interviewed Kyle and others with Homewood Theatre several times on our morning show. I love their venue and thought performing there with Kyle would be fun. The cast is fantastic. Ellise Mayor plays Sook in the show. I’ve worked with her before and have known her for years. Stark Newton plays Buddy. He brings a young energy and is doing a great job.
The Jones family – you and your wife, Maree, and son, Dalton – is a theater family. How does that work? Is it difficult?
Family members refer to my family as something out of a comic book. We are dramatic and wacky, so being on stage or in front of a camera is something we all enjoy. Scheduling can be difficult, but we make it work with some patience and a huge calendar on our refrigerator.
What’s your favorite role?
I love mafia shows and movies, so a gangster in “Kiss Me Kate” was my favorite role. My part wasn’t nearly as complex as Tony Soprano or Vito Corleone, but it was still just enough to make me happy.
Who is your favorite composer?
I love listening to movie scores. And for me, Hans Zimmer is the best. “Inception,” “The Dark Knight” and “Interstellar” are some of my favorites.
What’s your favorite show?
“Les Misérables.”
What’s your favorite song?
“One Day More.”
Do you have a show or performance that sticks out as an audience member?
OK, this is biased, but it has to be my son as Buddy in “Elf.” I thought he was so funny. I was a proud dad!
What is a role you wish you could have or will play?
I would love to play Augustus McCrae from the book “Lonesome Dove.” I watched the made-for-TV series in fourth grade and have loved it ever since. He is one of my all-time favorite characters.
Any advice you’ve been given by a director about being on stage?
It seems simple, but the best advice is to just breathe. Whenever I’m nervous about going on stage or in front of a camera, my heart rate increases, causing anxiety. The best cure is to take deep breaths. The lower my heart rate, the more I can focus and do my job.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Not really. If I’m feeling nervous, I take deep breaths, say a prayer and get started.
Tell me about something that went wrong on stage or in front of the camera?
I’ve been doing live television for years, so there are too many to count. However, I goofed early in my career. I was anchoring the evening news, and we went to a commercial break. To make my co-workers laugh, I started doing an impression of a man with a thick Southern accent bragging about being on television; little did I know I was on live TV the whole time.
Tell me something that might surprise people about you.
I was a huge Hulk Hogan fan growing up. Hulkamania was running wild in my house.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re not performing?
I know everybody says this, but I listen to everything.
What’s the last podcast you listened to?
“The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani. I love MMA and boxing.
What’s the last TV series you binged?
I love to binge-watch, but the last one I watched was “The Perfect Couple.” I watched the whole season in one day.
What’s next for you?
I want to do more theater. I’m unsure how to find the time, but I miss being on stage.
“A Christmas Memory,” at Homewood Theatre Dec. 5-15.
