Keri Lynn Russell was born on March 23, 1976, in Fountain Valley, California, to Stephanie (née Stephens), a homemaker, and David Russell, a Nissan Motors executive. She spent her childhood in Coppell, Texas, and Mesa, Arizona. She has a brother, Todd, and a sister, Julie.
Russell began her career as a child performer, appearing on Star Search in 1991. From 1991 to 1993, she was a cast member on The All New Mickey Mouse Club alongside future stars such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, and Justin Timberlake.
Russell gained widespread recognition for her starring role as Felicity Porter in the WB television series Felicity, which aired from 1998 to 2002. The series followed Felicity’s journey from high school to college in New York City. For her performance, she won a Golden Globe Award in 1999.
Following the success of Felicity, Russell transitioned to film roles. Notable film appearances include: