Born in the Greater Boston area, Dave Russo entered high school at 4’11”, weighing only 79 pounds. A natural athlete, Dave excelled as a member of the wrestling team, becoming his high school’s first ever state wrestling champion and winning “Most Valuable Wrestler” in the state of Massachusetts. At age fifteen, Dave began his career in show business as a breakdancer, appearing in national commercials for Dunkin’ Donuts and Nabisco and featured in a full page modeling spread in the Boston Globe. After high school, he wrestled his way into Wilkes-University in Pennsylvania and The University of New Hampshire on a Division I Wrestling Scholarship, later winning the Gold medal at the Bay State Games. After winning the first annual Boston Comedy Festival, “Best New Comic Award” Dave caught the attention of Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton, who hand selected the young comic out of 5,000 hopefuls to appear on The E! TV show “The Entertainer,” earning Dave a headlining contract in Las Vegas. A regular in the Boston comedy scene, Dave has performed in some of the best comedy clubs in Las Vegas, New York and L.A.
Dave Russo is a comedian like no other. He’s a diminutive guy with a big voice, who’s high energy act never fails to leave audiences doubled over in laughter. Dave has yet to meet a crowd that he can’t win over with his charm and upbeat attitude. His quick wit and clever improvisation skills keep audiences on their toes, never sure where Dave’s mind will ricochet to next. His artful storytelling, combined with his flair for theatrics, and killer Robert DeNiro impression has entertained audiences around the country.
His credits include NESN’s Comedy All-Stars, NBC Sports’ Charlie Moore Outdoors, TV 38’s The Phantom Gourmet, and NBC’s The Today Show. A lifelong sports fan, Dave’s charity work includes appearances at New England Patriot Matt Light’s annual “Celebrity Shoot-Out,” golfing alongside Micky Ward at the legendary boxer’s charity golf tournament, and competing in the Boston Bruins Alumni charity games. He has done similar work with the Genesis Fund, the Mark Bavis Celebrity Golf Scholarship Event, and Gilda’s Club, as well as working regularly with the USO. He was recently selected to perform at the Centennial Boston Bruins celebration, honoring the team’s hundredth year in the league. All of these causes are near and dear to Dave’s heart, as he helps to aid in the struggle against Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other ailments.