But he said he would think twice in the future if he were ever offered a role in another remake of a classic comedy.
Russ, who is in Sydney, Australia, promoting the new version of Dudley Moore’s 1981 film, said: 'It has taken some flak and in retrospect I oughtn't be shocked.
'But the fact is, it's a beautiful, fun film and I'm really, really proud of it.
'I think in my position, as a comedian, you can't start making films for critics.
'There aren't that many of them and they don't even pay for the tickets.'
About appearing in another remake, he said: 'It's certainly something I'd have to consider.
'If tomorrow, someone said, 'Do you want to remake Spinal Tap?', I'd probably go, 'Mmm'.'