The British funnyman provides a voice-over in animated comedy Despicable Me, as does Hollywood comedy icon Steve.
Russell was so taken with his co-star he has teasingly confessed to prowling around outside his home so he can spy on his acting hero’s behaviour. The 35-year-old even compared his actions to that of a sly fox roaming the city.
“I’ve been sleeping in his garden, going through his stuff and studying his habits. I’m like an urban fox,” Russell jokingly told Closer magazine.
Comedian Russell has been a huge fan of 48-year-old Steve’s for several years, and was thrilled when he got cast in the same movie as his idol.
The animation has received high praise from critics, with both Russell and Steve attracting attention for their hilarious roles as Dr. Nefario and Gru respectively.
Despicable Me tells the tale of a criminal mastermind who uses a trio of stray girls as pawns for his master plan, ending up a changed man when the girls bond.