## Welsh Actor Craig Russell Credits Family and Medical Experts for Saving His Life After Brain Tumour Ordeal
Welsh-born actor Craig Russell, well-known for his appearances in popular television projects including *Hollyoaks* and Netflix’s *Queen Cleopatra*, has spoken candidly about a life-threatening health crisis that almost claimed his life. The frightening ordeal led him to undergo major surgery after enduring years of undiagnosed and worsening symptoms.
Russell, aged 48, originally from the Swansea Valleys, now resides in Falmouth, Cornwall with his wife Kate and their two young sons. The drama began in September 2022, when Craig began experiencing worrying symptoms, including periods of forgetfulness and severe migraines that affected his ability to function in daily life. His concerns intensified after a disturbing incident on the set of an upcoming film when a “whooshing” sensation in his head nearly made him collapse.
Despite trying to push through his health struggles, by January 2023, the actor’s condition had become impossible to ignore. Urged by his wife to seek medical help, Craig finally visited his GP. Further investigation revealed disturbing news: during the check-up, his doctor noticed a loss of vision in his left eye, prompting urgent scans. Within hours of a CT scan, Craig received the call that would change his life—the scans had detected a mass requiring an immediate referral for more detailed MRI imaging.
The MRI scans uncovered that Craig had a sizeable benign brain tumour—the size of a compressed lime. Medics surmised that the tumour had likely been growing invisibly for about 15 years, steadily distorting the shape of his skull. Although benign, such tumours can still pose a grave risk by exerting pressure on critical areas of the brain, threatening sight, mobility, and even life itself.
Faced with a dangerous situation, Craig underwent a high-risk, seven-hour operation at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth in March 2023. Part of his skull, deformed by the tumour, had to be removed and reconstructed with a special plastic-concrete composite, secured in place by bolts and staples. Russell recalls the fear but also the overwhelming gratitude he felt—a single surgical slip could have left him blind, severely incapacitated, or worse.
Throughout this daunting period, Craig praised the unwavering support of his wife and family, describing their encouragement as vital to his survival and recovery. He has since taken on new roles outside of acting, becoming an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, as well as a patron for the children’s charity Joseph’s Smile. His advocacy extends to a call for increased funding and awareness around brain tumour research, a cause close to his heart given his experience.
In a striking twist, Russell’s professional life intersected poignantly with his health battles. His latest film, *Protein*—a project ten years in the making—premiered in June 2025, with Craig in the lead role. There were times he doubted he would live to see its completion, a reality that highlights how unpredictable and fragile life can be.
Even after overcoming the initial ordeal, the actor faced further challenges, including episodes of swelling and fluid build-up around his brain. He credits weight-lifting for aiding his recovery and stimulating healing, sharing that he is now back to full health, though he occasionally suffers headaches.
Craig’s story comes at a time when promising breakthroughs in brain tumour treatment are being reported. Researchers at the University of Plymouth have recently identified a significant protein involved in the growth of meningiomas—the type of tumour Russell faced. Targeting this protein has, in lab settings, shown promise in slowing tumour development, a development Russell called “a big step forward.”
Reflecting on his journey, Craig urges anyone noticing odd changes in their health to seek medical help without delay, remarking that if he had acted sooner, his experience might have been very different. Today, his story stands as an inspiration, highlighting both the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of proactive healthcare.
*Protein* is currently showing in select UK cinemas and will receive a digital release in July. For Russell, being able to experience the film’s release surrounded by family and colleagues is more than a professional achievement—it is a celebration of life.