Meet Lisa Ann Russell: American Actress and Model, and Wife to “Survivor’s” Host, Jeff Probst

Lisa Ann Russell is a big name in the entertainment industry. The beautiful American celebrity is an actress and also a model.

She’s well known for her features in the TV series, “Saved by the Bell: The College Years” and a few other movies. 

Also, she’s famous for being married to Jeff Probst, the celebrity host of the popular TV series, “Survivor,” and a famous figure in the media and entertainment industry.

In this article, I’ll be discussing all you need to know about Lisa Ann Russell, her career, movies, net worth, family, and her relationship with Jeff Probst.

Lisa Ann Russell Biography 

Lisa Ann Russell smiling

Lisa Ann Russell was born to Jack and Sharon Russell on the 21st of March 1972. She was born in Sterling, Illinois, USA, but is of European origin.

After spending some time in Sterling, her family moved to Chicago. And from there to Michigan and then to California.

The reason for the migration to different cities isn’t revealed to the public. However, it’s safe to assume that her parents’ careers prompted it.

After settling in California, Lisa attended College and majored in Broadcast Journalism, and also started her modeling career.  She modeled for a famous brand, Revlon, which attracted several other brands that needed her services. 

While modeling, she quickly ventured into acting and made her first appearance in the 1993 hit series, “Saved by the Bell: The College Years.” 

It was during this period she met her first husband, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, one of the major characters in the movie. The duo married on August 26, 1996, in Maui Cove in Maui, Hawaii.

Lisa went on to take several roles in different movies, some of which featured Mark-Paul Gosselaar.

However, the couple separated in 2010 and divorced a year later after having two children together.

She later got married to her present husband, Jeff Probst, a renowned media personality, in 2011.

ALSO READ: Rebecca Liddicoat: Everything You Need to Know About Robert Griffin III’s Ex-Wife

Lisa Ann Russell Career

Lisa Ann Russell started her career as a model before venturing into acting. While in College, she modeled for Revlon, which brought her into the limelight.

She went on to model for other brands before debuting as an actress in 1993 by making a guest appearance in “Saved by the Bell: The College Years.”

Also, Lisa acted in several other movies including “Apex” (1994), “Twisted Love” (1995),  “Kounterfeit’ (1996), and “Sinbad: The Battle of the Dark Knights” (1998).

In addition, she also appeared in several fashion and entertainment shows and was last seen on TV on her husband’s show, “The Jeff Probst Show” in 2013.

What Movies Did Lisa Ann Russell Acted in?

Saved By the Bell: The College Years

This movie is the first movie Lisa Ann Russell appeared in. It’s a teen sitcom series, a sequel to “Saved by the Bell.” It started in 1993 and ended with its final episode in 1994. Lisa played a sorority girl in the 3rd episode, “Rush Week.”

The story follows Zack, Screech, and A.C. Slater, and their college dorm housemates.

Also, it was followed by “Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas,” later in October 1994. 

Apex

Apex is a sci-fi movie that features Lisa in her biggest role. The film is about a scientist, Nicholas Sinclair, who goes back in time to prevent an accident from occurring.

However, things take a turn for the worse on his return to the present, as he finds himself in a virus-ravaged world.

Lisa played the role of Sinclair’s wife, Natasha.

Twisted Love 

Twisted Love is another thriller movie. It follows Janna, a high school girl in love with a popular footballer, Bo.

But since she isn’t popular, she has no chance of getting the attention of Bo. However, things changed after an accident.

Lisa plays a background role as Girl #1.

Kounterfeit 

Kounterfeit is a crime thriller that features a strip club owner, Frankie, who gets into trouble while helping his friend by exchanging fake money for real ones.

Lisa played a small role as “Lisa.”

Sinbad: The Battle of the Dark Knights

Sinbad: The Battle of the Dark Knights is an adventure movie that features a sailor, Richard Greico, (Sinbad), who disguises himself to save his princess from evil.

Lisa acted as Princess Shalazar.

What Is Lisa Ann Russell’s Net Worth?

Lisa Ann Russell’s estimated net worth is $2 million as of 2023. She has made a name in the entertainment industry and earned her wealth through her modeling and acting career.

ALSO READ: London King, Former American Actress and Model, and Mother to Celebrity Singer, Elle King 

Lisa Ann Russell Family 

Lisa Ann Russell and Jeff Probst  smiling

Lisa Ann Russell was born into the family of Jack and Sharon Russell in 1972. Her father was a former law enforcement officer while her mother was a homemaker.

She lived with her parents and two siblings while growing up and they moved around a lot, probably due to her father’s job. 

While attending College in California, she met her first husband, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, during her acting role in “Saved by the Bell: The College Years” in 1993.

The couple married in 1996 and welcomed two children together over the years. Their first child, Michael Charles Gosselaar, was born on January 31, 2004, while their second child, Ava Lorenn Gosselaar, was born on May 7, 2006.

However, after spending 14 years together, the couple separated in 2010, finalizing their divorce on May 27, 2011.

Lisa married her second husband, Jeff Probst, on December 5, 2011, a few months after her divorce. The couple has no children together. However, Jeff Probst happily embraced the father’s duty and took the two children as his.

The couple have been married for over 10 years now and live happily with their two children. 

On the other hand, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who’s also an actor, went on to marry advertising executive, Catriona McGinn, in 2012 and has two children with her. Also, he shares joint custody with his children from his first wife.

Lisa Ann Russell and Jeff Probst 

Lisa Ann Russell and Jeff Probst  at a red carpet event

Lisa Ann Russell and Jeff Probst tied the knot on the 5th of December, 2011. The couple had met while Lisa was still married to her first husband, and immediately tied the knot, a few months after her divorce.

Jeff Probst who’s a well-known media personality and long-term host of the reality TV series, “Survivor” shared his love story in an interview with Larry King.

He told Larry King in 2012 that he met his wife during a Christmas party hosted by the producer of Survivor, Mark Brunnet. He went on to describe his excitement in being a father in another interview by Huffpost.

Jeff Probst, who hails from Wichita Kansas is famous for his role as a host to “Survivor” TV series since its inception.  He’s a four-time Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Host.

He also hosted his show, the “Jeff Probst Show” from 2012–2013.

He was previously married to Shelly Wright, a Psychotherapist from 1996–2001. After his divorce, he had a relationship with one of the Survivor’s contestants, Julie Berry in 2004, which lasted for four years.

Also, he’s an ordained pastor, ordained by the Universal Life Church, in Modesto, California. He officiated at the wedding of Jenna Fischer, an actress, famous for her role in ‘“The Office.”

How Old Is Lisa Ann Russell?

Lisa Ann Russell celebrates her birthday on March 21st every year. Born in 1972, she’s currently 51 years old.

Where Is Lisa Ann Russell Now?

Lisa Ann Russell lives happily with her family in their home in Los Angeles.

She lives an inspiring life as a mother and an advocate for various courses such as single-parenting and children’s welfare. She has also contributed to various charity works.

Summary

Lisa Ann Russell is well-known as the wife of Jeff Probst, the award-winning host of the American TV series, “Survivor.” However, she made a name for herself as a model and an actress.

She presently lives with her husband Jeff Probst, and her two children from her first marriage.

ALSO READ: Meet Noelle Watters, The Fashion Personnel and TV Host

Marymartin Okoabu
Marymartin Okoabu

Chinonso Marymartin Okoabu is a creative writer who focuses on SEO contents and fictions. With more than two years experience in SEO writing, she writes articles for websites. In her spare time, she crafts short stories that explore life experiences. Her creative works have been published on different websites and Love Feast Magazine. She is the winner of the E C. Michael's prize for short stories, 2022.

Chinonso is a graduate of Human Anatomy from the University of Calabar.
She hails from Ibusa in Oshimili North local government area of Delta state.

Articles: 110

Leave a Reply