Star of stage and screen, Elfriede earned her BS from Texas A & M and later went on to get an MFA from Trinity University in Dallas, Texas.

Over the years , Russell has appeared in over a dozen TV commercials, but maintained an absolute love for live theater. Replete with roles in Steel Magnolias, Auntie Mame, Agnes of God, Second Time Around, and Whiteness For The Prosecution earned her notoriety and lead to appearances in the movies Resurrection, Deadly Blessings, New Hope (her favorite), and The Queen Of Hearts.

As glamorous as her Nurse Septis character once was, this southern belle lives her life in only the way the Nazi nurse could wish for. A native of New Orleans, Russell loves to surround herself with friends and family and is a tireless supporter to the local arts. In her off time, Elfriede loves cooking the cuisine of her Louisiana roots.