Craig Russell as Peggy Lee with Rusty Ryan and Michelle Ross from Outrageous!

Craig Russell in "Outrageous"
In 1977 Russell made his film debut in the film Outrageous, based on Margaret Gibson's book Making It, a chronicle of Gibson's life as Russell's roommate. It was a huge hit and Russell would travel the world in its wake.
This is the end of move where Craig Russell sings the theme song from the begining of the movie "It Ain't Easy" as Peggy Lee written by Brenda and Paul Hoffert.
Followed by Rusty Ryan and Michelle Ross (in pink) who is a lip sync artist who still does shows here in Toronto at the clubs, there are also some videos here on youtube of Michelle (Divas: Love Me Forever Michelle Ross 1, Divas: Love Me Forever--Michelle Ross 2, Divas: Love Me Forever--Michelle Ross 3) that my friend Eddie filmed. I think Michelle must sleep in an oxygen tank with pickel juice. Michelle can still perform like no other lip sync artist I have seen after all these years and still be beautiful doing it.
But the last scene where Craig Russell talks to Liza Connors (Hollis McLaren) about who she is, has to be the most touching beautiful scene I have ever seen on film, Craig does so many of his ladies when talking to Liza but what he says in his own voice has to be the most touching.
Hope you enjoy!
Russell Craig Eadie (January 10, 1948 October 30, 1990), known by his stage name of Craig Russell, was a Canadian live celeberity impersonator.
His impersonations included Carol Channing, Bette Davis, Mae West, Barbra Streisand, Tallulah Bankhead, Marlene Dietrich, Bette Midler, Anita Bryant, Peggy Lee and Judy Garland. While performing, he always spoke and sang in the voices of the celebrities he was impersonating.
As a teenager, Russell became president of Mae West's fan club, and briefly worked and lived in Los Angeles as West's secretary. He eventually returned to Toronto, where he moved in with Margaret Gibson and worked as a hairdresser while pursuing his career as a stage performer. By 1971, he was a regular performer in Toronto gay clubs and had a burgeoning international following.
Russell fathered one child, a daughter, Susan Allison ("Allison"), who was born January 6, 1973 in Toronto. Father and daughter developed a relationship in the years prior to his death.
In 1977, Russell starred in the film Outrageous!, based on a short story written by Gibson about their time as roommates.
Although he publicly identified as gay rather than bisexual, Russell married his close friend Lori Jenkins in 1982.
In 1987, Russell starred in the sequel to Outrageous!, appropriately titled Too Outrageous!
Russell remained married to Lori until his death in 1990 of a stroke related to complications from AIDS.
Craig was cremated and laid to rest in Port Perry, Ontario.
Lori Russell Eadie passed away August 15, 2008 at Toronto Grace Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Lori was laid to rest beside her beloved husband Craig at Pine Grove Cemetery (Prince Albert) in Port Perry.

[@christinaarcher3341]

Craig Russell speaks with such love and conviction. Wonderful.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Russell's take on Peg is superb!! It was that eye he had for the little touches and nuances that made him soooo amazing.

[@TheFabStringbean]

"Healthy craziness...make it work for you!" Too bad Craig Russell died; what a talent! I love this film, thank you so much for posting all the clips!

[@artterrykara2834]

Loved this memory of Craig Russell I still have the album from the movie and many fond memories of seeing him perform at the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown

[@loetje]

I really love this scene; haven't seen the movie(or read the book) yet, but surely will; Graig is my favorite superhero. Thank you so much for posting, and adding all this info.

[@robdoubleyou4918]

It's 2021, Valentine's Day and I'm locked down at home - during the pandemic - watching Michelle Ross and Devine Darling do a facebook like show. Just writing a footnote for history here while watching the show.

[@F1N1100]

The club scenes (for both NYC and Toronto) for this movie were filmed at a bar called The Manatee on St Joseph St in Toronto.

[@stuartgilboord7899]

Some of your info is in error. The movie OUTRAGEOUS! is based on the short story MAKING IT published in the book of short stories BUTTERFLY WARD. I should know...I was married to Margaret and co-wrote the 2 books of short stories. It was an arrangement between her father and me to allow Margaret to indicate she was the author. After 40 years it is about time that I clarify the many mis-informations written about her and Craig.

[@stephenwilliams1269]

I love this film and Craig's various impersonations but forgive my question did Peggy Lee actually record this song or is it just for the film. I love this song. Comments welcome good and bad lol. Thank you.

[@rugbysteve2255]

This is still a great film and Craig Russell was very talented. Then end scene in superb, we all do what we can for our family and friends and being a little mad keeps us most of us sane. I speak from my own experience. Thank you for posting this so many new people can enjoy Craig Russell. Did Peggy Lee ever record that song or did Craig write it for the film?

[@tjames9698]

“Mad!!! Mad! Mmmmmmaaaaaaaadddddddd!!!!!”

[@heyuthinkusuck4474]

I miss Rusty.

[@joyfulboi1979]

Mad as a hatter Darling!

[@MUIRELL]

I think it was actually based on the book Butterfly Ward by Margaret Gibson

[@peterpeterson3266]

Shame you cannot find "It Ain't Easy" anywhere on Amazon soundtracks/music. It's a pretty song.

[@tjames9698]

I have MP3 versions of this song and the one used in the movie, if you want me to send them to you through email. Let me know.