Steven Jay Russell
About
American con artist who escaped from prison on multiple occasions and subsequently served a life sentence.
Before Fame
He was fired in the early 1990s from the food service company where he had been employed, and he claimed that his criminal activities began around this time.
Trivia
He escaped from a Texas maximum security prison by acting sick and creating fake medical records that stated he had AIDS. He was granted special-needs parole to enter a nursing facility and live out what prison officials thought were his few remaining days.
Family Life
His long-time partner, Jimmy Campbell, died of AIDS. While he was incarcerated, Russell met and fell in love with fellow inmate, Phillip Morris.
Associated With
He was portrayed by actor Jim Carrey in the 2009 film, "I Love You Phillip Morris."
