Russell was born in Huyton, Lancashire, England, and began writing plays at an early age. His first play, Stand By Your Bedside, was produced at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1970. He received acclaim for his play Breezeblock Park (1973), which was staged at the Royal Court Theatre in London and won the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright.
Russell's breakthrough success came with Educating Rita (1980), a play about a working-class hairdresser who takes an Open University course in English literature. The play won critical acclaim and was made into an Oscar-nominated film in 1983, starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine.
Russell continued to write successful plays throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Shirley Valentine (1986), about a middle-aged housewife who escapes from her mundane life by taking a holiday in Greece, and Blood Brothers (1983), a musical based on the story of two twins separated at birth who grow up in very different circumstances.
Russell's work is known for its realism and its exploration of social and political issues, such as poverty, prejudice, and the struggle for a better life. His plays and musicals have been performed in theatres all over the world and have been translated into more than 20 languages.
In addition to his work as a playwright and lyricist, Russell has also written several screenplays, including Dance with a Stranger (1985), which was based on the real-life story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the UK. He has also written a number of children's books and works as a lecturer and mentor for aspiring writers.
Willy Russell is a respected and award-winning playwright and lyricist whose work has touched the lives of audiences around the world. He continues to write and engage with audiences with his powerful and thought-provoking stories.