What the cast of Almost Famous is up to now, nearly 20 years after its release

[post_page_title]Billy Crudup as Russell Hammond[/post_page_title]
Russell Hammond is the lead guitarist in rock band Stillwater, and his interest in William early in the film results in the boy joining them on tour. He takes a shine to the teenager, although he’s unwilling to open up to him when the rest of his band do interviews. Russell is a source of infatuation for many of his female fans, particularly groupie Penny Lane whose feelings for the rocker lead her to make some dangerous choices.

Although Hammond is a fan of William’s, he later crushes his dreams after Rolling Stone wants to publish his article. Considering it slanderous and afraid it will damage the band’s image, he claims that most of it is fabricated and has it thrown out. He later apologizes for his actions after being duped into visiting William and finally gives him the interview he’d been yearning for.