Keri Russell's Real Name: Keri Lynn Russell

Quick answer: Keri Russell's full name is Keri Lynn Russell. She was born on March 23, 1976, in Fountain Valley, California, and works under Keri Russell—the civil form of her birth name.

Real name and early life

Britannica and the Library of Congress identify Keri Lynn Russell, born March 23, 1976, in Fountain Valley, California (Britannica; LOC). Russell is the family surname; Keri and Lynn are given and middle names. A dancer discovered by talent scouts, she joined The All New Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s alongside other future stars, then moved into teen television and film before her defining college-drama lead.

Career highlights

Russell won a Golden Globe for the title role on WB’s Felicity (1998–2002). Film work includes Waitress, August Rush, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. She earned widespread critical praise—and multiple Emmy nominations—as KGB deep-cover officer Elizabeth Jennings on FX’s The Americans (2013–2018). Later projects include The Diplomat for Netflix. Across teen TV and prestige drama, billing stayed Keri Russell; the documented full name is Keri Lynn Russell.

Profiles aimed at general readers sometimes omit middle names; this page restores them from the cited authorities.

Major entertainment biographies and library name authorities remain the best check when fan sites disagree on middle names or early credits.

Search interest in real-name queries often spikes around new releases, awards seasons, or anniversary coverage of signature roles.

Contemporary trade press and newspaper features repeatedly confirm the same civil or birth name used throughout this profile.

Name notes for searchers

Lynn is a middle name often dropped in cast lists. Prefer Britannica and LOC when stubs omit it. Spelling is Keri (not Kerry) in authority records.

Additional major-press and reference coverage confirms the same civil or birth name used here.