Actress Keri Russell may have appeared to come out of nowhere when she landed the lead role in the emotionally charged teen drama Felicity (The WB, 1998–2002), but in reality, she had spent years honing her craft as a young performer on stage and at Disney’s talent-developing studios in Orlando. Fans quickly connected with her portrayal of Felicity Porter, a bright yet sheltered young woman from the suburbs navigating the complexities of college life and big-city relationships in New York. After the series wrapped its four-season run, Keri Russell stepped back from the spotlight, taking time to carefully plan her next moves in Hollywood.
She eventually returned with a series of carefully chosen roles, including a memorable performance in J.J. Abrams’ Mission: Impossible III (2006) and a co-starring turn in the family-friendly Bedtime Stories (2008), though she increasingly gravitated toward more substantial independent films like the widely praised Waitress (2007). These roles helped cement her evolution from a beloved teen television star to a respected actress in the film world.
Still, some of her most powerful work came on the small screen once again, particularly in the critically acclaimed Cold War drama The Americans (FX, 2013–), where Keri Russell delivered a standout performance that showcased her dramatic range and reaffirmed her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.
When it comes to Keri Russell’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments — and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. Among her most acclaimed works, Keri Russell’s highest rated movie is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes from 2014, which earned widespread praise and performed strongly with both critics and audiences. It’s one of those films where Keri Russell really showcased her range, even if her role wasn’t the central focus. On the other end of the spectrum, Keri Russell’s lowest rated project appears to be Dead Man’s Curve, released back in 1998. While it may not have resonated as well, it’s still part of her journey as an actress. Over the years, Keri Russell has taken on diverse roles, and while not every Keri Russell movie has been a hit, her performances continue to draw attention.