Russell Reynolds is a man of dual worlds—equally at ease in a police uniform as he is on the red carpet at high-profile film premieres. As he steps away from his distinguished 36-year career in the police force, he is now preparing to embrace a new chapter in his life as an actor and community advocate.
However, Mr Reynolds has no desire to seek the spotlight for himself. Instead, he wishes to emphasise the crucial role that strong communities play in fostering a sense of belonging, particularly among young men at risk of heading down troubled paths.
“I firmly believe that the opposite of crime is community,” he asserts.
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A Passion for Acting and Community
Throughout his life, Mr Reynolds has found a deep connection with the acting community, both in film and theatre. As an extra, he has appeared in several major Hollywood productions filmed in Australia, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Kong: Skull Island, and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis.
He reflects on the camaraderie that develops on film sets, where teamwork and collaboration are essential. This sense of community enabled him to interact with legendary figures such as Tom Hanks and Baz Luhrmann while working on Elvis on the Gold Coast.
“Not every background extra gets to meet Tom Hanks—I was very fortunate,” he recalls. “We had a conversation, but the moment ‘action’ was called, he was no longer Tom Hanks—he had fully transformed into Colonel Tom Parker. Then, as soon as they said ‘cut,’ he was back to being Tom Hanks. It was absolutely fascinating.”
Baz Luhrmann’s hands-on approach also left a lasting impression. “Baz was present for the entire scene, and he even gave me some direction,” Mr Reynolds adds.
The Power of Community Support
Mr Reynolds’ reflections on the significance of community first began in his 40s, after spending 15 years in the Queensland Police Service.
“I wasn’t in a good place. I mistakenly believed that I was the centre of a single, large community,” he recalls. “In reality, I belong to multiple communities, and in most of them, I am only a small part.”
This revelation came at a time of personal struggle, leading him to rediscover a childhood passion—acting.
“I knew nothing about auditions. I hadn’t been on stage since high school,” he admits. “I researched production companies, and the largest one in town was the Empire Theatre.”
Since the early 2000s, he has performed in numerous theatre productions in the Darling Downs region, using theatre as a means to mentor and guide young men facing difficult choices.
“Offenders often belong to dysfunctional communities in some way,” he explains. “But when they see an older adult—someone their father’s or grandfather’s age—who is a happy and functioning member of a community, they tend to gravitate towards them.”
He recounts stories of individuals who, years later, have approached him to express their gratitude for the impact theatre had on their lives. “They have told me, ‘You and these other people really helped me.’ And that was through theatre.”
A Lasting Legacy in Toowoomba
Mr Reynolds’ philosophy has resonated strongly in Toowoomba, a city of nearly 180,000 people in south-west Queensland.
Emily McManus, Chief Operating Officer of the children’s literacy centre Lighthouse, recalls her surprise when Mr Reynolds, still in full police uniform, visited their facility out of sheer curiosity.
“You can tell he genuinely cares. He understands our ethos—an illiterate community is a disadvantaged community,” Ms McManus says. “Seeing a police officer in uniform and then later on stage at the Empire Theatre in Kinky Boots—it breaks stereotypes. The kids need to see that.”
Local bookshop owner Ron Luck shares a similar sentiment. “We’ve discussed the importance of community because we both believe it is vital,” he says. “We want our bookshop to engage with schools and other community initiatives to foster a love for literature, as we see it as a positive force for society.”
Leaving Behind the Police Community
Darling Downs Superintendent Douglas McDonald paid tribute to Mr Reynolds’ 36 years of service, describing him as both a dedicated officer and a passionate thespian.
“His life experiences and interests outside of policing have been invaluable to us,” Superintendent McDonald said. “We have been incredibly fortunate to have him.”
As Mr Reynolds left the police station for the final time this week, he admitted the hardest moment was handing in his keys.
“That was it—the end of an era,” he reflects. “It will be a great space for others, but it is no longer mine. I am moving from one community into many others.”
A New Chapter Focused on Healing and Creativity
As he embarks on this new journey, Mr Reynolds hopes to contribute to the city by creating opportunities for comedy, talent development, and trauma recovery.
“I want to explore ways to address post-traumatic stress through laughter in the workplace,” he explains. “There are people who are deeply hurting due to the trauma they have experienced in life.”
Additionally, he aims to establish a production company dedicated to nurturing young comedic talent.
“I want to provide a platform for young people who think they are funny—to help them develop their skills and discover just how funny they can be.”
Related Context: The Impact of Community in Crime Prevention
Research consistently highlights the crucial role of strong community networks in reducing crime rates. Initiatives that promote belonging, mentorship, and engagement have been shown to deter at-risk youth from engaging in criminal activities. Theatre, sports, and other communal activities provide a structured environment where young people can find guidance and purpose, reinforcing Mr Reynolds’ belief in the power of community.
As he transitions from policing to the performing arts, Russell Reynolds embodies the principle that a strong, supportive community is one of the most powerful tools in preventing crime and fostering personal growth.