Joseph Marcus Ruslander better known as Mark Russell, was an American political satirist and comedian best known for teasing and laughing at celebrities, politicians, politics and popular culture for more than 50 years from behind his piano. Mark attended the University of Miami briefly, then went to George Washington University before enlisting in the Marines in 1953. For 20 years, from 1961 to 1981, he was the resident onstage wit at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington, and for 30 years, from 197... moreJoseph Marcus Ruslander better known as Mark Russell, was an American political satirist and comedian best known for teasing and laughing at celebrities, politicians, politics and popular culture for more than 50 years from behind his piano. Mark attended the University of Miami briefly, then went to George Washington University before enlisting in the Marines in 1953. For 20 years, from 1961 to 1981, he was the resident onstage wit at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington, and for 30 years, from 1975 to 2004, he hosted comedy specials on PBS. He also appeared on CNN and NBC. He was known for making jokes about Democrats and Republicans as well as third party, independent politicians and other prominent political/ nonpolitical figures which struck a balance between Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives. Russell retired from public performances and made his last public performance in July 2010 but continued to write political humor which he posted on his website.
