Russsell Streiner was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which is still his hometown. He has three children who live nearby. He continues to work in the film business as an independent producer, director and filmmaking instructor at John A. Russo's Movie Academy in Pittsburgh. Although Yaşayan Ölülerin Gecesi (1968) has been Russ' biggest "movie" success, he has been extremely successful in producing and directing other types of films as well.