Iconic comedian and former rockstar Russell Brand may have once epitomized the wild, rock 'n' roll lifestyle, but today he's leading a serene, understated life alongside his wife of six years, Laura Brand (formerly Gallacher). This article delves into Laura's intriguing background, her romance with Russell, and their life together, all providing a fascinating glimpse into this enigmatic couple's world.
A Not-So-Ordinary Family Heritage
While Laura Gallacher may not be a household name, she hails from a rather illustrious family. Her father, Bernard Gallacher, is a notable figure in Scottish golf, having captained multiple European Ryder Cup teams. Laura grew up in Surrey, England, residing in the exclusive Wentworth Estate, where one of her neighbors was the late entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Adding to her family's celebrity quotient, Laura's older sister is Kirsty Gallacher, a well-known model and television presenter from the United Kingdom. This lineage of accomplishment is certainly noteworthy.
The Meet-Cute That Started It All
Russell and Laura first crossed paths in 2007, courtesy of Laura's sister, Kirsty. At the time, Laura was just 19, and Russell was a 30-year-old TV presenter. Remarkably, Laura was drawn to Russell for who he was as a person rather than his fame.
Promiflash/ Instagram | Gallacher is quite fond of crafting and often showcases her creations through her social media accounts
While they had a brief romantic involvement, Russell wasn't ready for a serious commitment at that time. He openly confessed, "We were together, deeply cared for each other, but I was in a phase where I viewed the world as a playground centered around pleasure."
In 2010, Russell famously married pop sensation Katy Perry in India, only for their marriage to dissolve 14 months later. Despite the breakup, Russell had nothing but praise for his ex-wife, referring to her as "such a lovely person."
A Love for the Arts
During their initial romance, Laura was an art student, while Russell was a television presenter. Laura reminisces, saying, "I fell in love... I’d never experienced love like that before." Despite their strong connection, the two eventually went their separate ways.
After parting with Russell, Laura ventured into the world of restaurant and nightclub management in London. It wasn't long before she decided to change her career path and began her journey as a lifestyle blogger. She sought to rekindle her creative side, a decision that would lead to unexpected twists in her life.
Reconnection and Building a Life
Dailymail/ Instagram | Russell Brand has previously opened up about his marriage to the 'calm' Laura Gallacher
Their rekindled romance was markedly different from their earlier relationship. Laura revealed that they were both at different stages in life, sharing their desires for a quieter life and starting a family. This time, they decided to take things slow and build a strong foundation.
From "I Do" to Parenting Adventures
In August 2017, Russell and Laura exchanged vows in an intimate church ceremony in Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, England. The wedding was an understated affair, attended by close friends and family, including their nine-month-old daughter, Mabel.
Their family grew in November 2016 with the arrival of their first child, daughter Mabel Brand. Two years later, Peggy joined the clan in July 2018. Russell's journey into fatherhood brought him immense joy and an altered perspective on life. He expressed, "It’s joyful and exhausting... I now have no doubt what the most important things are."
Laura also praised Russell's parenting skills, describing him as "playful and involved." In a surprising twist, Russell announced in June 2023 that they were expecting their third child, further cementing the love that binds this remarkable couple.
The Multifaceted Laura
Laura Gallacher is not just a loving partner and mother. She's also a talented author and illustrator. She is known for her bestselling books, such as "The Joy Journal for Magical Everyday Play: Easy Activities & Creative Craft for Kids and Their Grown-ups." This book features 50 easy crafts and activities for children and parents to enjoy together.
Dailymail/ Instagram | Laura Gallacher, now Laura Brand, has played a significant role in reshaping Russell Brand's life
The pandemic allowed Laura and Russell to explore many of the crafts from her book, sharing the creative process through videos on Laura's Instagram. Russell, proud of his wife's work, expressed his admiration for her book "Slow Down and Be Here Now," emphasizing its value in teaching children to be present in the moment and appreciate nature.
Committed to Making a Difference
Russell and Laura have ventured into philanthropy, co-founding The Stay Free Foundation, which supports individuals grappling with addiction and mental health challenges. They also created "Community," a three-day camping event dedicated to personal awakening and social change, with all proceeds benefitting the Stay Free Foundation.
The Tranquil Life in England
Today, Russell Brand embraces a quieter existence in the English countryside with Laura and their daughters. This family man, once known for his flamboyant lifestyle, now cherishes the calmness Laura brings into his life.
Their dwelling is a peaceful sanctuary teeming with bees, chickens, and cherished pets. Russell embraces this change, expressing, "At times, I feel like an escapee in my own home, alongside this serene and lovely woman who, in the most beautiful manner, is unconcerned about my endeavors." It's a life significantly distant from his past chaotic days, one that Russell Brand savors completely.