Kylee Russell is an American actress best known for her role as Eliza in the Disney Channel movie franchise Zombies. Born on October 8, 1996, in Panorama City, California, she began her professional acting career as a child, securing guest television roles before landing major studio projects. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, she has built a lasting presence in family entertainment through both live-action features and voice acting.
This biography examines her complete career background, personal life milestones, physical attributes, and financial standing without relying on filler.
Early Life and Family Background
Growing up in Southern California, Russell was immersed in the entertainment industry early. Her older sister, Chelsea Tavares, is also an established actress known for work on Nickelodeon and various network dramas.
Russell started acting at age nine, appearing in television series like Eve and ER. Balancing schoolwork with professional auditions shaped her work ethic. Unlike many child actors who fade away after early projects, she transitioned successfully into teenage and young adult roles by staying active across different networks.
Breakthrough Role in Disney's Zombies Franchise
The defining project of Russell's career is her portrayal of Eliza, the tech-savvy, rebellious zombie who champions equality at Seabrook High.
- Zombies (2018): Introduced the character as the fierce best friend of lead zombie Zed, played by Milo Manheim.
- Zombies 2 (2020) and Zombies 3 (2022): Expanded the character's arc, dealing with new supernatural species like werewolves and aliens.
- Zombies: The Re-Animated Series (2024) and Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires (2025): Continued voicing and portraying the character across animated and expanded live-action formats.
Her transformation into Eliza required extensive daily special effects makeup and a signature green wig, which became instantly recognizable to young viewers globally.
Television and Filmography Highlights
Beyond the Zombies universe, Russell has built a diverse resume spanning independent dramas, sitcom guest spots, and voice acting.
- Jump In! (2007): Played Karin Daniels in the hit Disney Channel musical television movie alongside Corbin Bleu and Keke Palmer.
- Mississippi Damned (2009): Showcased her dramatic range in an independent feature film that received critical acclaim at film festivals.
- Marvel's Spider-Man (2020): Voiced the symbiote character Scorn in the animated television series episode "Maximum Venom".
- Girl Meets World and Modern Family: Made brief guest appearances that kept her visible in mainstream network television.
Personal Life, Marriage, and Children
Russell married Gavvin Schmidt, and the couple has built a family together. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Greyson, in July 2021, and expanded their family with a second daughter, Lennon, in July 2025.
She frequently documents snippets of motherhood and family life on her verified social media channels, balancing her home life with ongoing production schedules for film and television. In addition to acting, she collaborates musically with her sisters, maintaining a creative outlet outside of studio acting.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
While exact private financial statements aren't public record, entertainment industry tracking reports estimate Kylee Russell's net worth to be approximately $1.5 million.
This wealth stems from long-running contracts with The Walt Disney Company, residual payments from recurring cable broadcasts, voiceover work for major animation studios, and brand partnerships on social media platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kylee Russell?
Kylee Russell was born on October 8, 1996. She is 30 years old.
Who is Kylee Russell's husband?
She is married to Gavvin Schmidt, and the couple shares two daughters.
What is Kylee Russell's height?
She stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Did Kylee Russell play in Zombies 3?
Yes, she returned as Eliza in Zombies 3, though her character's screen time was adjusted during parts of the film due to her pregnancy.