FRANCES RUSSELL

Frances Margaret Grant Russell, professionally known as Franki Russell, is a Filipina–New Zealand model, actress, and beauty pageant titleholder born on July 24, 1994, in Dunedin, New Zealand. She gained prominence through her participation in various beauty pageants and reality television shows, as well as her modeling career.​

Early Life and Background

Franki Russell was born to a New Zealand father and a Filipina mother in Dunedin, New Zealand. At the age of 18, she moved to Sydney, Australia, to pursue opportunities in modeling and entertainment. In 2019, she relocated to the Philippines to further her career in the entertainment industry. ​

Modeling and Television Career

Russell's modeling career includes a feature in the popular men's magazine, Maxim. She has amassed a significant following on Instagram, where she shares travel, modeling, and lifestyle content under the handle @missfranki_. 

In 2014, she was the runner-up on the Australian reality television show "Beauty & the Geek Australia." Her television career further expanded in the Philippines, where she became a housemate on "Pinoy Big Brother: Otso" in 2019, earning the nickname "Wandering Stunner ng New Zealand." ​

Pageantry

Russell's foray into beauty pageants includes participation in the Miss Universe United Arab Emirates 2021, where she was among the top 30 finalists. In 2024, she was appointed Miss Universe New Zealand and was set to represent New Zealand at Miss Universe 2024. However, due to controversies surrounding her acting career and the cancellation of the Miss Universe New Zealand franchise, her title was revoked. ​

Subsequently, she was appointed as Miss Cosmo New Zealand 2024 and represented New Zealand at the inaugural Miss Cosmo pageant, where she reached the Top 21 and won the Best National Costume award. ​

Acting Career

Russell began her acting career in the Philippines, appearing in the long-running television series "Ang Probinsyano" in 2022. Her acting roles have contributed to her popularity in the Philippine entertainment industry. ​

Advocacy and Public Image

Beyond her entertainment career, Russell is known for her advocacy against cyberbullying. She has also made appearances at international events, including walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024.

Franki Russell continues to be a prominent figure in modeling, television, and advocacy, with a growing influence in both New Zealand and the Philippines.​