Russell Cupido was born in, and grew up in Worcester. He went to school at Esselen Park Primary and High School where he participated in athletics and a little bit of rugby. After school, he attended the University of the Western Cape and Hatfield School of Theology. He grew up in a family that held the view that all people were equal and that racism had no place in our society. These beliefs were driven, not by politics, but by faith.
He works in the non-profit sector, facilitating leadership and community development in his community. He is particularly passionate about youth and their empowerment. He has been active in working with youth and “at risk children”. He served on the Worcester Community Police Forum and as a (Youth) Commission Member on the Provincial Community Police Forum. He is the chairperson of the Worcester Athletics Club and he has served as a past secretary of the club. He has also served Boland Athletics as convener for cross country in the Western Province. He was part of the team that facilitated the unity process during transition.