Russell Brand enjoys a relaxing rowing session with his pooch

He recently reinvented himself as an outspoken YouTube personality, spreading skepticism about Covid vaccines and blaming the US for the war in Ukraine.

But Russell Brand was seen taking time out from his controversial ramblings as he enjoyed the outdoors while rowing near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Saturday.

The comedian, 46, bundled up in a black cardigan worn over a gray sweater and donned black joggers over his lower half while out with his pooch Bear.

Downtime: Russell Brand was seen taking time out from his controversial ramblings as he enjoyed the outdoors while rowing near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Russell – who has over 5.5 million YouTube subscribers – stood out in a bright yellow beanie, while soaking up the sun in his canoe.

The star looked in high spirits as he wore his dark tresses and in their trademark curls, while sporting a gray stubble.

While enjoying the relaxing outdoor activity, Russell decided to help a cyclist cross the river by loading his bike onto the boat and rowing it across.

Fans: The comedian, 46, stopped to take selfies with two women who had seen him from the riverbank

Fun in the sun: Russell – who has over 5.5 million YouTube subscribers – stood out in a bright yellow beanie, while soaking up the sun in his canoe

Useful: While enjoying the relaxing outdoor activity, Russell decided to help a cyclist cross the river by loading his bike onto the boat and rowing it across.

His German Shepherd then climbed back up and he continued along the river near his £3.3million home where he lives with wife Laura Gallacher, 34, and children Mabel, five, and Peggy, three years.

Russell regularly shares snaps and videos of his beloved dog Bear – who he previously described as a “fur tornado” – on his Instagram, as well as his cats.

The online personality also stopped to take selfies with two women who had seen him from the riverbank.

Russell – who is well known for his Big Brother’s Big Mouth presentation gig – ditched Hollywood to live a healthy life with his family.

Low-key: Russell bundled up in a black vest worn over a gray jumper and donned black joggers over his lower half while out with his pooch Bear

Adorable: His German Shepherd came back up and he continued along the river near his £3.3million home where he lives with wife Laura Gallacher, 34, and children Mabel, five, and Peggy , three years.

Laid back: The star looked in good spirits as he wore his dark tresses and in their trademark curls, while sporting a gray stubble

Four-legged friend: Russell regularly shares snaps and videos of his beloved dog Bear – who he previously described as a “fur tornado” – on his Instagram, as well as his cats.

Russell and his wife, TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher’s younger sister Laura, are said to have recently taken possession of the Crown Inn – a pub in Pishill, near Henley-on-Thames.

Nestled in scenic Oxfordshire countryside, the Grade II listed coaching inn, which dates back to the 16th century, includes a detached barn that can sleep up to 80 people.

The couple – who wed in August 2017 – have found success in their other company, which specializes in television production.

New purchase: Russell and his wife, Kirsty Gallacher’s sister Laura (both pictured in 2018) are said to have bought the Crown Inn in Pishill, near Henley-on-Thames

Pub: The Grade II listed coaching inn (pictured), which dates from the 16th century, includes a detached barn that can accommodate up to 80 people.

The couple shared a dividend of £1.4million in 2020, according to company accounts.

Despite calling for an ‘egalitarian socialist’ revolution in a Newsnight interview in 2015, Mr Brand has amassed a net worth of around £15million through his business interests and a range of properties luxury.

Russell quit alcohol and drugs in 2003, telling the Guardian in a 2013 interview: “My life has improved dramatically. I have a job, a house, a cat, good friendships and generally good prospects.

The actor has successfully resolved his problems with Class A substances after more than a dozen run-ins with the law, including a high-profile arrest by the Metropolitan Police for stripping naked during an anti-capitalist Mayday protest in the London’s Piccadilly Circus.

Then a precocious MTV reporter, he sparked new controversy when he showed up at work in disguise as al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden shortly after hardline Islamic terrorists flew two jetliners toward the World Trade Center.

Russell gained wider international recognition through his role as high-strung, alcoholic and drug-addicted rock star Aldous Snow in the 2010 comedy Get Him To The Greek.

But he admits the character, who aggressively snorts cocaine and suffers from a rocky relationship with a conceited, glory-seeking father, reflects his own story.

“I was very lucky to work with (producer) Judd Apatow and they trashed my life – I told them everything about my life and my childhood,” he explained in 2017. It was a little weird – I remember doing it quite a lot of fake coke which was kinda tripping.

However, Russell insisted he had no desire to relive his excessive past, joking: ‘F**k fun. And God knows I tried.

Throwback: Russell addressed his drug problems after more than a dozen run-ins with the law, including a high-profile arrest by the Metropolitan Police for stripping naked during an anti-capitalist Mayday protest in 2002