From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Harold Russell (January 14, 1914 – January 29, 2002) was a Canadian-American World War II veteran who became one of only two non-professional actors to win an Academy Award for acting (the other being Haing S. Ngor). Russell also holds the unique honor of receiving two Academy Awards for the same role. Russell also has the distinction of being the only performer to sell his award Oscar at auction.