British comic will take the reigns when show airs live on September 7.
By MTV News staff

Russell Brand
Photo: Claire Greenway/ Getty Images

Chris Rock, Jack Black, Jamie Foxx and Russell Brand ... yeah, Russell Brand!

The British comedian will take the reigns as host when the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards air live from Los Angeles on September 7.

Brand's big Stateside break came earlier this year, in his scene-stealing role as Brit rocker Aldous Snow in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." He recently did some standup work in Los Angeles, and next up he'll star alongside Adam Sandler in "Bedtime Stories."

"I am proud to be hosting the MTV VMAs," Brand said. "I'm going to celebrate by doing lesbian kisses with both Britney and Madonna, and I'll be giving Michael Jackson a special award to celebrate his birthday — which, coincidentally, is also a lesbian kiss."

He may be new to U.S. audiences, but Brand's a major comedy star in his native England, building a following with his stand-up and parlaying that success to various hosting and acting gigs. He's also found success as an author, columnist and radio host.

The VMA stint won't be Brand's first MTV paycheck — he's hosted various shows on MTV UK over the years. He's also played big stages before, hosting the Brit Awards in 2007 and the NME Awards in 2006, and appearing at the UK leg of the Live Earth concerts at London's Wembley Stadium.

Brand now joins a list of VMA hosts that includes acclaimed comedians (Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy), music moguls (Sean "Diddy" Combs), Oscar winners (Jamie Foxx) and, well, Christian Slater.

The VMAs air live from the Paramount Pictures Studios at 9 p.m. ET on September 7. The night begins with MTV News' live red carpet preshow at 8 p.m.

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