Russell Brand thinks fame hasn't made him happy.

The British funnyman - who is married to 'Firework' singer Katy Perry - grew up craving a glittering showbiz career and is shocked that he hasn't found life in the spotlight as fulfilling as he imagined.

He said: "I'm famous now. I didn't used to be but, when I was younger, I always wanted to be famous.

"I thought it would make me happy. But now I've got fame and some of the things that I thought would make me happy - it ain't worked.

"It's just peculiar to me, a lad growing up in Essex, London, that I would attach such importance to becoming famous and things, and it's not all that good."

Despite his gripes, 35-year-old Russell - who has previously been treated for drink and drug addiction and was a renowned womaniser before settling down with Katy - admits he doesn't expect people will have much sympathy.

Filming a documentary about happiness at Los Angeles' ACME Club, he said: "I can imagine what people will say, 'Wasn't it as good as you anticipated? Was it when you were single and all the sex and the boozing that was disappointing? Or is it really starting now you are living in a mansion with three cats and Katy Perry? You have suffered'.