Russell Brand thinks death hoaxes about him are "wishful thinking".

The British comedian was targeted by fake news website Global Associated News in August, who wrote he had passed away after a snowboarding accident in Switzerland.

The 37-year-old takes the ridiculous statements in good humour.

"I think death hoaxes about me are wishful thinking," he exclaimed to Australian radio hosts Kyle and Jackie O.

"I think if I went snowboarding, that would be a relatively lucky outcome, I'm quite clumsy!"

Russell began his career as a stand-up comedian and went on to star in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Rock of Ages, where he worked alongside Tom Cruise.

However, Russell will always prefer the freedom of stand-up.

"Stand up is much more fun. When you're making a film you can't create a carnival of success or wildness," he enthused.

"You've got to behave yourself on a movie set. If Tom Cruise is in it, you can't run around being an idiot, trying to screw the audience! If Tom Cruise is there you've got to be a grown up."