Jane Russell was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Outlaw, and His Kind of Woman.
Personal and Family Life
Jane Russell was born on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota. She was the only daughter in a wealthy family with four brothers. Her mother, an actress, encouraged Jane’s interest in drama and music from a young age. After high school, she worked as a receptionist while modeling on the side.
Career
Jane’s breakthrough came when she was signed by Howard Hughes to star in The Outlaw (1943). Despite the film focused on her physical appearance, it made her famous. Over her career, she appeared in many films, notably Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) alongside Marilyn Monroe. Although she continued to act in films through the 1960s and beyond, many of these roles did not showcase her talent appropriately.
Death and Legacy
Jane Russell passed away on February 28, 2011, at the age of 89 due to respiratory failure in Santa Maria, California. She is remembered not only for her film career but also for her work in adoption advocacy, helping many children find families through her organization.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | 1953-07-14 | Dorothy Shaw |
| The Outlaw | 1943-02-05 | Rio McDonald |
| His Kind of Woman | 1951-08-15 | Lenore Brent |
| The Las Vegas Story | 1952-01-30 | Linda Rollins |
| Young Widow | 1946-03-01 | Joan Kenwood |
| Darker Than Amber | 1970-08-14 | Alabama Tigress |
| Gentlemen Marry Brunettes | 1955-10-29 | Charlie Biddle / Mrs. Biddle / Mr. Henry Biddle |
| Fate Is the Hunter | 1964-11-08 | Self |
| The Fuzzy Pink Nightgown | 1957-05-09 | Laurel Stevens |