Quick Wiki
- Full Name Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell
- Birth Date June 21, 1921,
- Death Date 2011-02-28
- Age At Death 89
- Place Of Death Santa Maria, California, United States
- Birthplace Bemidji, Minnesota, United States
- Occupation Actress, model, and singer
- Parents Geraldine Jacobi, Roy William Russell
- Mother Geraldine Jacobi,
- Father Roy William Russell
Jane Russell | Biography
Jane Russell (1921-2011) was an iconic actress known for her roles in musicals and Westerns including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She was also an advocate for adoption.
Who is Jane Russell?
Jane Russell, born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota, rose to fame as an iconic American actress and singer. She gained her first significant break when aviation tycoon Howard Hughes cast her in the film "The Outlaw" at the young age of 19. The film's tumultuous release and the publicity surrounding her voluptuous figure propelled her into stardom, making her a symbol of beauty in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. Throughout her career, Russell was known for her performances in Westerns and musicals, including unforgettable roles in classics like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," where she starred alongside Marilyn Monroe.
Russell’s career extended beyond film as she showcased her singing talent and appeared in various stage productions. In addition to her successful film career, she became a prominent nightclub performer and later starred on Broadway. Beyond her professional life, Russell was a devoted mother, having adopted three children while navigating the challenges of her private life, including three marriages. Throughout her life, she remained an outspoken advocate for Christian values, adoption rights, and was an opponent of abortion. Russell's enduring legacy as a glamorous Hollywood star and her commitment to her beliefs make her a notable figure in American cultural history.
Early Life and Education
Jane Russell was born on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota, as Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell. Shortly after her birth, her family relocated to California's San Fernando Valley, which provided a rural backdrop for her childhood. Russell grew up in a household that would eventually include four younger brothers. Her mother, a former actress and a lay preacher, instilled in her a love for performance and a strong Christian faith. The family enjoyed a middle-class lifestyle until tragedy struck when her father passed away when she was just 15, which significantly impacted her life and career aspirations.
Attending Van Nuys High School, Russell took part in various school activities while also modeling part-time and pursuing acting classes. Despite her efforts, she faced rejection during tryouts at major film studios like Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount, but she remained undeterred. Embracing her passion for the performing arts, Russell gained exposure by singing with the Kay Kyser Orchestra during the 1940s. Her determination ultimately laid the groundwork for her budding career in Hollywood, even as she faced numerous challenges on her path to stardom.
Career Start with The Outlaw
Jane Russell’s foray into the world of film began dramatically when she was cast in Howard Hughes' controversial Western, "The Outlaw". At just 19 years old, Russell was working as a receptionist when Hughes, who was searching for fresh faces, saw her potential as the Irish-Mexican character Rio McDonald. The film's production was infamous not only due to its subject matter—following the life of Billy the Kid—but also for the way Hughes promoted Russell. He designed a custom bra for her, which was meant to accentuate her curvaceous figure, capturing the public's attention even before the film’s release.
Despite facing scrutiny from the Motion Picture Production Code for its sexual content, "The Outlaw" was strategically released with the aim of creating buzz around Russell’s voluptuous image. This savvy publicity campaign turned her into an overnight sensation, making her a household name. Even before the film gained widespread distribution in 1946, Russell’s provocative stills piqued the public's interest, establishing her as a leading actress in Hollywood by capitalizing on the era's fascination with glamorous stars. This marked the beginning of a diverse career that would span decades, leading Russell to significant roles in musicals and westerns throughout the 1950s.
Success in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Other Films
Jane Russell achieved remarkable success during her career, particularly with her iconic role in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Directed by Howard Hawks, the film showcased Russell alongside Marilyn Monroe, where both actresses played showgirls navigating the complexities of love and wealth. Russell's performance was celebrated for her captivating presence and vocal talents, notably in the memorable duet "Two Little Girls From Little Rock." Although Monroe’s rendition of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" often stole the limelight, Russell's own version showcased her unique musical ability and charm, solidifying her status as a talented performer in Hollywood's golden age.
Beyond "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," Russell enjoyed a diverse filmography that spanned various genres, including Westerns and musicals. Her first significant role in "The Outlaw," cast by Howard Hughes, thrust her into the public eye, and she quickly became a symbol of beauty and charisma in cinema. Russell's collaborations with stars like Bob Hope in "The Paleface" and Robert Mitchum in "His Kind of Woman" further showcased her range as an actress. Despite experiencing some commercial flops, her contributions to film and her ability to engage audiences have left a lasting legacy that continues to be appreciated by fans of classic cinema.
Later Career and Advocacy Work
Jane Russell's later career saw her transition from the bright lights of Hollywood to the vibrant world of stage performances and advocacy work. After stepping away from film, she embraced opportunities in theater, making her Broadway debut in 1971 with a notable performance in Stephen Sondheim's "Company". Russell also toured extensively, engaging in cabaret shows and stage productions that showcased her singing talent. Her work included a variety of performances that reaffirmed her versatility as an entertainer, even as she balanced her spotlight with personal challenges, such as her struggles with alcohol.
In addition to her performing career, Russell became a passionate advocate for adoption and child welfare. Founding the World Adoption International Fund in the 1950s, she aimed to simplify the international adoption process for U.S. parents and to raise awareness for the adoption of harder-to-place children in the United States. Her commitment to these causes reflected her deep personal experiences and the difficulties she faced during her own adoption journey. Russell's advocacy efforts continued until the organization closed in 1998, solidifying her legacy not only as a talented actress but also as a compassionate humanitarian.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
Jane Russell married three times throughout her life, starting with her high school sweetheart, Robert "Bob" Waterfield, in 1943. The couple adopted three children during their marriage: a daughter, Tracy, followed by two sons, Thomas "Tommy" and Robert "Buck." Their relationship, however, faced challenges, leading to their divorce in 1968. Despite infidelities from both partners, the two managed to maintain a cordial relationship. Russell described her marriage to Waterfield as one of companionship and love, but the pressures of Hollywood took their toll.
In 1968, Jane Russell briefly married actor Roger Barrett, but their union ended tragically when Barrett died just three months later from a heart attack. In 1974, Russell found lasting love with John Calvin Peoples, a retired Air Force officer and real estate broker. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1999. Although Russell had hoped to have biological children, she became an advocate for adoption, her experiences often shaped by her own challenges in the past. Russell's commitment to her adopted children remained a cornerstone of her life, and she actively promoted the cause of international adoption through her foundation.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Contracts
Jane Russell's net worth and earning potential were significantly shaped by her successful career in the entertainment industry, particularly during the height of her film career in the 1940s and 1950s. At the start, her earnings weren't too impressive, but her popularity skyrocketed after her role in "The Outlaw," leading her to negotiate contractual agreements that reflected her newfound status as a Hollywood star. By 1954, Russell signed a substantial contract with Howard Hughes, which guaranteed her $1 million for six films, paid at a rate of $1,000 per week over the course of 20 years, regardless of the number of films she actually completed.
In addition to her film earnings, Russell made a successful transition to television and stage appearances later in her career, which helped supplement her income. Her work as a spokesperson for Playtex bras in the 1970s contributed significantly to her financial stability, as it reportedly earned her around $100,000 annually. These endorsements, coupled with her independent production company, Russ-Field, and various successful performances in nightclubs and on stage, allowed Jane Russell to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout her life and post-career.
