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A Tribute To A Beautiful Star Jane Russell |
Jane Russell Biography
She was born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell, on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota. Her father was an US Army lieutenant and her mother had been a student of drama and an actress with a traveling troupe. Once Mr. Russell was mustered out of the service, the family took up residence in Canada, but moved to California when he found employment there. The family was well-to-do and although Jane was the only girl among four brothers, her mother saw to it that she take piano lessons. In addition to music, Jane was interested in drama much as her mother had been and participated in high school stage productions.
Upon graduation, Jane took a job as a receptionist for a doctor who specialized in foot disorders. Although she had originally planned on being a designer, her father died and she had to go to work to help the family. Jane modeled on the side and was very much sought after especially because of her figure. She managed to save enough money to go to drama school, with the urging of her mother. She was a gorgeous brunette whose most obvious talent was over powered by her gifted body. Her 38 inch bustline dominated her obvious talent. It was truly sad that we saw Jane Russell not as much for her great acting ability and more for her chest size and her body. Which ultimately got her signed by Howard Hughes for his production of THE OUTLAW in 1941, the film that was to make Jane famous. The daughter of a former actress, she worked as a chiropodist's receptionist, modeled for a photographer, and studied acting at Max Reinhardt's Theatrical Workshop and with Maria Ouspenskaya before her 38-inch bustline came to the attention of Hughes, who was conducting a nationwide chest hunt for the film's leading female role. The film wasn't to be a classic by any means, but was geared to show off Jane's ample physical assets. Although the film was made in 1941, it wasn't released until two years later and then only on a limited basis due to the way the film portrayed Jane's assets. It was difficult for the film to pass the censorship board. Finally, the film gained general release in 1946. The film was a smash at the box-office, which provided the most crucial issue in the controversy surrounding the public showing of Howard Hughes's The Outlaw in the 40's.
The film, mild and innocent in today's terms, was completed and briefly shown in 1941, released briefly in 1943, but not officially released until January 1950. Meanwhile, it resulted in much vulgar publicity for its star, who was once introduced by Bob Hope as ``the two and only Miss Russell.' She survived the image, however, and subsequently proved she had other, less obvious talents, playing with proficiency an assortment of roles, typically as a cynical, experienced dame. One of her most remembered roles was in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" with Marilyn Monroe. In 1971 she replaced Elaine Stritch as the star of the Broadway musical Company. In the mid-70's she was appearing in TV commercials promoting brassieres for Playtex (remember Cross Your Heart and the 18 hour girdle?). Jane didn't make another film until 1946 when she played Joan Kenwood in YOUNG WIDOW. She had signed a seven year contract with Hughes and it seemed the only films he would put her in were those that displayed Jane in a very flattering light due to her body. Films such as 1951's HIS KIND OF WOMAN and THE LAS VEGAS STORY (1952) did nothing to showcase her true acting abilities.
Beautiful, dark-haired, big-boned actress with a direct personality, she is known as much for her lingerie commercials as for her film career. She first appeared in film in Howard Hughes's The Outlaw (1943), then went on to star opposite Bob Hope in The Paleface (1948), and probably the pinnacle of her career was in 1953's GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES as Dorothy Shaw, with Marilyn Monroe. This film showed Jane's comedic side very well.
Jane did continue to make films throughout the 1950's, but the films were at times not up to par, particularly with Jane's talents being wasted in forgettable movies in order to show off her sexy side. Films such as GENTLEMEN MARRY BRUNETTES (1955) and THE REVOLT OF MAMIE STOVER (1956) did do Jane justice and were able to show exactly the fine actress she was.
After THE FUZZY PINK NIGHTGOWN (a flop) in 1957, Jane took a hiatus from films, to dabble a bit in television, returning in 1964 to film FATE IS THE HUNTER. Unfortunately, the roles were not there anymore as Jane would be in only four pictures during the entire decade of the sixties. Her last film of the decade was 1967's BORN LOSERS.
After three more years away from the big screen she returned to make one last film called DARKER THAN AMBER in 1970. Her last play before the public was in the 1970's when Jane was a spokesperson for Playtex bras. Had Jane not been wasted during the Hughes years, Jane could have been a bigger actress than what she was allowed to show. She really is a talented actress. Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). In the mid-1950's, she formed Russ-Field Productions with her husband, but this did not substantially improve her box office appeal. Her first husband (1943---68) was football star Bob Waterfield. Her second, actor Roger Barrett, died less than three months after their 1968 wedding. She lives in Sedona, Arizona with her third husband, a real-estate agent.
Jane Russell works very hard for America's children and she is a board member or America's Future, Inc. which is a conservative organization. Jane Russell is a true patriot in every sense of the word. It is very ironic that Jane Russell was a Hollywood sex goddess of the 20th Century but she has more morals and character than many of Hollywood's stars today. Jane Russell is definitely in a special class of Hollywood stars and that's Class with a capital C. very few Hollywood stars are in her class but among them are John (The Duke) Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Arnold Schwarzanegger, Sonny Bono and Elvis Presley and the most important of all The greatest president of our century, Ronald Reagan. If there are others please let me know and I will add them.
Here are some good Jane Russell links
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