Jane Russell
Jane Russell, born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell on June 21, 1921, was an American actress, singer, and sex symbol. She rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s, known for her voluptuous figure, sultry beauty, and distinctive voice.
Russell was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, and grew up in a family of five children. She developed a love for music and performing at an early age, participating in local theater productions and singing in the church choir. After high school, she moved to California and worked as a receptionist and model while pursuing a career in acting.
In 1943, Russell caught the attention of Howard Hughes, the aviation and film mogul, who signed her to a contract with his production company. She made her film debut in the Western film "The Outlaw" (1943), which garnered attention due to its provocative content and emphasis on Russell's figure.
Russell became a sex symbol of the era, celebrated for her hourglass figure and sultry persona. Her career continued to thrive in the 1940s and 1950s, with notable film appearances including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) alongside Marilyn Monroe and "The Paleface" (1948) with Bob Hope. She displayed a flair for comedy, often portraying sassy and confident characters.
Aside from her acting career, Russell also pursued a singing career, recording several albums and performing in nightclubs and theaters. She showcased her singing talent in films like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "The French Line" (1954), where she performed the popular song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."
As the 1960s progressed, Russell transitioned to television and stage work, including appearances in variety shows and stage productions. She also dedicated herself to various philanthropic efforts, including supporting adoption organizations and serving on the board of directors of the World Adoption International Fund.
Jane Russell's impact as a sex symbol and her contributions to the entertainment industry during the 1940s and 1950s continue to be recognized and celebrated. Her beauty, talent, and distinctive persona made her an iconic figure of Hollywood's Golden Age. Russell passed away on February 28, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of the notable stars of classic cinema.
Russell was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, and grew up in a family of five children. She developed a love for music and performing at an early age, participating in local theater productions and singing in the church choir. After high school, she moved to California and worked as a receptionist and model while pursuing a career in acting.
In 1943, Russell caught the attention of Howard Hughes, the aviation and film mogul, who signed her to a contract with his production company. She made her film debut in the Western film "The Outlaw" (1943), which garnered attention due to its provocative content and emphasis on Russell's figure.
Russell became a sex symbol of the era, celebrated for her hourglass figure and sultry persona. Her career continued to thrive in the 1940s and 1950s, with notable film appearances including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) alongside Marilyn Monroe and "The Paleface" (1948) with Bob Hope. She displayed a flair for comedy, often portraying sassy and confident characters.
Aside from her acting career, Russell also pursued a singing career, recording several albums and performing in nightclubs and theaters. She showcased her singing talent in films like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "The French Line" (1954), where she performed the popular song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."
As the 1960s progressed, Russell transitioned to television and stage work, including appearances in variety shows and stage productions. She also dedicated herself to various philanthropic efforts, including supporting adoption organizations and serving on the board of directors of the World Adoption International Fund.
Jane Russell's impact as a sex symbol and her contributions to the entertainment industry during the 1940s and 1950s continue to be recognized and celebrated. Her beauty, talent, and distinctive persona made her an iconic figure of Hollywood's Golden Age. Russell passed away on February 28, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of the notable stars of classic cinema.
Quotes:
"Yes, Howard Hughes invented a bra for me. Or, he tried to. And one of the seamless ones like they have now. He was way ahead of his time. But I never wore it in The Outlaw (1943). And he never knew. He wasn't going to take my clothes off to check if I had it on. I just told him I did."
"They held up The Outlaw (1943) for five years. And Howard Hughes had me doing publicity for it every day, five days a week for five years."
"Publicity can be terrible. But only if you don't have any."
[on her Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) co-star Marilyn Monroe] "She once got her life so balled up that the studio hired a full-time secretary maid for her. So Marilyn soon got the secretary as balled up as she was, and she ended up waiting on the secretary, instead of vice-versa."
[on her sex appeal] "Sex appeal is good--but not in bad taste. Then it's ugly. I don't think a star has any business posing in a vulgar way. I've seen plenty of pin-up pictures that have sex appeal, interest and allure, but they're not vulgar. They have little art in them. Marilyn Monroe's calendar was artistic."
- Jane Russell
Trivia:
Through her organization, World Adoption International Fund (WAIF), Russell has placed 51,000 children with adoptive families.
Leonardo DiCaprio visited Jane while filming The Aviator (2004) in order to find up close and personal what Howard Hughes was really like.
Her breasts are the namesake for "The Jane Russell Peaks" in Alaska.
At one point, J. Arthur Rank wanted her for major projects, including The Blue Lagoon (1949) and The Red Shoes (1948). Both films' leads later went to Jean Simmons and Moira Shearer.
Leonardo DiCaprio visited Jane while filming The Aviator (2004) in order to find up close and personal what Howard Hughes was really like.
Her breasts are the namesake for "The Jane Russell Peaks" in Alaska.
At one point, J. Arthur Rank wanted her for major projects, including The Blue Lagoon (1949) and The Red Shoes (1948). Both films' leads later went to Jean Simmons and Moira Shearer.
