Although the film was made in 1941, it was not released until two years later and then only on a limited basis due to the way the film portrayed Jane's assets. Warehoused as a Universal acquisition and underutilized at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the lanky, dark-eyed actress tested her comic chops in George Cukor's "The Women" (1939) before coming into her own as Cary Grant's co-star in Howard Hawks' "His Girl Friday" (1. Mar 2nd 2011, 9:28 AM. She married real-estate broker John Calvin Peoples on January 31, 1974, living with him until his death from heart failure on April 9, 1999. Russell actually organized a weekly Bible study at her home which she named the Hollywood Christian group.. Her last play before the public was in the 1970s when Jane was a spokesperson for Playtex bras. advertising. Knowing she was right for comedy, she tested five times for the role of Sylvia Fowler in The Women (1939). Haines was a former vocalist in the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, while Davis was a British emigrant who had moved to the United States after success entertaining American troops stationed in England during World War II. Russell, a popular Hollywood sex symbol . She was 89. Films such as Gentlemen Marry Brunettes (1955) and The Revolt of Mamie Stover (1956) did do Jane's justice and were able to show exactly the fine actress she was.After The Fuzzy Pink Nightgown (1957) (a flop), Jane took a hiatus from films, to dabble a little in television, returning in 1964 to film Fate Is the Hunter (1964). In 1959, she debuted with a tour of Janus in New England, performed in Skylark and also starred in Bells Are Ringing at the Westchester Town House in Yonkers, New York. Russell performed the role of Joanne for almost six months. Many felt she would have won had she cooperated. Russell confessed that she began to drink after the loss of her husband, and that her family had to confront her about her problem and urge her to seek treatment. The looks, star power, and chemistry of the leads made it seem like the film would be a guaranteed blockbuster. After hearing the audio for the film day after day while traveling, Brisson decided he had better sit down and watch the whole film. Just two short months after her divorce, Russell hastily married actor Roger Barrett. Irish sport images provided by Inpho Photography Free shipping for many products! The family was well-to-do and although Jane was the only girl among four brothers, her mother saw to it that she took piano lessons. Later, Kramden becomes aware that his best friend and neighbor, Ed Norton, is in fact throwing a party upstairs and did not invite him. There is no relation between Keri Russell and Kurt Russell. posts, comments and submissions available. The success of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes wasnt the only triumph for Russell that year. The Russells were an Irish-American, Catholic family. Russell was paid $200,000 for her role and had the right to draw on Chandler's services for a film later on for her own production company. Free shipping for many products! [10] Her screen test was directed by Harold S. Bucquet, and she later recalled that she was hired because of a closeup he took of her. November 5, 1977. She had a semi-recurring guest role in The Yellow Rose (1983) on television and guest-starred on Hunter (1986). Her portrait and a description of her work hangs in the lobby, as Congress made a grant in 1979 to establish the research center, in honor of her Congressional appointment to the National Commission on Arthritis. Then, after all that, the film ended up as a financial flop. The Capitol LP was issued on CD in 2008, in a package that also included the choral singles by the original quartet and two tracks with Fleming replacing Della Russell. Introduction to. Russell did two more film noirs: The Las Vegas Story (1952) with Price and Victor Mature, and Macao (1952) with Mitchum. However, she also revealed her own dark suspicions about Monroes infamously tragic end. Fifties movie bombshell Jane Russell died Monday morning at her home in Santa Maria, California, her family said. Although she had originally planned on being a designer, her father died, and she had to go to work to help the family. "[12] She quickly rose to fame, and by 1935, was seen as a replacement for actress Myrna Loy, as she took many roles for which Loy was initially set.[13]. A young Irish mother named Hannah McDermott saw the interview. Condition: New New. As the oldest, Jane decided that shed get a job as a receptionist to support her family. Russell wrote an autobiography, Jane Russell: My Path and My Detours (1985). Catherine Rosalind Russell (June 4, 1907 - November 28, 1976) was an American actress, comedian, screenwriter and singer, known for her role as fast-talking newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson in the Howard Hawks screwball comedy His Girl Friday (1940), as well as for her portrayals of Mame Dennis in Auntie Mame (1958) and Rose in Gypsy (1962). The story was unearthed by Derry historian Willie Deery who said the move caused all sorts of problems for Russell at the time, according to the Belfast Telegraph. Jane Geraldine Russell died at her home in Santa Maria of a respiratory-related illness on February 28, 2011 . Of course, that job ended up leading her back to the stage anyway, when Howard Hughes walked through the door of the doctors office where she worked and he discovered her. This biography gives detailed information about her childhood, life, achievements and timeline. policy. Brisson had been traveling from England to the United States by ship in 1939, and The Women was playing on an endless loop during the voyage. . Jane Russell was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, on June 21, 1921. Russell made her first movie appearance in a number of years in Fate Is the Hunter (1964), in which she was seen as herself performing for the USO in a flashback sequence. Rosalind Russell, circa 1930s. When a reporter asked her about her reputation for being hard-nosed about her faith, she had a sassy retort: Christians can have big breasts too.. She left a pub with a man, and the next day her remains were found in her burned out home. More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal. 2011 due to respiratory-related illness. While many of the films were financial successes, theyre not exactly the type of stuff that critics still talk about today. Submit Related Articles 30 Must-Read Books. Columbia Records released her innuendo-laden album Lets Put Out the Lights in 1947, but Russell later revealed that she hated the album, saying it was horrible. One song in the albums reissue? [27], Her autobiography Life Is a Banquet, written with Chris Chase, was published a year after her death. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. Brisson stayed with Cary Grant in his guest house while Grant was filming His Girl Friday. Bomb Census surveys were taken, which sought to trace and mark every bomb dropped on the United Kingdom. Catherine Rosalind Russell. The film went over budget by $600,000 and was a box office failure.[15]. Users are reminded that they are fully responsible for their own They had a very fruitful working relationship, and she starred in a number of RKO films over the next few years of her careerhowever, there was a dark side to it all. Any other star mightve taken offense, but Russell had a great sense of humor. The Handbook is organized around three foundational questions: first, what . Boost. [9] Afterwards, she moved to Boston, where she acted for a year at a theater group for Edward E. Clive. [10], Under contract to MGM, Russell debuted in Evelyn Prentice (1934). When MGM first approached her for a screen test, Russell was wary, remembering her experience at Universal. Today's Netflix Top 10 Rankings; It was a critical and commercial failure. In 1999, she remarked, "Why did I quit movies? Russell and Brisson were married 35 years, until her death. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. In 2006, her eyesight began to deteriorate. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She did and got the part. While working on the film, von Sternberg sniped that Russell was a beautiful stupid girl. There were fights on set, and the director constantly threatened to fire his actorsbut in the end, it was von Sternberg who got fired himself. Bette Davis, circa 1930s. Catherine Rosalind Russell (June 4, 1907 November 28, 1976) was an American actress, comedienne, screenwriter, and singer,[2] known for her role as fast-talking newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson in the Howard Hawks screwball comedy His Girl Friday (1940), opposite Cary Grant, as well as for her portrayals of Mame Dennis in Auntie Mame (1958) and Rose in Gypsy (1962). As a result, many critics and fans have said that her talent was wasted during those years. In 1947, Russell delved into music before returning to films. When asked with which role she was most closely identified, she replied that strangers who spotted her still called out, "Hey, Auntie Mame!" In 1947, Russell delved into music before returning to films. On top of that, she is the namesake for the Jane Russell Peaks in Alaska. Russell had been, as she put it, "Everyone's fifteenth choice" for the role of Hildy in the film. [18] She had a cameo in Road to Bali (1953). She put in the work, and eventually, the critics came around to appreciating her not just for her body, but for her talent as well. Sister-in-law of actress Elizabeth Russell. [citation needed] Her brothers were Thomas, Kenneth, Jamie, and Wallace. Journal Media does not control and is not responsible for user created content, posts, comments, 2 large storage sheds, Big back yard for lots of sunny fun. Her buxom chest was so popular, variety show host Bob Hope even once introduced her by saying The two and only Jane Russell., Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, Glamorous Facts About Hollywood Actresses, These Bad Dates Are Straight Out Of Our Nightmares, Wild Facts About Howard Hughes, The Most Eccentric Man In Hollywood, Couldnt Pay Me To Go Back: Absolutely Wild Stories Of High School Drama, Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, Frances Uncrowned Queen, Absolute Legends: The Wildest Pranks Ever Pulled. In 1972, Russell received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement. She had great erotic force and great likability. Here is a glamorous photo collection that shows classic beauties with cigarettes from the 1930s and 1960s. That didnt mean Russell had it made, though. She pushed her daughter toward the dramatic artsand then, tragedy struck. She received several accolades for her achievements in film. Speaking about her sex appeal, Russell later said, "Sex appeal is good but not in bad taste. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. For her debut, she was paid the princely sum of $50 per week. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. In a 2009 interview for the liner notes to another CD, Fine and Dandy, Russell denounced the Columbia album as "horrible and boring to listen to". She also cut a 78 rpm album that year for Columbia Records, Let's Put Out the Lights, which included eight torch ballads and cover art that included a diaphanous gown. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? [10] Unhappy with Universal's leadership, and second-class studio status at the time, Russell set her sights on Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and was able to get out of her Universal contract on her own terms. Jane Russell was a popular American actress of the 1940s and 1950s. Of course, Russell wasnt exactly sitting on her hands while she waited for the release of The Outlaw. I dont think a star has any business posing in a vulgar way.. 3 1,200YouTubeFunnyorDie . Russell said that she initially wore the bikini in front of her "horrified" movie crew while "feeling very naked". Grant sheepishly explained that the odd fellow was Freddie Brisson, the man whom he had mentioned so often, and they set off for dinner, with Freddie in tow. Rosalind Russell (4. jun 1907 - 28. novembar 1976.) A Town Called Hollywood: Top Stars Now Share in Profits of Major Pictures". Her parents thought Russell was studying to become a teacher and were unaware that she was planning to become an actress. She was born into wealth and privilege but for Golden Age moviegoers, Rosalind Russell represented the epitome of the working woman. He manufactured public outcry, secretly calling concerned citizens to tip them off about the vulgar film. In an interview, Russell later said "I certainly wasn't trying to convert her to religion because I don't like religion", denoting that she didn't consider Christianity "a religion". Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell was born on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota. Russell had spent years in Hollywood purgatory waiting for The Outlaw to be released, and over time, the endless delays took a major toll on her career. Advertisement. Actress Jane Fonda also modeled her Oscar-nominated role in the 1986 film The Morning After on the life of Gail Russell. In the 1940s, Russell made more comedies including The Feminine Touch (1941), Take a Letter, Darling and My Sister Eileen (both 1942), dramas including Sister Kenny (1946) and Mourning Becomes Electra (1947), and a murder mystery: The Velvet Touch (1948). Most Popular. When Hughes laid eyes upon Russells soon-to-be-infamous figure, he saw dollar signsand he acted on it in a truly bizarre way. The film was a major hit, boosting Russell's career and establishing her reputation as a comedienne. Her funeral was held at Pacific Christian Church. Rosalind Russell. Released in 1966, this film stars Haley Mills, and Rosalind Russell as the Mother Superior of a rambunctious group of girls in a convent school. "[1][43], Russell resided in the Santa Maria Valley along the Central Coast of California. She did not act in films in 1944. McKnight again in 1971, when she was credited as screenwriter for adapting the novel The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax into the screenplay for Mrs. Pollifax-Spy, in which she also starred. [citation needed], Perhaps her most memorable performance was in the title role of the long-running stage comedy Auntie Mame (based on a Patrick Dennis novel) as well as the 1958 film version, in which she played an eccentric aunt whose orphaned nephew comes to live with her. As a result, Russell just didnt think Monroe took her own life. A self-titled solo LP was issued on MGM Records in 1959. Finally, in 1948, Russell began to make something of a comeback when she was cast as Calamity Jane in The Paleface. While Hughes didnt get as creepy with her as he did other starlets, he was once quoted as saying: There are two good reasons why men go to see [Russell], and those are enough.. Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Simultaneously, MGM tested her and made her a better offer. Russells mother was a stage mom if there ever was one. [39] They spent the majority of their married life residing in Santa Maria, California. In her autobiography, Russell said that she found Hughes baffling bra invention to be incredibly uncomfortableso she devised a way to get around wearing it. We want our readers to trust us. In addition to her acting career, Russell (under the name C.A. However, disappointment was just around the corner. In February 1952, Russell and Waterfield adopted a baby girl, whom they named Tracy. Somehow, this ploy worked. Russell's measurements were 38D-24-36, and she stood 5 ft 7 in (97-61-91 cm and 1.7 meters), making her more statuesque than most of her contemporaries. She starred in more than 20 films. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Twentieth Century Fox, His Kind of Woman (1951), RKO Radio Pictures, The Fuzzy Pink Nightgown (1957), United Artists, The Truth Always Comes Out: Dark Family Secrets Exposed, Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress, Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIIIs First Wife, Messy Facts About Cary Grant, The Iconic Leading Man, Rebellious Facts About Drew Barrymore, Hollywood's Comeback Kid, Tragic Facts About Lisa Marie Presley, The Tormented Heiress, Fierce Facts About Vivien Leigh, Hollywood's Tragic Star. Russell and McDermott came to an agreement over little Thomas and soon after, Russell took him home and the Waterfields became a family of four. Registered office: 3rd floor, Latin Hall, Golden Lane, Dublin 8. The attention that it drew to the film created a demandbut the story didnt end there. Together with a typed letter signed from Olivia de Havilland, a typed letter signed from . . It made $2 million but because of its large cost was a financial flop. Updated On February 8, 2023. In Shakespeare's play As You Like It Shakespeare presents the two different worlds of court life and the country life by making the court a place of corruption. Born in London, having lived in southwest Wales, and now, southern France, she drew from the castles and landscapes there to inspire her historical fiction. Thankfully, the flick was a massive hit for Paramount that yearbut for Russell, the best was yet to come. . Hughes had cut some more salacious footage from the film, but the whole ordeal had scared off the films distributorand if it didnt get released, hed lose millions. [citation needed]. When the interviewer brought up Monroes connection to the Kennedys, Russell agreed that she believed they had a part in her friends untimely demise. I don't think a star has any business posing in a vulgar way. She also modeled for photographers, and, at the urging of her mother, studied drama and acting with Max Reinhardt's Theatrical Workshop and with actress and acting coach Maria Ouspenskaya.[1]. In 1950, she recorded a single, "Kisses and Tears", with Frank Sinatra and The Modernaires for Columbia. Daughter-in-law Etta Waterfield told CNN that Russell was a "pillar of health" but caught a bad cold and died of respiratory difficulties. Russell and Peoples remained together until his passing in 1999. They have a little art to them. [1][2] She was the eldest child and only daughter of the five children of Geraldine (ne Jacobi) and Roy William Russell, who married on March 22, 1918, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. One British politician was so outraged that he called for baby Thomass return to the UK. The film was a moderate success, earning $2 million.[25]. May 13, 2020 - Jane Russell Born: June 21, 1921, Bemidji, MN Died: February 28, 2011, Santa Maria, CA. How does Shakespeare present the 2 different worlds of court life and the rural idyll of the "Golden Age" in As You Like It . She perished young, at just 53and the circumstances are chilling. "Rosalind Russell Dies, Fought 15-Year Battle". The British Government sought to compile data on the bombings of British towns and cities throughout the war, as they related to the approximately 63,000 civilians killed in air raids, and they did this in a variety of ways. [35], Russell was portrayed by Renee Henderson in the CBS miniseries Blonde (2001), based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates and portrayed leaving her imprints at Grauman's along with Marilyn Monroe in the HBO film Norma Jean & Marilyn (1996), starring Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino. She starred in more than 20 films. Problems occurred with the censorship of the production code over the way her ample cleavage was displayed in promotion of the film. [27] Later, another Hollywood bombshell, Rhonda Fleming, joined them for more gospel recordings. Rather, she said, Someone did it for her. For more information on cookies please refer to our cookies Then it's ugly. The aftermath of all this stayed with Russell for the rest of her life, and she became a vehement anti-choice activist. Russell won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1953 for her portrayal of Ruth in the Broadway show Wonderful Town (a musical based on the film My Sister Eileen, in which she also starred). One critic wrote: "Rosalind Russell as the 'other woman' in the story gives an intelligent and deft handling to her scenes with Young. Marilyn Monroe once said, "Jane tried to convert me (to religion), and I tried to introduce her to Freud". During her contract with RKO Pictures, Russell was cast opposite Robert Mitchum and Vincent Price in His Kind of Woman. Russell never remarried after him. I've seen plenty of pin-up pictures that have sex appeal, interest, and allure, but they're not vulgar. Health Care. ROSALIND RUSSELL JANE DARWELL 1936 CRAIG'S WIFE 8X10 PHOTO. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. Russell and Barrett were only married for three months when Barrett suffered a sudden, fatal heart attack. The film was finally fully released in 1946, and it was a hit. Russell was no fool, and she knew that Hughes and the rest of Hollywood were trading in on her curvaceous figure. Russell made just . USD. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was just around the corner, and cemented Russells status as Hollywood royaltyIn fact, Russell even got paid more than her co-star Marilyn Monroe. Russell's career revived when she was cast as Calamity Jane opposite Bob Hope in The Paleface (1948) on loan out to Paramount. Funny, Life, Movie. Were always looking for your input! She received a Special Academy Award, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, in 1972, which came with an Oscar statuette. Her children, Thomas K. Waterfield, Tracy Foundas and Robert "Buck" Waterfield . Patrick Dennis dedicated his second Auntie Mame novel Around the World with Auntie Mame to "the one and only Rosalind Russell" in 1958. She posted for photos and became a popular pin-up girl during that timeespecially with WWII servicemen. They had one child in 1943, a son, Carl Lance Brisson. Had Jane not been wasted during the Hughes years, she could have been a bigger actress than what she was allowed to show. She sang with the Kay Kyser Orchestra on radio, and recorded two singles with his band, "As Long As I Live" and "Boin-n-n-ng!" ROSALIND RUSSELL JANE DARWELL 1936 CRAIG'S WIFE 8X10 PHOTO. She was a staunch Republican and devout Christianthats not an exaggeration. [29][30], Russell moved into television, appearing in episodes of Colgate Theatre, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, Death Valley Days (the "Splinter Station", 1960) and The Red Skelton Hour. On the sitcom Maude (the episode "The Wallet"), Walter Findlay (played by Bill Macy) carries a lipstick impression and autograph of Jane Russell on a cocktail napkin in his wallet as a good luck charm. "[11] Howard Hughes said, "There are two good reasons why men go to see her. Jane Austen Book Club (2007) . Nobody who ever saw a Rosalind Russell movie ever doubted that the lady could take care of herself. She won all 5 Golden Globes for which she was nominated, and was . Because I was getting too old! 36 in all, including examples from Lauren Bacall, Catherine Deneuve, Faye Dunaway, Lillian Gish, Tippi Hedren, Angela Lansbury, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan, Rosalind Russell, Jane Russell, and Shelley Winters. Shes also worked as a translator, editor, and writer for a stable of commercial clients. One Tough, Funny Lady. But despite this competition, Monroe spoke fondly of Russell in the final interview she gave before her tragic passing, saying that Russell was quite wonderful to me.. After that, Russell took drama classes and appeared in school plays in high school, before going on to take acting lessons from acclaimed coaches. 2 Bedrooms. She was signed by Howard Hughes for his production of The Outlaw (1943) in 1941, the film that was to make Jane famous. Hughes, who had directed the film, had to think fastso he came up with a devious plan. For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away. 20 Copy quote. The voluptuous Russell was a popular pin-up during the Korean War as wellso popular, that the forces there named a pair of embattled hills in her honor. Russell is honored at the Rosalind Russell Medical Research Center for Arthritis. But she also had her limits and wasnt shy about speaking up when things went too far. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. According to Jane's 1985 autobiography, she said that the bra was so uncomfortable that she secretly discarded it and wore her own bra with the cups padded with tissue and the straps pulled up to elevate her breasts. She then attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. [citation needed], In the film Philomena (2013), Russell's photograph appears on a wall; a character states that Russell bought a child for 1000 from the tainted Sean Ross Abbey in Ireland featured in this true-life film, but this claim is countered in at least one recent British report, which states that in the mid-1950s, Russell and her husband "rather informally adopted a son from a woman living in London, but originating in Derry, Northern Ireland. He joked, "Culture is the ability to describe Jane Russell without moving your hands.". You couldn't go on acting in those years if you were an actress over 30. After three more years away from the big screen, she returned to make one last film called Darker Than Amber (1970). Actress #3494. Are Rosalind Russell and Jane Russell related? [20], On October 25, 1941, Russell married Danish-American producer Frederick Brisson (19121984), son of actor Carl Brisson. The timing revealed the dark side of her previous marriage. Her "boss lady" roles began with the part of reporter Hildy Johnson in His Girl Friday (1940), through whose male lead, Cary Grant, she met her future husband, Grant's house-guest at the time.In her forties, she returned to the stage, touring "Bell, Book and Candle" in 1951 and winning a Tony Award for "Wonderful Town" in 1953. 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. Here are 50 scandalous facts about the brunette bombshell. After being reminded by his wife, Alice, of his reluctance to attend even a party that Jane Russell was throwing, an insulted Kramden rants, "I was talking about Jane Russell: I said nothing about any party that Norton's running!". She admitted that she had a drinking problem and entered rehaball at the age of 79 years old. The movie's penultimate moment showed Russell in a form-fitting one-piece bathing suit with strategic cutouts, performing a then-provocative musical number titled "Lookin' for Trouble". She was second-billed in two A.C. Lyles Westerns, Johnny Reno (1966) and Waco (1966), and starred in Cauliflower Cupids, filmed in 1966 but not released until 1970. Eventually, Russells good looks were bound to land her a romance, and in 1943 she got one. She called it the World Adopting International FundAKA Waif. Since its inception, the organization has helped over 50,000 children get adopted. Russell sang two songs in the movie. ACTRESS JANE RUSSELL, who died yesterday, adopted an Irish baby in the early 1950s causing a contoversy that nearly ended her career. 1,106 Square Feet. . She refused to be placed in the Best Supporting Actress category when Columbia Pictures wanted to promote her for an Academy Award nomination for her role in Picnic (1955). Thanks for your help! It was directed by George Cukor for MGM. Russell reprised her starring role for a 1958 television special. The film was intended to be released by Republic Pictures, but the producer sold the film to RKO, who released it in 1952. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. [17] Russell used the pen name C.A. [34] Russell was voted one of the 40 Most Iconic Movie Goddesses of all time in 2009 by Glamour (UK edition). 483623. Illustrating just how "prominent" Jane's bust was to her public image, Bob Hope said as he introduced her, "The two and only Jane Russell." Hope joked about trying to describe Jane without using one's hands. Jane Russell(born on 21st June 1921) was a legendary actress, singer, and model of Hollywood from the United States. She was named Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell. Related articles Coronation Street's Simon Gregson 'couldn't leave the house' - anxiety [14] She was then cast as catty gossip Sylvia Fowler in the comedy The Women (1939), directed by George Cukor. She died at her home in 507 Boscoe Ct, Santa Maria. In her first years in Hollywood, Russell was characterized, both in her personal life and film career, as a sophisticated "lady". [4], On the musical front, Russell formed a gospel quartet in 1954, with three other members of a faith-sharing group called the Hollywood Christian Group. Hughes was well-known for his love of beautiful young women, so its no surprise that he immediately focused on Jane Russell. His Kind of Woman and Macao were minor hits but both involved so much re-shooting because of the interference of Hughes that they lost money.[17]. Many expected the young couple to start a family, but sadly, Russell was hiding a dark secret. [7] Her early ambition was to be a designer of some kind, until the death of her father in his mid-40s, when she decided to work as a receptionist after graduation. Instead of signing with another studio, Russell and her husband Bob Waterfield began Russ-Field Productions. In December 1952, they adopted a 15-month-old boy, Thomas, whose birth mother, Hannah McDermott, had moved to London to escape poverty in Northern Ireland, and, in 1956, they adopted a nine-month-old boy, Robert John.