Jane Russell

[will.15]

Jane Russell, Hollywood Actress and Sex Symbol Has Died - ktla.com

[Merton Park]

The great Jane Russell has passed away. Unforgettable from so many films, especially for me, Paleface and Son of paleface with Bob Hope. RIP

[ShirlGirl]

Movie icon Jane Russell has died at the age of 89.
The actress passed away from respiratory problems in her Santa Maria, California home on Monday.
The silver screen sex symbol became an overnight sensation in 1943 when she starred in The Outlaw, and went on to play Calamity Jane opposite Bob Hope in The Paleface. Her most famous role was perhaps opposite Marilyn Monroe in 1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Russell was also the number one pin-up girl of U.S. troops stationed overseas during World War Two, and her curvy figure earned her the role of an early spokesmodel for Playtex bras.
A vocal advocate of adoption, she also founded the Women's Adoption International Fund.
A service will be held to honour Russell at Pacific Christian Church in Santa Maria on 23 March. -WENN News.

[Reeldigger]

Another American obituary. I have no idea if Jane Russell worked in any capacity in the UK nor do I care to research it but here it is for whatever it's worth. Go at it, moderators.




LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" star Jane Russell, who became a controversial Hollywood sex symbol, died Monday at the age of 89, her family said.
Russell, best known as the buxom star of 1940s and 1950s movie, died of respiratory problems at her home in Santa Maria, central California, according to Etta Waterfield, her daughter-in-law.
Russell, who later in life was the "full-figured girl" in television brassiere ads, was at her best in comedies that, subtly or not, spoofed her sexpot image and focused on her figure.
Multimillionaire producer-industrialist Howard Hughes discovered Russell and put her in her first movie, "The Outlaw," which stuck her with the sexpot image based on her chest, which reportedly was size 38-D.
In the photos, the sultry Russell languished on a bed of straw, looking petulant as her tight-fitting peasant blouse slipped off one shoulder. Censors held up "The Outlaw" for almost three years before a limited release in 1943.
"Except for comedy, I went nowhere in the acting department," Russell said in her autobiography. "The truth is that, more often than not, I've been unhappy about the pictures I've been in."
The promotional material was so striking that in one poll Russell was voted "favorite actress" before the voters had even seen her act. Reviews of "The Outlaw" and many of her films were less kind with one critic calling her "the queen of motionless pictures."
In 1978, she made headlines by being jailed for four days for drunken driving and began her successful battle against alcoholism.
At the age of 60, Russell's figure once again gained the attention of millions -- this time on television screens advertising a brand of brassieres for "full-figured" women.

[will.15]

[Steve Crook]

I always thought that one of the best scenes in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was when Marilyn was trying on Lady Piggy's diamonds.

Lady Beekman: It's a tiara.
Lorelei: You DO wear it on your head. I just LOVE finding new places to wear diamonds.

Next time you watch it, it's hard to do, but don't watch Marilyn, watch Jane instead. She's full of admiration as she graciously passes the sex symbol mantle on to the next generation.

A lady to the end

Steve

[theuofc]

R.I.P.

Jane Russell, a major glamour girl, a tough broad, and a class act. We'll miss you, Jane.

A few of the images of Jane that are indelible in my memory:

[JamesM]

R.I.P. Jane.

I forgot to pick up the Legend Films DVD of The Outlaw featuring an audio commentary with her and Terry Moore. I shall do that now.

[Mr Sloane]

RIP a talented lady who was a fine comedian who never seemed to take the sex symbol thing too seriously, as can be seen below.

[Ray]

Jane and Bob Mitchum were perfectly matched, and watching interviews with both of them it was obvious that they loved working together.

Even Marilyn didn't overshadow her in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, they just complimented each other.

R.I.P. Jane, and Thanks for the Memories!

[didi-5]

RIP Jane. Never took herself too seriously but had great skill in performing for the screen. My favourite role of hers is in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in which she is absolutely wonderful.

[Windthrop]

RIP Jane - the two and only as Bob Hope quipped

[dremble wedge]

Fantastic in His Kind of Woman and an amusingly self-deprecating presence when interviewed.

[Hugo]

In the 1960s after her film career had more or less ended she did a tour of variety clubs in the UK including many small town, down-market establishments. In each town, she made a point of visiting the local hospital and particularly the men's surgical wards. OK, it was partly for publicity but she didn't have to do it and the boost to morale of the patients was amazing as I can testify as my father was in Keighley hospital at the time.

Thank you Jane and R.I.P

[ShirlGirl]

Another American obituary. I have no idea if Jane Russell worked in any capacity in the UK nor do I care to research it but here it is for whatever it's worth. Go at it, moderators.

I put my post in Actors & Actresses and it was moved here.
Go figure.

[flynn]

very sad news.but she looks the kind of lady that would have had a good time along the way.

[Steve Crook]

I put my post in Actors & Actresses and it was moved here.
Go figure.

I said there were no rules, only common sense
When it's someone as famous as Jane, it goes in the main Obituaries section

Steve

[Moor Larkin]

Big woman
Big life

I recently recall her from a documentary about RKO and she was as intelligent as she was entertaining.

[cabman]

A Hollywood legend,And a beautiful woman,With thank,s to Moor Larkin for His uploaded image,Even age and grey hair did not take away Her lovlieness.
RIP Jane.

[didi-5]

Hmm, this has been in three forums today including 'Off-topic'! So if you are 'famous' you don't have to be British?!

Anyone on this forum who hasn't heard of Miss Russell??!! Bet ya someone says yes.