About a decade or so, I was simply obsessed with this glamorous leading lady of the 1940s and 1950s. She was funny, sexy, a great singer, granted not the best actress in the world but had tons of charisma. I always felt like she was overshadowed in GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES because of Marilyn Monroe. However, if you watch any of her films with Robert Mitchum on Turner Classic Movies, you are in for a treat. Usually, she's at a piano poured into a slinky dress...and a murder or two would happen before the movie would be over. Good fun classic stuff. RIP Jane Russell, I love you.
Here is the report of her death via Associated Press:
LOS ANGELES – Jane Russell, the brunette who was discovered by Howard Hughes and went on to become one of the biggest stars of the 1940s and '50s, has died at age 89.
Russell's daughter-in-law Etta Waterfield says the actress died Monday at her home in Santa Maria of a respiratory-related illness.
Hughes, the eccentric billionaire, cast Russell in his sexy, and controversial, 1941 Western "The Outlaw," turning her into an overnight star.
She would go on to appear opposite such leading men as Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope, as well as fellow actress Marilyn Monroe.
Although her film career slowed in the 1960s, Russell remained active throughout her life.
Until her health began to decline a few weeks ago, Waterfield said she remained active singing and working for various causes.
Another Jewel Has been Lost
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