50's Pin-Up, Screen Icon Jane Russell Dies At 89
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Actress Jane Russell, screen icon and 50's era pin-up, has died. She was 89.
Russell, born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell, was born June 21, 1921 to an Army lieutenant and actress.
Howard Hughes discovered the buxom Russell in 1941 (she was his dentist's receptionist) and put her in his controversial movie "The Outlaw." The film had trouble passing a censorship board mainly because of how Russell's breasts were displayed in tight sweaters and plunging necklines. In addition to designing airplanes, Hughes designed a bra for Russell that at the time was considered scandalous.
She worked for ten years in mostly forgettable movies that exploited her body and physical appearance.
Bob Hope once introduced her as "the two and only Jane Russell."
In 1953's "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," opposite Marilyn Monroe, Russell became a bonafide smash.
In her later career, Russell decided to play up her assets and became a spokeswoman for Playtex bras.
Unable to have children of her own, Russell became a champion for adoption. During her film career, Russell founded Women's Adoption International Fund known around the world as WAIF. She is responsible for placing over 40,000 hard to place children in permanent homes.
She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her three children, Tracy, Thomas and Buck. She had six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to two of Russell's pet charities.
Care Net Pregnancy & Resource Center
121 W. Battles
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Or
CASA of Santa Barbara County
120 E. Jones Street, Ste. 130
Santa Maria, CA 93454
