Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell, a legendary actress, was born on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to a United States Army lieutenant father and a mother who was a drama student and actress with a traveling troupe.
As a child, Jane's family moved to Canada and later to California, where her father found employment. Despite being the only girl among four brothers, Jane's mother ensured she received piano lessons, and she also developed a passion for drama, participating in high school stage productions.
After graduating, Jane worked as a receptionist for a doctor specializing in foot disorders. She modeled on the side, gaining popularity due to her striking figure. With the encouragement of her mother, Jane saved enough money to attend drama school, which ultimately led to her signing with Howard Hughes for his production of The Outlaw (1943) in 1941.
The film, released in 1946, showcased Jane's physical assets and was a commercial success. However, it was not until 1945, when she played Joan Kenwood in Young Widow (1946),that Jane made another film appearance. Her seven-year contract with Hughes resulted in her being typecast in films that highlighted her physical appearance rather than her acting abilities.
Jane's breakthrough role came in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) as Dorothy Shaw, alongside Marilyn Monroe. The film showcased her comedic side and received critical acclaim. Although she continued to make films throughout the 1950s, many were forgettable and did not showcase her talents.
After a brief hiatus, Jane returned to television and film, appearing in only four films during the 1960s. Her last film of the decade was The Born Losers (1967). She made a final film appearance in Darker Than Amber (1970) before becoming a spokesperson for Playtex bras in the 1970s.
Jane Russell passed away on February 28, 2011, at the age of 89, due to respiratory failure in Santa Maria, California. Despite being wasted in many films, Jane remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.
