Patricia Russell, born in 1909 in the quaint village of Wigston, near Leicester, was the daughter of actress Elaine Spearing and racehorse trainer Campbell Russell. As the younger sister of actress Hilda Campbell-Russell, Patricia's early life was marked by a strong connection to the world of entertainment.
Patricia's career began on the stage, where she made her debut as a fairy in the 1928 production of "Where the Rainbow Ends". Her early success led to a rapid transition from child actress to ingenue, with a stage career that flourished throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Although her film roles were limited, Patricia did appear in a few notable Gracie Fields musicals during the early 1930s, including "Look Up and Laugh" (1934) and "Walk This Way" (1935). In 1936, Patricia ventured to the South of France, where she pursued a career as a cabaret singer.
In 1939, Patricia's life took a dramatic turn when she met and married the renowned Harley Street surgeon George Exner. Following her marriage, Patricia retired from the entertainment industry and dedicated herself to her family. Together, Patricia and George had three daughters, Jane, Sally, and Gilly.
After George's passing in the mid-1960s, Patricia continued to live in a small village in Hampshire, England. In 1999, Patricia and her sister Hilda recorded their life stories for the documentary "I Used to be in Pictures", offering a unique glimpse into their lives and careers.
Patricia's remarkable journey, spanning from her early days as a child actress to her later years as a devoted mother and wife, serves as a testament to her enduring spirit and determination.
