Jane Russell: A Comprehensive Biography including Age, Height, Figure, and Net Worth

Jane Russell was a beloved actress, known for her captivating looks, stunning figure, and timeless appeal. Born in Minnesota in 1921, she grew up to become one of the most recognizable faces in the film industry, starring in over 20 movies throughout her career. But it was not just her beauty that captured audiences. Russell was a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable for women in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. She tackled controversial topics, starred in musicals, and even founded her own production company. In this comprehensive biography, we take a deep dive into Jane Russell's life, exploring everything from her early years to her storied career and personal life. Discover her age at different milestones, her height and measurements, and her net worth at the height of her fame. Join us as we explore the life of one of Hollywood's most iconic figures.

Jane Russell: A Complete Biography

Jane Russell was an American actress and singer born on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota. She was the eldest of five children and grew up in California. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother.

Russell's big break came in 1943 when she signed a contract with Howard Hughes, who cast her as the female lead in the film "The Outlaw." The film caused controversy due to its sexually suggestive themes and the revealing costumes Russell wore. Despite the controversy, the film was a success, and Russell became a star.

Throughout her career, Russell appeared in a variety of films including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "The Paleface." She was known for her sultry voice and voluptuous figure, which were often highlighted in her roles.

Russell also had a successful career as a singer and recorded several albums throughout the 1950s. In later years, she became a prominent advocate for adoption, and in 1955 she founded the World Adoption International Fund.

As of her death in 2011, Russell's net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. She lived a long and fulfilling life, and her contributions to the entertainment industry and adoption community have left a lasting impact.

Early Life and Career

Jane Russell was born in Bemidji, Minnesota in 1921 to a family of six siblings. Her parents later moved to California during the Great Depression to find work. Despite her family’s financial struggles, Russell had a happy childhood and was known to be an excellent student.

During World War II, Russell worked as a receptionist and model before landing a contract with Howard Hughes’ film production company. Her first film, “The Outlaw,” was a controversial hit due to her explicitly sexual portrayal and revealing costumes.

Russell’s success in “The Outlaw” led to a long and lucrative career in Hollywood. She went on to star in numerous films including “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Rio Bravo.” Russell was also known for her philanthropy, supporting various causes including adoption and veterans’ affairs.

Breakout Film Role

Jane Russell's breakout film role came in the form of the 1943 Howard Hughes film, The Outlaw. The film was controversial for its time due to Russell's character wearing a low-cut blouse and for the sexual innuendo laced throughout the movie. This helped to propel Jane Russell into the public eye and solidify her status as a Hollywood sex symbol.

Russell's performance in the film was well-received, despite the controversy surrounding it. The film's publicity machine emphasized Russell's physical attributes, and this helped to catapult her into the spotlight. Her portrayal of Rio McDonald, the love interest of Billy the Kid, solidified her place in Hollywood and set the stage for many more successful films.

The Outlaw helped to establish Russell as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, and led to a series of successful film roles. She would go on to star alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. Russell's career spanned several decades and she continued to work in the film industry until her retirement in the early 1970s.

Personal Life and Controversy

Marriage and Children

Jane Russell had a tumultuous personal life that was marked by multiple marriages. She married her high school sweetheart Bob Waterfield in 1943, but the couple divorced in 1968 after having three children together. Russell later married actor Roger Barrett in 1968, but that marriage also ended in divorce. She then married developer John Calvin Peoples in 1974, and they remained together until his death in 1999.

Controversy

Russell's career was not without controversy. She was often criticized for her provocative roles and revealing costumes, and her appearance in the 1953 film "The French Line" was particularly controversial. The film was condemned by the Catholic Church due to its suggestive content and was initially banned in several American cities. However, the controversy only increased Russell's popularity and helped to solidify her status as a sex symbol. In addition to her on-screen controversies, Russell also faced personal scandals. She was investigated by the FBI in the 1950s due to her association with a suspected Communist, and she was also involved in a highly publicized court case in 1955 in which her adopted son was kidnapped by his biological father. Despite the controversies that surrounded her, Jane Russell remained a beloved actress and continued to work well into her later years.

Later Career and Legacy

After her film career slowed down in the late 1950s, Jane Russell turned her focus to television and the stage. She made appearances on popular programs such as "The Red Skelton Hour" and "The Dean Martin Show". Additionally, she starred in several musicals including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in London's West End and "Company" on Broadway.

Russell also became involved in philanthropy, working with organizations such as the United Service Organizations and the World Adoption International Fund.

Although Russell's film career spanned just over a decade, her legacy in Hollywood is significant. She was known for her sultry on-screen presence and her ability to hold her own alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Furthermore, her outspoken personality and willingness to speak out on controversial issues made her a standout figure in a time when many women in Hollywood were expected to be demure and submissive.

Today, Russell continues to be remembered as an icon of Hollywood's Golden Age, inspiring generations of performers with her talent, charisma, and unwavering spirit.

Net Worth, Age, Height, and Figure

Jane Russell was a highly acclaimed actress and singer who had a net worth that is estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Throughout her career, she worked on numerous films and TV shows, including "The Outlaw," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," and "The Revolt of Mamie Stover."

Russell was known for her stunning figure, which was often showcased in her roles. She stood at a height of 5'7" (170cm) and had a curvaceous hourglass figure that many admired. Despite being in the industry for many years, she maintained her figure and continued to look elegant and beautiful even in her later years.

Aside from her figure, Russell was also known for her ageless appearance. She remained a classic beauty throughout her life, and in interviews, she shared that she never felt the need to undergo any plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures to maintain her looks.

Russell's age also added to her charm and timeless appeal. Born on June 21, 1921, she lived to be 89 years old and passed away in 2011. Throughout her life, she remained a beloved and iconic figure in Hollywood, and her legacy continues to inspire and captivate fans to this day.

FAQ

Who was Jane Russell and what were her major accomplishments?

Jane Russell was a Hollywood actress and singer, best known for her roles in films such as "The Outlaw" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". She also recorded several albums and starred in a number of television shows.

What was Jane Russell's net worth at the time of her death?

Jane Russell's net worth at the time of her death in 2011 was estimated to be around $40 million.

What was Jane Russell's height and weight?

Jane Russell was 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighed around 130 lbs (59 kg) in her prime.

What challenges did Jane Russell face in her career as an actress?

Despite her success on screen, Jane Russell faced numerous challenges throughout her career, including typecasting, studio interference, and censorship. She also had to deal with controversy surrounding her role in "The Outlaw", which was deemed too risqué for its time.

What was Jane Russell's personal life like?

Jane Russell was married three times and had three children. She was deeply religious and devoted much of her later years to charitable work, including founding the World Adoption International Fund.