Jane Russell shifted filmgoers' focus of the feminine from the legs of Betty Grable, courtesy of her Svengali, Howard Hughes, whose fixation on the bosom had launched Jean Harlow. Photos of Russell lolling in a haystack made her a star long before audiences were able to see her onscreen. Later critics and the public would discover Russell had a winning way with songs or wisecracks, but Hughes's control over her career ruined any opportunity of marketing what made her unique: a sex symbol who was earth mother, a precursor to Sophia Loren.When an agent sent Russell's photograph to Hughes, he tested her for a western about Billy the Kid ("The Outlaw", 1940-43). Hughes had hired Russell Birdwell (of GWTW fame) to publicize the film and they seized upon Russell's buxom attributes, for which Hughes designed a special brassiere (Russell says it was uncomfortable and she never wore it). The censors and bluenoses detained the film's opening until 1946; the film was dull but even today Russell holds up.
Her career floundered but Paramount saved her, substituting her for Ginger Rogers in Bob Hope's "The Paleface" (1948). She proved herself a deft comedienne and her song, "Buttons and Bows" won an Oscar.
Howard Hughes became studio head of RKO and sold Russell's contract to their stockholders, receiving a profit each time she worked; so she did mediocre films with a few exceptions: "His Kind of Woman" (1951) and "Macao" (1952, directed by Von Sternberg) teamed her with her male counterpart, Robert Mitchum. Their clash of surly charm proved the key to Russell's romantic appeal. "Son Of Paleface" (1952), again with Hope, duplicated the original's success.
In "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), Russell was the only choice for the worldly-wise brunette cohort of Marilyn Monroe. Despite publicist's efforts to build a feud, the two got along famously (Russell was then married to pro football player Bob Waterfield and Monroe was weighing her proposal from DiMaggio). Russell got terrific reviews and it has remained her favorite role. But Hughes' meddling sabotaged her career momentum again. Of what remains in her filmography, only "The Tall Men" with Clark Gable, and "The Revolt of Mamie Stover" (both 1956) gave her anything to work with.
In the 1970s, Russell re-surfaced, successfully taking over from Elaine Stritch on Broadway in the acid-etched musical "Company", and touting Playtex's "Cross Your Heart Bra, for us full-figured girls" on television. She has remained active for WAIF, the charity she co-founded for placement of homeless children and has published an autobiography. When she does show up on talk shows, she still conveys her heart-of-gold toughness, observing herself and her career with an air of ironic ease.
Profession(s):
Actor, singer, model, receptionist
Sometimes Credited As:
Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell
Family
brother:Jamie Russell (born in 1927)
brother:Kenneth Russell (born in 1925)
brother:Thomas Russell (born in 1924)
brother:Wallace Russell (born in 1929)
daughter:Tracy Waterfield (adopted as newborn on February 15, 1952)
father:Roy William Russell (died in 1937 after a gallstone operation)
husband:Roger Barrett (born c. 1921; met while doing stock work together in Niles, Michigan; married on August 25, 1968; died of a heart attack on November 17, 1968)
husband:John Calvin Peoples (born c. 1925; married from January 31, 1974 until his death in 1999)
husband:Bob Waterfield (played quarterback professionally for the Cleveland Rams, later became coach of the Los Angeles Rams; highschool sweethearts; married on April 24, 1943; Russell filed for divorce February 2, 1967 and received final decree in July 1968; Russell received custody of two older children and Waterfield received the youngest child; died in 1983)
mother:Geraldine Russell
son:Robert John Waterfield Jr (adopted when nine months old in 1956)
son:Thomas Waterfield (adopted as infant in December 1952)
1971 Made Broadway debut as a replacement for Elaine Stritch in "Company"
1970 Last film to date, "Darker Than Amber"
1969 Went into depression after sudden death of second husband; designed new bedding kit to be used for bunk beds, began searching for work again (date approximate)
1964 Returned to film for featured role in "Fate is the Hunter"
1963 Plans to appear in the films "Never Enough" and "A Talent for Loving" failed when projects fell through
1957 Made last feature film for seven years, the unsuccessful "The Fuzzy Pink Nightgown"
1957 Returned to nightclub performing
1955 Negotiated new contract to make five films for Hughes, to be paid $1000 per week for 20 years
1954 Weathered censorship scandal surrounding two scenes (one in a bubble bath, the other a dance number) from "The French Line"
1954 Formed Russ-Field Productions with her husband Bob Waterfield as executive producer
1954 Recorded several religious-themed singles and albums with Beryl Davis, Connie Haines and Della Russell (no relation; later replaced by Rhonda Fleming); billed themselves as "The Four Girls"; performed
1953 Enjoyed biggest boxoffice success to date with "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"
1950 Performed stage act in London and New York
1949 "The Outlaw" re-released
1948 Enjoyed first genuine success onscreen in "The Paleface" oppposite Bob Hope
1946 - 1947 Was well-received in singing stints at the Latin Quarter Club in Miami Beach and on Kay Kyser's "Kollege of Fun and Knowledge" musical program
1945 Re-established professional relationship with Hughes; loaned to United Artists to star in "The Young Widow" (released 1946)
1943 Moved with first husband Bob Waterfield to Georgia when he was drafted; put on suspension by Hughes; worked in a beauty parlor
1943 Premiere of Russell's debut in "The Outlaw"
1940 Shooting finally began on "The Outlaw" in the fall with Howard Hawks as director; Hughes eventually took over; film not completed until over a year later
1939 Discovered by Howard Hughes; signed to 7-year contract
1932 Family moved to Van Nuys after father received promotion
1922 Moved with family to San Francisco
Appeared in summer stock and regional theater in such plays as "Janus", "Skylark" and "Bells Are Ringing"
Made a long series of TV commercials in the 1970s for the Playtex "Cross Your Heart" bra
Played Rose Hollister on the primetime TV drama, "The Yellow Rose" (NBC)
