Jane russell net worth

Jane Russell - Biography

Jane Russell was an American film actress known for her captivating beauty and sensuality. She was born as Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell in Bemidji, Minnesota, the eldest daughter of Roy William Russell and Geraldine Jacoby. Jane had a total of four younger brothers - Tom Ferris, Kenneth Steven, James Hiatt, and Wallace Jay Russell.

Her parents, both originally from North Dakota, had roots in Canada, except for her father's mother who came from Germany. Her father served in the US Army, while her mother was part of an acting troupe. Jane was born in Canada, but her family moved to the United States shortly after her birth so that she could obtain American citizenship. They settled in Southern California.

As a child, Jane took piano lessons at her mother's insistence and developed an interest in drama. She even participated in school theatrical productions. Initially, Jane planned to become a designer, but her father's death led her to change her career path. After finishing school, she worked as a secretary. She also worked as a model for photographers and, again at her mother's urging, studied drama and acting at The Max Reinhardt Theatre Workshop and with the renowned Russian actress, Maria Ouspenskaya.

In 1940, Russell signed a seven-year contract with film mogul Howard Hughes and made her debut in the film "The Outlaw," which revolved around the legendary figure Billy the Kid. Jane's stunning figure played a significant role in the film's success. However, due to censorship issues, the film was not released until 1946, causing it to be shrouded in mystery. Rumors circulated that Jane wore a specially designed bra with structural support created by Howard Hughes, which was the first of its kind. Although such a bra was indeed made, Jane found it uncomfortable and opted to wear her own bra during filming. Alongside Lana Turner and Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell became an iconic figure of sensuality and beauty, and her relatively modest physical measurements for that time did not hinder her popularity. Her image was popular during World War II and was frequently featured in pin-up art.

In 1946, Jane returned to the film industry and played Joan Kenwood in "Young Widow" produced by RKO. In 1947, she attempted to pursue a music career by singing with Kay Kyser's orchestra on the radio and recording two singles - "As Long As I Live" and "Boin-n-n-ng." She also released an album with Columbia Records titled "Let's Put Out the Lights," which included eight ballads about unhappy love. The album cover featured a translucent garment that caught attention, not just to her chest but also to her legs. The album was reissued in 2002.

Jane Russell continued her film career, co-starring with Bob Hope in "The Paleface" in 1948 and "Son of Paleface" in 1952. In 1953, she portrayed one of her most famous roles as Dorothy Shaw in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," where she showcased her comedic talents alongside Marilyn Monroe. The film was well-received and Jane's performance was praised by critics. She had the opportunity to work with Robert Mitchum twice - in "His Kind of Woman" and "Macao." Other notable co-stars included Frank Sinatra and Groucho Marx in "Double Dynamite," Victor Mature, Vincent Price, and Hoagy Carmichael in "The Las Vegas Story," and Jeff Chandler in "Foxfire." She also starred with Clark Gable and Robert Ryan in "The Tall Men."

In Howard Hughes' film "The French Line," released in 1953, Jane had a memorable scene wearing a form-fitting swimsuit with strategically placed cutouts while performing the musical number "Lookin' for Trouble." In her autobiography, Jane recalled that initially, Hughes suggested a bikini, which was a daring choice for that era's filmmaking standards. However, she declined the bikini, stating that it would shock the crew and make her feel practically naked.

Throughout her career, Jane Russell became an iconic and celebrated actress, admired for her beauty, talent, and charm. She left a lasting impact on the film industry and remains a beloved figure in Hollywood history.