The “vigorously pro-life” actress and one of the leading sex symbols of the 40s and 50s, that’s Jane Russell! She was the true epitome of elegance, and her grace is still in the air.
She’s one of the actresses stepping into showbiz through Howard Hughes. But Jane didn’t just limit herself to acting; she expanded her music career and launched her production line. Today, her name continues to shine on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and, of course, in our hearts!
IN A GIST
- Actress and singer Jane Russell was 5 feet 7 inches or 170 cm (1.7 m).
- As a leading bold icon of her time, Russell maintained her stunning physique at an ideal weight of 56 kg or 125 pounds.
- Russell died at the age of 89 on the 28th of February 2011 due to severe breathing issues. Intrigued to know more about Jane’s career, body stats, and family? Read on!
When Did Jane Russell Pass Away?
Born on the 21st of June 1921, the late Iconic actress Jane Russell was 89 at the time of passing on February 28, 2011. She died because of a respiratory failure while living her prosperous and peaceful life in Santa Maria, California.
Jane Russell’s Educational Background
After shifting to Southern California, actress Jane Russell went to Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles. During her school years, she showed an interest in the performing arts. Besides, she also had regular piano lessons arranged by her mother.
Russell started getting involved in her High School stage productions and theater. And when her mother insisted, she attended Max Reinhardt’s Theatrical Workshop and honed her skills.
She got a fine chance to learn from acting teacher and actress Maria Ouspenskaya there. And it really reflected in the success she achieved later!
Jane Russell’s Loving Family
If you’ve ever wondered where Jane Russell got her acting genes from, it’s her mother, Geraldine Jacobi. Yes, Jane’s mother was an actress, so when she saw Jane’s interest in acting, she nurtured it.
Jane’s father, Roy William Russell, was the first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and later, he worked as an office manager in California. After her father’s death, Jane worked as a receptionist and modeled to help her mother.
Jane was the first child in her family and had four younger brothers, Thomas, Kenneth, Jamie, and Wallace.
As for Jane Russell’s love life, the actress surely went through some tragic incidents. The icon first married Bob Waterfield at the age of 21 in 1943. Since Jane was infertile due to her mishandled teenage abortion, she and Bob adopted two boys and a girl.
The couple divorced in 1968, and Russell got hitched to Roger Barrett the same year. But unfortunately, Roger passed away two months after their wedding.
It took Jane about 5-6 years to recover from this, and then she married her third husband, John Calvin Peoples, in 1974. The couple lived together in Arizona and then in Santa Maria until John’s passing in 1999. Jane didn’t marry again and went on to live with her children.
- Full Born Name: Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell
- Nickname: Jane
- Occupation: Actress, Model, Singer
- Date of Birth: June 21, 1921
- Birthplace: Bemidji, Minnesota, US
- Education: Van Nuys High School
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Father Name: Roy William Russell
- Mother Name: Geraldine (née Jacobi)
- Siblings’ Names: Thomas, Wallace, Kenneth, Jamie
- Spouse: Bob Waterfield (1943-68); Roger Barrett (1968-1968); John Calvin Peoples (1974-99)
- Children: Tracy, Thomas, Robert John
Jane Russell’s Height
Jane Russell boasted a great height of 5 feet 7 inches or 170 cm (1.7 m), which boosted her performance in all her movies. She had such a magical physique that would add a bold touch to all her characters.
Jane Russell’s Weight
Jane Russell’s striking figure weighed around 56 kg or 125 pounds, making her look stellar. In 2009, Glamour honored Jane Russell as one of the 40 Most Iconic Movie Goddesses of All Time. Well, she deserved every word of praise for her beauty!
Jane Russell’s Body Measurements and Physical Traits
Thanks to Jane Russell’s mesmerizing figure with body measurements of 38-24-36 inches or 97-61-91 cm, the celebrated actress was one of the most sensational sex models in Hollywood. Jane proudly displayed her curves in a bra size 36C with a cup size C, leaving everyone in awe!
Russell’s goddess-like features were just irresistible! Be it her diamond-shaped, chiseled face or her deep and dreamy hazel eyes, every bit of her beauty was perfect. No wonder she was one of the popular pin-up models back in the 40s.
Russell’s gorgeous hair was a trend on its own. The iconic actress had natural black here, but she adapted many hair colors for her various roles. For instance, she became a blonde in Fuzzy Pink Nightgown and a redhead in Revolt of Mamie Stover.
No matter her hair color, hairstyle, or makeup, Jane always looked like a sensational doll!
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches or 170 cm (1.7 m) |
| Weight | 56 kg or 125 pounds |
| Face Shape | Square |
| Bra Size | 36C |
| Cup Size | C |
| Body Measurements | 38-24-36 inches or 97-61-91 cm |
| Figure | Slim |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) or 39 (EU) or 6 (UK) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) or 36 (EU) or 8 (UK) |
| Eyes Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Brunette |
Jane Russell’s Net Worth
The Outlaw actress was a truly talented actress and singer. Her contribution to Hollywood through about twenty films and her music will always be exemplary.
With her talent and dedication, icon Jane Russell had amassed a net worth of about $40 million before passing away in 2011.
Jane Russell’s Career Overview
Jane Russell had everything it took to become a sensation! She was unbelievably gorgeous, and as soon as she got her acting in place, she set foot in Hollywood with a seven-year contract with film tycoon and producer Howard Hughes.
Jane made her film debut in 1943 with Hughes’ The Outlaw. Not only did this film showcase Jane’s talent, but it also garnered a lot of attention to her stunning physique and beauty. Jane’s next film was Young Widow in 1946, which didn’t perform well.
After this, she turned to music, singing on the radio and recording singles and albums with Columbia Records.
Russell’s acting career was fueled by the opportunity to appear in Paramount films The Paleface and Son of Paleface opposite Bob Hope. Then came the RKO studios, which went on to cast Jane in many big films like His Kind of Woman.
1953 brought another big success for Jane when she shared the set with none other than Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She also stepped into the production line, establishing Russ-Field Productions, and made and starred in many films like the superhit The Tall Man.
In the late 50s, Jane revived her music interest and also joined television, appearing in shows like Colgate Theatre, The Honeymooners, The Yellow Rose, etc. Her last on-screen appearance was in the 1986 TV show Hunter.
Exciting Facts about Jane Russell’s Life
Actress Jane Russell had adopted three kids. She even established an organization named Waif (World Adoption International Fund) for children who have adoptive families.
During the shooting of her first film, The Outlaw, Jane secretly ditched a bra Howard Hughes had gotten designed especially for her and wore her own.
Jane released her autobiography, My Path and My Detours, in 1985.
She was honored with her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 1989.
The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre still has Russell’s immortalized hand and footprints.
What face shape does Jane Russell have?
Classic actress Jane Russell had a charming diamond-shaped face that looked absolutely pretty with her size-partition short curls.
What is Jane Russell’s hair color?
Jane Russell was a natural brunette, but she had worn and rocked hair colors like red and blonde, too.
What color eyes does Jane Russell have?
Jane had striking and deep hazel eyes which expressed the emotions, making her even more bewitching than ever!
Does Jane Russell have tattoos?
No, Jane Russell never sported any visible tattoos.
Does Jane Russell have an Oscar?
Iconic star Jane Russell didn’t win an Oscar, but she was still one of the leading actors of the 40s and 50s.
Does Jane Russell sing?
Yes, Jane Russell was a talented singer. She released many singles and albums during her career.
Did Jane Russell go to college?
No, Jane Russell was a Van Nuys High School graduate.
Actresses like Jane Russell were a blessing for Hollywood. With their talent and looks, they shaped the acting future into what we see today! Golden Globe winner Angie Dickinson, who’s thriving in her 90s, is another such actress you must read about!
