Russell was a favorite pinup girl of World War II soldiers (Photo provided by LA Times).
Jane Russell, the provocative movie star who became an icon in the 1940’s, passed away in her Santa Maria home on Monday. She was 89.
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Leron Gubler talks about Jane Russell. (Video by Olivia Heinle)
Her family said she had respiratory problems and died after a short illness (latimes.com).
Russell, a Southern California native, made her big screen debut in the 1943 film The Outlaw. Her racy promotional photos inspired producer Howard Hughes to challenge Hollywood’s strict moral regulations.
Russell’s pictures marked a change in Hollywood and propelled her into stardom. She was a favorite pinup girl of World War II soldiers. Troops in Korea even named two embattled hills after her.
Russell appeared in 19 films in the 1940’s and 50’s, including The Paleface and The Virginian.
She starred alongside Marilyn Monroe in the musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, in which the two performed the hit song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
While Russell is remembered by later generations as a Playtex bra spokeswoman, her iconic pinup photographs will stand the test of time.
Russell is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
