Made virtually synonymous with voluptuousness by Hollywood publicists and press in the 1940s and 1950s, Jane Russell’s talents as a dramatic actress and musical performer were given significantly less attention than her statuesque figure. She was brought to fame by Howard Hughes, who made a fetish of her image in the controversial B-Western “The Outlaw” (1943). Russell smoldered quite spectacularly on screen, but showed a particular knack for both a wisecrack and a song, as demonstrated in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953) and other musicals. She was teamed to great effect on several occasions
Family moved to Van Nuys after father received promotion
1939
Discovered by Howard Hughes; signed to 7-year contract
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
1943
Moved with first husband Bob Waterfield to Georgia when he was drafted; put on suspension by Hughes; worked in a beauty parlor
