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Jane Russell: Beyond The Glamour And Into The Heart Of An Icon

Sain April 21, 2025

The moment Jane Russell's poster for The Outlaw hit the scene, it wasn’t just her first movie—it was the spark that ignited her stardom. The striking image, which boldly highlighted her 34D figure, became the talk of the town. But it wasn’t all praise. The Catholic Church condemned the poster so strongly that The Outlaw didn’t get its national release until 1950, a full seven years after its San Francisco premiere. That’s a long wait for a film to hit the big screen.

More Than Just a Pretty Face: Jane Russell's Depth and Character

If you think Jane Russell was all about her looks, think again. Sure, she had undeniable sex appeal, but there was so much more to her. When life dealt her a tough hand—she couldn’t have children of her own—she turned to her faith and used it as a foundation to make a difference in the world. She founded an organization that helped place over 50,000 children with loving families over four decades. That’s dedication.

“Jane Russell wasn’t just a star on the silver screen; she was a beacon of hope for countless children,” Christina Rice, author of Mean … Moody … Magnificent! Jane Russell and the Marketing of a Hollywood Legend, told Closer Weekly. “She genuinely devoted a significant part of her life to this cause and later supported the foster care system in this country. Her impact was profound and lasting.”

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From Minnesota to Hollywood: A Journey with Howard Hughes

Jane’s rise to fame began at the tender age of 19 when film mogul Howard Hughes spotted her in Minnesota. But don’t let the Hollywood glamour fool you—Jane wasn’t your typical starlet. She grew up as a tomboy, and her relationship with Hughes was strictly professional. “Their relationship was strictly platonic,” Rice shared. “Jane wasn’t someone who would let herself be taken advantage of, and she never was. She had a strong sense of self from the very beginning.”

Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe: Friends, Not Foes

When Jane starred alongside Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, some might have thought it would be a rivalry. But Jane saw Marilyn as a friend, not a rival. “Jane assumed the role of older sister,” Rice explained. “She would fetch Marilyn from her dressing room each morning to ensure she was on time. It wasn’t a lifelong friendship, but they always spoke highly of each other and had immense respect for one another. That says a lot about Jane’s character.”

Trials and Triumphs: The Real Jane Russell

Beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Jane faced her share of personal challenges. She married her high school sweetheart, Bob Waterfield, in 1943, but their dream of starting a family was shattered when Jane discovered an illegal abortion she’d had at 18 had left her unable to have children. “From that point forward, her faith became a cornerstone of her life,” Rice explained. “She believed the Lord had a plan for her, and maybe this was it.”

Jane and Bob adopted three children, but when the British courts questioned their rights to their son Tommy, who was born in the U.K., Jane took action. She founded the World Adoption International Fund, the first organization to assist parents navigating the complexities of international adoptions. “WAIF wasn’t just something she put her name on,” Rice said. “She was deeply involved and active in the organization for over 40 years. It was a labor of love.”

Heartbreak and Healing: Jane's Later Years

Life wasn’t always easy for Jane. Her first marriage ended in divorce after 25 years, and she lost her second husband, actor Roger Barrett, to a heart attack just two months after their wedding. Her final marriage to Col. John Peoples lasted 25 years until he, too, passed away from a heart attack. “I just went home and started drinking so that I didn’t have to think,” Jane admitted. But with the support of her family, she entered rehab at age 79 and achieved sobriety.

When Jane passed away in 2011, she left behind a legacy of love. She was survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. “They’re my kids,” she once said, “and they’re all terrific.”