http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/02/28/50s-pin-up-screen-icon-jane-russell-dies-at-89/

Actress Jane Russell, screen icon and 50′s era pin-up, has died. She was 89.

Russell, born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell, was born June 21, 1921 to an Army lieutenant and actress.

Howard Hughes discovered the buxom Russell in 1941 (she was his dentist’s receptionist) and put her in his controversial movie “The Outlaw.” The film had trouble passing a censorship board mainly because of how Russell’s breasts were displayed in tight sweaters and plunging necklines. In addition to designing airplanes, Hughes designed a bra for Russell that at the time was considered scandalous.

She worked for ten years in mostly forgettable movies that exploited her body and physical appearance.

Bob Hope once introduced her as “the two and only Jane Russell.”

In 1953′s “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” opposite Marilyn Monroe, Russell became a bonafide smash.

In her later career, Russell decided to play up her assets and became a spokeswoman for Playtex bras.

Unable to have children of her own, Russell became a champion for adoption. During her film career, Russell founded Women’s Adoption International Fund known around the world as WAIF. She is responsible for placing over 40,000 hard to place children in permanent homes.

She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her three children, Tracy, Thomas and Buck. She had six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

[Edited 2/28/11 16:24pm]

Ms. Russell lived to be 89 years of age, God blessed her. RIP.

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is one of my favorite movies.

R.I.P.

My dad would make me turn the channel when her Cross Your Heart bra commercials came on.

I imagine he wished he hadn't after I came out.

Anyway, rest in peace, Jane.

Efan said:

My dad would make me turn the channel when her Cross Your Heart bra commercials came on.

I imagine he wished he hadn't after I came out.

Anyway, rest in peace, Jane.

That never stopped johnart from appreciating the boobs!

rip ms russell

XxAxX said:

rip ms russell. her bra lives on.

perhaps you're older than you let on, dear.

BlackAdder7 said:

XxAxX said:

rip ms russell. her bra lives on.

her bras were quite comfortable, if mammary serves

i heard that too

I do remember her commercials May she rest in peace.

Waaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!

That woman was total class! An inspiration to me... I'm gonna miss her.

RIP Jane....

RIP

nursev said:

I do remember her commercials May she rest in peace.

and she was quite the humammatarian

Russell founded Women’s Adoption International Fund known around the world as WAIF. She is responsible for placing over 40,000 hard to place children in permanent homes.

[img:$uid]http://i53.tinypic.com/2hzqrlg.jpg[/img:$uid]

She was a whole lotta woman.

My favorite Jane Russell scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Rest In Peace

[img:$uid]http://timesonline.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/01/02/jane_russell.jpg[/img:$uid]

[Edited 2/28/11 22:00pm]

Identity said:

[img:$uid]http://i53.tinypic.com/2hzqrlg.jpg[/img:$uid]

She was a whole lotta woman.

Home girl was tight in her younger days

For some reason, I thought she had died years ago

RIP beautiful woman.

noimageatall said:

RIP beautiful woman.

Fierce until the end.