Russell Armstrong, the estranged spouse of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead on Monday night at the age of 47, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed to Access Hollywood.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department pronounced Russell dead at 8:16 PM on Monday, the spokesperson told Access.

Russell, an investment banker, was found at his home on Mulholland Drive in West Los Angeles, the Coroner's Office rep added.

The department is treating his death as a suicide, but an official determination will be confirmed on Wednesday after further examination.

Russell had been featured alongside Taylor on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and their relationship woes were documented on the show.

Taylor filed for divorce from Russell last month. The couple tied the knot in 2005 and has one daughter, Kennedy, 5.

According to People, Taylor claimed Russell called her names, grabbed her and pushed her.

"I felt like I was dying inside," she told the mag in an article, published in July 2011. "Now, there's some sense of peace.".

A rep for Taylor was not immediately available for comment on Russell's death when contacted by Access Hollywood on Tuesday morning.

[Edited 8/16/11 11:40am]

This does not surprise me. He seemed like a creeper to me.

Girl I JUST saw this pop on on Yahoo when I sat down to go online!!! It was clear things were not right with the Armstrongs, but good Lord! My goodness they have a small child....tragic

That's sad, it all got too much for him or so he believe.

I bet it was money problems cuz their shit seemed sooooo shaky to me.

Wow Wow Wow..

Their poor kid

[Edited 8/16/11 11:55am]

WOW I cannot imagine how she's dealing with this, he did seem a little "detached" from things but still RIP

Like I said in the other thread he left his family hanging. The poor child without a daddy. Taylor with the lawsuit and his debt. He'd probably been enduring deep emotional pain and fear for a long time.

Damn, son!! Being in such a depressed state of mind (especially after divorcing someone you truly loved) to entertain doing something like that is a mothafucka! And I know!!

Hope he RIP!

Massive Interest in Russell Armstrong Following Death

The apparent suicide of Russell Armstrong — the estranged husband of Bravo's "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member Taylor Armstrong — has sparked a massive amount of interest in his life, family, and business dealings.

While the details of Armstrong's death are still forthcoming, the late investor's history of financial ups and downs has been well documented. Armstrong was a venture capitalist who had apparently fallen on hard times.

According to celebrity site TMZ, Armstrong's lawyer, Ronald Richards, remarked that his client had large debt problems. According to Richards, Armstrong's "credit cards weren't working. … As far as a will, even if he does have a will, they don't have any assets, so I'm not sure what there would be left to leave." But the worries weren't only financial. Russell was also depressed about his looming divorce.

Last month, Taylor told People magazine that she and Russell had had a series of arguments. She accused Russell of shoving her. Russell told People that the show "pushed us to the limit." That comment and several others are sure to lead to questions about whether the "Real Housewives" program should be canceled. Armstrong, who was 47, leaves behind Taylor, as well as three children.

Related: TV Personalities... This Year

Before starring on the reality show about pampered wives in posh Beverly Hills, Russell Armstrong worked as a professional investor. According to his official site (which may suffer outages due to massive clicks), "Russell Armstrong has spent the past two decades as an investment banker and venture capitalist, where he has been instrumental in the development of over 200 businesses with early stage funding in excess of $2B dollars."

While that paints a picture of a secure and successful man, Armstrong was actually under considerable financial pressure. In July, he was hit with a $1.5 million lawsuit for breach of contract. The suing company claimed "it had hired him to expand its business but alleged he had misused the funds to redecorate the mansion he shared with his wife."

He also ran afoul of the law in 1997 when he he was convicted of felony tax evasion. Armstrong was sentenced to five years of probation. In 2001, he was accused of "fraud, negligent misrepresentation, statutory securities violations and breach of fiduciary duties." Starcasm.net hosts a PDF of the lawsuit.

Russell's marriage to Taylor Armstrong was his second. Together they had a daughter, Kennedy, who is five years old. Russell also had two teenage sons from a previous marriage. Taylor's "Real Housewives" co-stars have reacted to the sad news, voicing their support for Taylor and pleading for privacy on her behalf.

While Taylor was spending $50k on a 4 year-old's bday party These are some deluded muhhfuckas.

I wonder what's gonna happen to the show since it was next up in the cycle and featured their relationship heavily. They may have to re-edit or cancel all together.

sad!

Russell Armstrong's attorney: "He wasn't rich"

SCNDLS said:

While Taylor was spending $50k on a 4 year-old's bday party These are some deluded muhhfuckas.

I wonder what's gonna happen to the show since it was next up in the cycle and featured their relationship heavily. They may have to re-edit or cancel all together.

I know right.

His ex-wife spoke out and blamed Taylor for Russell's demise. She said she "warned him about getting involved with that woman but he didn't listen". Interesting. She also accused Taylor of driving Russell into financial ruin as well.

But yeah read this morning that Andy and'nem at Bravo are trying to decide whether or not to postpone the premiere, push back the season for re-edits, etc. So it's up in the air. But in spite of this tragic event, sounds like its going to be a real mess on trying to figure out what to do with the show right now.

He was creepy, but no one should kill themeselves. Lisa's husband might be next. Just saying.

missfee said:

SCNDLS said:

While Taylor was spending $50k on a 4 year-old's bday party These are some deluded muhhfuckas.

I wonder what's gonna happen to the show since it was next up in the cycle and featured their relationship heavily. They may have to re-edit or cancel all together.

I know right.

His ex-wife spoke out and blamed Taylor for Russell's demise. She said she "warned him about getting involved with that woman but he didn't listen". Interesting. She also accused Taylor of driving Russell into financial ruin as well.

But yeah read this morning that Andy and'nem at Bravo are trying to decide whether or not to postpone the premiere, push back the season for re-edits, etc. So it's up in the air. But in spite of this tragic event, sounds like its going to be a real mess on trying to figure out what to do with the show right now.

His ex-wife and another ex girlfriend also accused Russell of beating them and had restraining orders for him.

I think they should scrap this season entirely, wait a year, re-cast Taylor and re-shoot. Anything else would be disrespectuf IMO.

[Edited 8/18/11 7:03am]

SCNDLS said:

NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - A financially troubled Russell Armstrong tried desperately to maintain an illusion of wealth

A major problem with a lot of these shows.................

Graycap23 said:

SCNDLS said:

NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - A financially troubled Russell Armstrong tried desperately to maintain an illusion of wealth

A major problem with a lot of these shows.................

This shit makes NO sense to me. It's TOO easy to confirm people's financial situation before even putting them on there. That's why I KNOW Bravo is casting people SOLELY for drama potential cuz it's the broke asses that bring the MOST drama on every show.

SCNDLS said:

missfee said:

I know right.

His ex-wife spoke out and blamed Taylor for Russell's demise. She said she "warned him about getting involved with that woman but he didn't listen". Interesting. She also accused Taylor of driving Russell into financial ruin as well.

But yeah read this morning that Andy and'nem at Bravo are trying to decide whether or not to postpone the premiere, push back the season for re-edits, etc. So it's up in the air. But in spite of this tragic event, sounds like its going to be a real mess on trying to figure out what to do with the show right now.

His ex-wife and another ex girlfriend also accused Russell of beating them and had restraining orders for him.

I think they should scrap this season entirely, wait a year, re-cast Taylor and re-shoot. Anything else would be disrespectuf IMO.

[Edited 8/18/11 7:03am]

I do too...but when it comes down to that "almight dollar".........

missfee said:

SCNDLS said:

His ex-wife and another ex girlfriend also accused Russell of beating them and had restraining orders for him.

I think they should scrap this season entirely, wait a year, re-cast Taylor and re-shoot. Anything else would be disrespectuf IMO.

[Edited 8/18/11 7:03am]

I do too...but when it comes down to that "almight dollar".........

True, but they are catching major heat for whatever role they played in this situation. I don't think it's something they can capitalize on without even more backlash. All week, there've been stories about this and reality shows on the national evening news. So, we'll wee.

Eyewitness When Husband's Body Was Discovered

"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong was at her estranged husband's house when his body was discovered, TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Taylor tell us, she and Russell had been regularly communicating and were supposed to meet on Monday afternoon, but he was a no-show. She became worried and began calling his friends, but none of them had heard from him.

Taylor became increasingly alarmed and began frantically texting and phoning Russell, to no avail.

On Monday evening, Taylor and a friend went to the home where Russell was staying. They found the owner of the home on the property. While Taylor watched, the owner peered through Russell's bedroom window and saw his lifeless body hanging.

As TMZ first reported, the owner called 911 and Russell was declared dead at 8:16 PM. Taylor believes Russell had been dead for hours.

We're told Taylor stayed at the house for hours after the body was found.

SCNDLS said:

Eyewitness When Husband's Body Was Discovered

"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong was at her estranged husband's house when his body was discovered, TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Taylor tell us, she and Russell had been regularly communicating and were supposed to meet on Monday afternoon, but he was a no-show. She became worried and began calling his friends, but none of them had heard from him.

Taylor became increasingly alarmed and began frantically texting and phoning Russell, to no avail.

On Monday evening, Taylor and a friend went to the home where Russell was staying. They found the owner of the home on the property. While Taylor watched, the owner peered through Russell's bedroom window and saw his lifeless body hanging.

As TMZ first reported, the owner called 911 and Russell was declared dead at 8:16 PM. Taylor believes Russell had been dead for hours.

We're told Taylor stayed at the house for hours after the body was found.

oh my

Dr. Who Performed Surgery On Her Did NOT Call the Cops

The doctor who performed surgery on Taylor Armstrong the night her husband Russell beat her did not report the incident to police ... even though medical professionals must report suspected domestic abuse ... sources tell TMZ.

As TMZ first reported, Taylor revealed to her "Real Housewives" cast mates that Russell beat her so badly in June, she ended up in the hospital with broken bones in her cheek.

Sources say the police never interviewed Taylor following the beating ... something they would have done had there been a report of domestic violence.

We're told the doctor who performed the surgery was NOT Adrienne Maloof's hubby, Dr. Paul Nassif.

In addition to the surgeon, the hospital staff also failed to report the incident.

Taylor Armstrong secretly revealed to cast members she was beaten so badly by Russell Armstrong she had to undergo surgery -- and when he found out she spilled the beans, he sent Camille Grammer a chilling, threatening email ... this according to multiple sources connected with the show.

We're told ... in late June, as "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" was shooting season 2 ... Taylor was severely beaten. Sources say Russell hit her in the face so hard he cracked bones in her cheeks. Sources say there are pictures of the injuries and they are "horrific."

Taylor -- who was hospitalized as a result of the beating -- tried to keep it a secret, but she had a big problem ... she couldn't show her face for weeks, and she feared she'd be fired for appearing to be uncooperative and flaky.

Sources say Taylor confided in Camille Grammer and Kyle Richards ... both of whom urged Taylor to tell Bravo what really happened.

We're told Taylor went home and told Russell about her conversation with the two women and the outrage they had shown when they heard what happened. Russell reacted by sending Camille a "very threatening" email. One source who read it said, "It was the rantings of a lunatic."

As for Taylor, her injuries were so bad ... shooting was delayed for several weeks.

Bravo Re-Editing Russell Armstrong Footage

Bravo is in the process of re-editing the second season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" due to Russell Armstrong's suicide ... according to the network.

The turmoil between Russell and Taylor Armstrong was a key storyline on the show's first season -- and sources have told us Russell was concerned about being portrayed as a villain.

A network exec says no decision has been made about the premiere date of the show -- which is currently scheduled for Sept. 5.

SCNDLS said:

Bravo Re-Editing Russell Armstrong Footage

Bravo is in the process of re-editing the second season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" due to Russell Armstrong's suicide ... according to the network.

The turmoil between Russell and Taylor Armstrong was a key storyline on the show's first season -- and sources have told us Russell was concerned about being portrayed as a villain.

A network exec says no decision has been made about the premiere date of the show -- which is currently scheduled for Sept. 5.

Currently scheduled for Sept. 5th? I thought they changed the date?

missfee said:

SCNDLS said:

Bravo Re-Editing Russell Armstrong Footage

Bravo is in the process of re-editing the second season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" due to Russell Armstrong's suicide ... according to the network.

The turmoil between Russell and Taylor Armstrong was a key storyline on the show's first season -- and sources have told us Russell was concerned about being portrayed as a villain.

A network exec says no decision has been made about the premiere date of the show -- which is currently scheduled for Sept. 5.

Currently scheduled for Sept. 5th? I thought they changed the date?

I haven't heard that but it still says the 5th on the website

Russell Armstrong’s Sister Believes He Was Murdered

The Los Angeles Coroner ruled Russell Armstrong’s death a suicide more than three weeks ago, but not everybody is convinced the 47-year-old businessman took his own life.

Russell’s sister, Laurie Kelsoe, told RumorFix she wants further investigation into her brother’s shocking death. Kelsoe says, “Not one of us — his family — believe he committed suicide. We just don’t believe that’s what happened at all. I’m going to call the DA’s office and just do this.”

There’s a lot of missing pieces to the puzzle in Russell’s death, according to Kelsoe, and she insists murder is a possibility.

Toxicology tests for Russell Armstrong are still pending.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Returns After Russell Armstrong's Suicide

"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" returns to Bravo tonight just three weeks after Russell Armstrong's suicide.

Armstrong, the estranged husband of housewife Taylor Armstrong, was found dead at his Los Angeles home Aug. 15 after apparently hanging himself. He was 47.

The tragedy whether the show's second...ould air.

"When we heard about the tragedy, of course all hearts went out to Taylor," producer Douglas Ross told NBC today. "But we, with all of the network, took a hard look at the show and … we decided to make some adjustments where appropriate in light of the circumstances."

The dramatic decline of Armstrong's marriage was rumored to be a focus of season two. But after adjustments, Armstrong will not appear in the first four episodes, Ross said.

"This show is about six strong, aggressive, beautiful women and their stories. And although Taylor and Russell's story is a part of it, it's not the whole show," he told NBC.

Ross said the cast will reflect on Armstrong's death and try to put season two into perspective in tonight's premier.

"Our goal has always been to make an honest and accurate story about the ladies and what goes on in their life and we wanted to be and always are respectful and responsible and, in this case, trying to be very appropriate to the situation," he told NBC.

Ross was joined by housewives Adrienne Maloof, Kyle Richards and Lisa Vanderpump, who said Taylor Armstrong is still trying to "digest everything."

"We've tried to be as supportive as possible but her priority is her little girl," Vanderpump told NBC.

Despite their marital woes, Taylor Armstrong had said she still wanted her husband to be close to their daughter, 5-year-old Kennedy.

"I hope we can co-parent as healthy as possible," she told People Magazine in July, adding that her marriage had become abusive. "He's an amazing dad, and I want her to still think her dad is the greatest guy on the planet."

At the time of his death, Armstrong was more than $1.5 million in debt as a result of trying to keep up with expectations for the lavish lifestyle portrayed on the show, his lawyer told ABCNews.com.

"These couples join these shows, and then they keep trying to outdo each other and they end up spending all their money trying to sustain a lifestyle that's unrealistic and wasn't there prior to the show," said Ronald Richards, Armstrong's attorney. "The weekly social events, the dinners and all the BS, trying to pretend you have unlimited resources in Beverly Hills is tough. When every night is a potential sound bite or posting on a website, you end up getting addicted to it, you go out all the time."

Responding to his estranged wife's allegations of abuse, Armstrong told People, "Did I push her? Yes, maybe things happened in the heat of the moment, but it was during a time in our lives that was not characteristic of who we were… This show has literally pushed us to the limit."

Despite the couple's dramatic breakup, Armstrong's death shocked cast members.

"I always saw him as being reserved and quiet and I know that they had their issues, but no one could have ever anticipated something like this," housewife Kyle Richards told NBC today.

When asked about Armstrong knowing his failed marriage would be a plot line, Richards said, "True, but he also signed up for this season one and came back for season two."

Taylor Armstrong documented the physical abuse she allegedly received at the hands of her husband Russell Armstrong, and the shocking photographic evidence was released on Monday night.

As RadarOnline.com exclusively reported, Russell allegedly hit Taylor in the right eye so hard that she was rushed to the hospital and had to have plastic surgery to fix her damaged face, and now the photos of her black eye have been shown on Entertainment Tonight.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star gave the television show the photos that show her with a complete black and blue bruised right eye socket, with a cut near her eyebrow.

PHOTOS: Russell Armstrong...pier Times

Since Russell’s suicide in August, Taylor’s marriage has been the focus of intense scrutiny, from their dire financial straits to her claims that her husband beat her; the release of the photos seemingly back up her claims of the violence she suffered at the hands of her now deceased husband.

Taylor’s co-stars in the reality show tried to help her and confronted her with the knowledge that she was suffering from abuse in her troubled marriage and she decided to pull the trigger on her marriage. "Taylor knew she could no longer stay in her marriage. She was physically and emotionally abused by Russell. Lisa needed to know from the housewives that they would be there for her when she decided to file, and they have been," the source reveals.

DAMN! And this is the dude she claimed she loved so much.

I saw the ep where she's talking about being "alone" all her life, not marrying until she was 34 and her fear of being alone. That was her main problem. She wanted to have any kind of a man even an abuser like Russell just because she didnt' want to be alone. Truthfully she didn't love herself enough. When you love yourself than others will love you. Seems like she came off desperate and needy and she got just the kind of man that feeds off desperation and neediness....an abusive and dominating control freak.