American actress Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe's dark-haired partner in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," died Monday at her California home at the age of 89, according to family sources.
Born in June 1921 in Minnesota and the daughter of an actress and soldier, Russell has discovered thanks to her imposing physique by billionaire, magnate, businessman, and film producer Howard Hughes, who made her the lead in the western "The Outlaw" (" The Outlaws", 1943). Her fame was mainly due to her participation in the films "Pale Face" (1948), along with Bob Hope, and the aforementioned "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953).
Considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her time, her career declined in the 1960s, and during the 1970s she became the face of Playtex bras, for which she starred in the "The Magical Crusader" campaign. In 1989 she received the "Women's International Center Living Legacy Award", dedicated to women who made great contributions to humanity. In her case, because of her activity in favor of children and adoptions.
Jane Russell stood out for her social side and participated in various charity organizations. She had been an active member of her local community until a few weeks ago when she fell ill. The American actress died at her home in Santa María due to a respiratory illness, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Etta Waterfield. "She always said that she wanted to die in command, that she didn't want to sit at home and become an old woman, and that's exactly what she's done, she's died in command," Waterfield stated.
