Gail Russell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gail Russell
Russell c. 1950s
Born	Betty Gale Russell (1924-09-21)September 21, 1924 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	August 26, 1961(1961-08-26) (aged 36) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting place	Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1943–1961
Spouse(s)	Guy Madison ​ ​ (m. 1949; div. 1954)​

Gail Russell (born Betty Gale Russell; September 21, 1924 – August 26, 1961) was an American actress. She starred in many films and television shows during her career.

Early Life and Beginnings

Gail Russell was born in Chicago. Her parents were George and Gladys Russell. When she was a teenager, her family moved to the Los Angeles area.

Her father was a musician before working for Lockheed Corporation. Gail first planned to become a commercial artist. However, her striking beauty caught the eye of talent scouts. People even called her "the Hedy Lamarr of Santa Monica" because of her looks.

Becoming a Star

In 1942, Paramount Pictures noticed Gail Russell. She signed a long-term contract with the studio at just 18 years old. Even though she was very shy and had no acting experience, Paramount had high hopes for her. They even hired an acting coach to help her learn.

Gail later shared that her life suddenly became very busy. She had a lot of work and little time for herself. This went on for about ten years.

She made her first film, Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour, in 1943 when she was 19. She also had a small part in Lady in the Dark (1943).

Breakthrough Roles

In March 1943, Gail was cast in a major role in The Uninvited (1944). She starred alongside Ray Milland in this film.

The Uninvited was directed by Lewis Allen. It became a big success. The film was one of the highest-earning movies in the United States. Paramount was very happy with Gail's performance.

Allen also directed Gail in Our Hearts Were Young and Gay (1944). She co-starred with Diana Lynn in this movie, which was also a success.

Gail then worked with Alan Ladd in Salty O'Rourke (1945). This film was a drama about horse racing.

Her third film with director Allen was The Unseen (1945). This movie was seen as a follow-up to The Uninvited.

She and Diana Lynn appeared together again in Our Hearts Were Growing Up (1946). This was a sequel to their earlier successful film.

Gail was reunited with Alan Ladd in Calcutta (1947). She also made brief appearances as herself in two all-star Paramount films: Duffy's Tavern (1945) and Variety Girl (1947).

Working with Other Studios

With John Wayne in Angel and the Badman (1947)

Other film studios started to ask for Gail Russell. She was borrowed by Andrew Stone for The Bachelor's Daughters (1946).

Republic Pictures also borrowed her to star with John Wayne in Angel and the Badman (1947). She also made Moonrise (1948) for Republic.

Gail returned to Paramount for Night Has a Thousand Eyes (1948). She then worked with John Wayne again at Republic for Wake of the Red Witch (1948), which was a popular film.

She appeared in a Western movie called El Paso (1949). She starred with John Payne in this film.

Gail also made Song of India (1949) and The Great Dan Patch (1949).

Gail Russell married actor Guy Madison in 1949. They later divorced in 1954.

She continued to make films like Captain China (1950) and The Lawless (1951). After Air Cadet (1951), she took a break from acting for a few years.

Returning to Acting

Gail Russell came back to acting in 1956. She co-starred with Randolph Scott in the Western film Seven Men from Now. This movie was produced by her friend John Wayne.

The film and Gail's acting were praised. It seemed like she was ready to make a big comeback in her career.

She then appeared in an episode of Studio 57. She also had a significant role in the film The Tattered Dress (1957).

In 1958, she appeared in No Place to Land.

She also had roles in TV shows like The Rebel and Manhunt in 1960. Gail said in April 1960, "I'm stronger now. The future looks pretty good."

Her last film was The Silent Call (1961), where she was the top-billed actress.

Later Years and Passing

Gail Russell moved to a small house where she lived alone. She faced personal challenges during this time.

On August 26, 1961, Gail Russell was found dead in her house in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. She was 36 years old. Neighbors found her after they became concerned because they hadn't seen her for several days. It was found that she had been suffering from malnutrition.

She was buried in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood.

Filmography

Television Appearances

Radio Appearances

See also

In Spanish: Gail Russell para niños