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==Early years==
==Early years==
She was born to George and Gladys (Barnet) Russell in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], and then moved to the [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], area when she was a teenager. Her father was initially a musician but later worked for [[Lockheed Corporation]]. Before she ventured into acting, she had planned to be a commercial artist.<ref name=pdn>{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Erskine|title=Around Hollywood|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3226122/pampa_daily_news/|agency=Pampa Daily News|date=April 24, 1944|page=2|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = September 14, 2015}} {{Open access}}</ref>
She was born to George and Gladys (Barnet) Russell in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], and then moved to the [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], area when she was a teenager. Her father was initially a musician but later worked for [[Lockheed Corporation]]. Before she ventured into acting, she had planned to be a commercial artist.<ref name=pdn>{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Erskine|title=Around Hollywood|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3226122/pampa_daily_news/|agency=Pampa Daily News|date=April 24, 1944|page=2|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = September 14, 2015}} {{Open access}}</ref> Her beauty saw her dubbed "the [[Heddy Lamar]] of [[Santa Monica]]."<ref>Gail Russell Will Give All to Career Before Camera: Setbacks Fail to Halt Gifted Glamour Girl Gail Russell Goes All Out for Career Before Camera
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 31 Dec 1944: B1. </ref>
==Career==
==Career==
Russell's beauty brought her to the attention of [[Paramount Pictures]] in 1942, and she signed a long-term contract with that studio when she was 18.<ref>{{cite news|title=Actress Gail Russell Loses Battle of the Bottle; Found Dead in Flat|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4040490/wisconsin_state_journal/|agency=Wisconsin State Journal|date=August 28, 1961|location=Wisconsin, Madison|page=4|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = January 14, 2016}} {{Open access}}</ref> Although she was almost clinically shy and had no acting experience, Paramount had great expectations for her and employed an acting coach to work with her.
Russell's beauty brought her to the attention of [[Paramount Pictures]] in 1942, and she signed a long-term contract with that studio when she was 18.<ref>{{cite news|title=Actress Gail Russell Loses Battle of the Bottle; Found Dead in Flat|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4040490/wisconsin_state_journal/|agency=Wisconsin State Journal|date=August 28, 1961|location=Wisconsin, Madison|page=4|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = January 14, 2016}} {{Open access}}</ref> Although she was almost clinically shy and had no acting experience, Paramount had great expectations for her and employed an acting coach to work with her.


She later said, "suddenly there was this terrific amount of work for myself and no time to myself. It was that way for ten years."
At the age of 19 she made her film debut in the 1943 film ''[[Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour]]''. She also had a small part in ''[[Lady in the Dark (film)|Lady in the Dark]]'' (1943).
<ref name="hedda">Faith Saved Me!: Ex-Chicagoan Gail Russell Was a Rising Hollywood Star When Trouble Came; Now She Knows What It Takes to Come Back
Russell, Gail. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963); Chicago, Ill. [Chicago, Ill]29 Jan 1956: d22. </ref>

At the age of 19 she made her film debut in the 1943 film ''[[Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour]]''. She also had a small part in ''[[Lady in the Dark (film)|Lady in the Dark]]'' (1943) and was meant to play a role in ''[[Henry Aldrich Haunts a House]]'' when, in March 1943, she was cast in a key role in ''[[The Uninvited (1944 film)|The Uninvited]]'' (1944) with [[Ray Milland]]. Joan Mortimer played her role in ''Henry Aldrich'' instead.<ref>'Virginian' Femme Lead Goes to Gail Russell: Columbia Slates 'Men of the Deep; Bruce Bennett Mentioned as Star
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 15 Apr 1944: 5. </ref>
===Stardom===
===Stardom===
Russell leapt to stardom after being cast in a key role in ''[[The Uninvited (1944 film)|The Uninvited]]'' (1944) with [[Ray Milland]]. It was directed by [[Lewis Allen (director)|Lewis Allen]] who then directed Russell in ''[[Our Hearts Were Young and Gay (film)|Our Hearts Were Young and Gay]]'' (1944), in which she co-starred with [[Diana Lynn]]. It was another success.
''The Uninvited'' was directed by [[Lewis Allen (director)|Lewis Allen]] and was a big success. A delighted Paramount announced Russell for ''Her Heart in her Throat'' and ''True to the the Navy'' with [[Eddie Bracken]].<ref>DRAMA AND FILM: 'Pistol Packin' Mama' Rights Bring $250,000 Gail Russell's Screen Slate Includes 'True to the Navy' With Eddie Bracken
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 3 Sep 1943: 15. </ref>


Allen directed Russell in ''[[Our Hearts Were Young and Gay (film)|Our Hearts Were Young and Gay]]'' (1944), in which she co-starred with [[Diana Lynn]]. It was another success.
Russell co-starred opposite [[Alan Ladd]] in ''[[Salty O'Rourke]]'' (1945), a horse racing drama. She made a third film with Allen, ''[[The Unseen (1945 film)|The Unseen]]'' (1945), an unofficial follow up to ''The Uninvited''. Then she and Lynn were in ''[[Our Hearts Were Growing Up]]'' (1946), a sequel to ''Our Hearts Were Young and Gay''. She was reunited with Ladd in ''[[Calcutta (1947 film)|Calcutta]]'' (1947), shot in 1945 but not released until two years later.


Russell co-starred opposite [[Alan Ladd]] in ''[[Salty O'Rourke]]'' (1945), a horse racing drama.<ref>SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: Alan Ladd and Gail Russell to Co-Star -- Graetz Acquires 'Undercover,' English Film THE NEW YORK TIMES. 8 Feb 1944: 12. </ref>

''Her Heart in Her Throat'' became the third film Russell made with Allen, ''[[The Unseen (1945 film)|The Unseen]]'' (1945), an unofficial follow up to ''The Uninvited''. ''True to the Navy'' became ''[[Bring On the Girls (film)|Bring On the Girls]]''; Russell did not appear in that film.

Then she and Lynn were in ''[[Our Hearts Were Growing Up]]'' (1946), a sequel to ''Our Hearts Were Young and Gay''. <ref>SCREEN NEWS: Donlevy to Co-Star With Gail Russell, Diana Lynn
Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. 8 Dec 1944: 26. </ref> Paramount announced her as the female lead in ''[[The Virginian (1946 film)|The Virginian]]'' (1946) but she did not appear in the final movie.<ref>'Virginian' Femme Lead Goes to Gail Russell: Columbia Slates 'Men of the Deep; Bruce Bennett Mentioned as Star
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 15 Apr 1944: 5. </ref>

She was reunited with Ladd in ''[[Calcutta (1947 film)|Calcutta]]'' (1947), shot in 1945 but not released until two years later. She made a cameo as herself in two all-star Paramount films, ''[[Duffy's Tavern (film)|Duffy's Tavern]]'' (1945) and ''[[Variety Girl (film)|Variety Girl]]'' (1947).
===Loan Outs===
[[File:Angel and the Badman 1947.jpg|thumb|left|With [[John Wayne]] (1947)]]
[[File:Angel and the Badman 1947.jpg|thumb|left|With [[John Wayne]] (1947)]]
Russell left Paramount and appeared in ''[[The Bachelor's Daughters]]'' (1948) for [[United Artists]]. [[John Wayne]] hired her to be his co-star in a film he was producing, ''[[Angel and the Badman]]'' (1948).
Russell was borrowed by Andrew Stone for ''[[The Bachelor's Daughters]]'' (1948) at [[United Artists]].<ref>3 TOP ROLES CAST FOR STONE'S FILM: Gail Russell, Claire Trevor and Ann Dvorak Will Appear in 'The Bachelor's Daughter' Of Local Origin
Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES 25 Jan 1946: 22. </ref>


Republic Pictures borrowed her to be [[John Wayne]]'s leading lady in a film Wayne was producing, ''[[Angel and the Badman]]'' (1948).<ref>Gail Russell Borrowed for 'Angel' Portrayal
She did ''[[Moonrise (film)|Moonrise]]'' (1948) for [[Frank Borzage]] at Republic. Russell returned to Paramount for ''[[Night Has a Thousand Eyes]]'' (1948), then reteamed with Wayne for ''[[Wake of the Red Witch]]'' (1948).
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 11 Apr 1946: A2. </ref> Also at Republic she did ''[[Moonrise (film)|Moonrise]]'' (1948) for [[Frank Borzage]].


Russell returned to Paramount for ''[[Night Has a Thousand Eyes]]'' (1948), directed by [[John Farrow]], who had made ''Calcutta''. She reteamed with Wayne for ''[[Wake of the Red Witch]]'' (1948) at Republic which was a hit.<ref>GAIL RUSSELL 'REDISCOVERED' AFTER ROLE TROUBLE RUMORS: 'Fate' Picks Roles for Gail Russell
⚫
She appeared in a Western with [[John Payne (actor)|John Payne]] for [[Pine-Thomas Productions]], ''[[El Paso (film)|El Paso]]'' (1949). Russell did ''[[Song of India (film)|Song of India]]'' (1949) for Columbia and ''[[The Great Dan Patch]]'' (1949) for United Artists.
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 30 Jan 1949: D1. </ref>


She appeared in a Western with [[John Payne (actor)|John Payne]] for [[Pine-Thomas Productions]], a production outfit who released through Paramount, ''[[El Paso (film)|El Paso]]'' (1949). Pine-Thomas normally made lowerer budgeted films but ''El Paso'' was made on a bigger scale.
⚫
She made some more Pine-Thomas films: ''[[Captain China]]'' (1950) with Payne, and ''[[The Lawless]]'' (1951) with [[Macdonald Carey]].


⚫
Russell did ''[[Song of India (film)|Song of India]]'' (1949) for Columbia and ''[[The Great Dan Patch]]'' (1949) for United Artists.
==Later career and personal life==
⚫
Russell continued working after 1947 and married actor [[Guy Madison]] in 1949, but by 1950 it was well known that she had become a victim of [[alcoholism]], and Paramount did not renew her contract. She had started drinking on the set of ''The Uninvited'' to ease her paralyzing stage fright and lack of confidence.<ref>{{cite book|last=Porter|first=Darwin |title=Howard Hughes: Hell's Angel|publisher=Blood Moon Productions, Ltd.|year=2005|pages=618|isbn=0-9748118-1-5}}</ref>


Russell married actor [[Guy Madison]] on 1 August 1949.<ref>Gail Russell Married New York Times 2 Aug 1949: 16. </ref> They separated in less than six months<ref>Gail Russell Separated
⚫
She made ''[[Air Cadet (film)|Air Cadet]]'' (1951) for Universal, but alcohol made a shambles of her career, appearance and personal life. In January 1954, in a court in Santa Monica, California, Russell pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness, receiving a $150 fine. The fine was in lieu of a jail sentence, with the provision that she not use intoxicants or attend night spots for two years. In the same court session, she received a continuance on a charge of driving while drunk.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gail Russell Fined as Drunk, Weeps as Barfly Act Banned|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3226085/long_beach_independent/|agency=Long Beach Independent|date=January 19, 1954|page=16|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = September 14, 2015}} {{Open access}}</ref>
The Washington Post (1923-1954); Washington, D.C. [Washington, D.C]13 Jan 1950: 4. </ref> but later reunited.

⚫
She made some more Pine-Thomas films: ''[[Captain China]]'' (1950) with Payne, and ''[[The Lawless]]'' (1951) with [[Macdonald Carey]] directed by [[Joseph Losey]].<ref>Gail Russell and Carey to Co-Star in Movie
Chicago Daily Tribune 5 Mar 1950: F3. </ref>

⚫
By 1950 it was well known that she had become a victim of [[alcoholism]], and Paramount did not renew her contract. She had started drinking on the set of ''The Uninvited'' to ease her paralyzing stage fright and lack of confidence.<ref>{{cite book|last=Porter|first=Darwin |title=Howard Hughes: Hell's Angel|publisher=Blood Moon Productions, Ltd.|year=2005|pages=618|isbn=0-9748118-1-5}}</ref>

She made ''[[Air Cadet (film)|Air Cadet]]'' (1951) for Universal then did not act for a number of years.
===Legal Troubles===
In 1953 John Wayne's then-wife claimed during her divorce proceedings that Wayne and Russell had spent the night together. Wayne and Russell denied this.<ref>GAIL RUSSELL, FILM ACTRESS, IS FOUND DEAD: Empty Bottles Litter Her Apartment
Chicago Daily Tribune 28 Aug 1961: b2. </ref>

In November 1953 she was held in jail overnight after being arrested for drunk driving.<ref>GAIL RUSSELL SPENDS NIGHT IN JAIL: Gail Russell Held on Drunk Driving Charge
Los Angeles Times 25 Nov 1953: 1. </ref> The following month she and Madison separated permanently.

⚫
In January 1954, in a court in Santa Monica, California, Russell pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness, receiving a $150 fine. The fine was in lieu of a jail sentence, with the provision that she not use intoxicants or attend night spots for two years. In the same court session, she received a continuance on a charge of driving while drunk.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gail Russell Fined as Drunk, Weeps as Barfly Act Banned|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3226085/long_beach_independent/|agency=Long Beach Independent|date=January 19, 1954|page=16|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = September 14, 2015}} {{Open access}}</ref>


A [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], she supported [[Adlai Stevenson II|Adlai Stevenson]] in the [[United States presidential election, 1952|1952 presidential election]]<ref>''Motion Picture and Television Magazine'', November 1952, page 33, Ideal Publishers </ref>.
A [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], she supported [[Adlai Stevenson II|Adlai Stevenson]] in the [[United States presidential election, 1952|1952 presidential election]]<ref>''Motion Picture and Television Magazine'', November 1952, page 33, Ideal Publishers </ref>.


She sued Madison for divorce in May 1954.<ref>Gail Russell Sues Guy Madison for Divorce
She divorced Madison in 1954<ref>{{cite book|last=Donnelley|first= Paul |title=Fade To Black: A Book Of Movie Obituaries|publisher=Omnibus Press|year=2003|edition=2nd|pages=823|isbn=0-7119-9512-5}}</ref> and, after a five-year absence, returned to work in a co-starring role with [[Randolph Scott]] in the western ''[[Seven Men from Now]]'' (1956), produced by her friend Wayne, and had a substantial role in ''[[The Tattered Dress]]'' (1957).
Los Angeles Times 28 May 1954: 23. </ref> The divorce was finalised in October 1954. During the court proceedings Madison claimed that Russell would never do any housework and would not allow visitors or servants in the house.<ref>DID ALL HOUSEWORK, HE SAYS: Actor Guy Madison and Gail Russell Divorced
Los Angeles Times 7 Oct 1954: 4. </ref>


In October 1954 she was admitted to hospital in a coma after an attack of hepatitis.<ref>Gail Russell's Trial Delayed
⚫
On July 5, 1957, she was photographed by a ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' photographer after she drove her convertible into the front of Jan's Coffee Shop at 8424 Beverly Boulevard. After failing a sobriety test, Russell was arrested and charged with [[driving under the influence]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2007/07/gail-russell.html|title=Gail Russell: In memoriam|last1=Coates|first1=Paul V.|last2=Harnisch |first2=Larry |date=2007-07-05|publisher=latimesblogs.latimes.com|accessdate=2009-04-06}}</ref>
Los Angeles Times 8 Dec 1954: 25. </ref>

In February 1955 she hit another car containing a couple and their baby while driving. She was fined $50.<ref>Gail Russell Fined $50
New York Times 23 Apr 1955: 22. </ref> The couple later sued her for $30,000 and settled out of court.<ref>Gail Russell Settles $30,000 Damage Suit
Los Angeles Times 28 Nov 1956: A12. </ref>
===Comeback===
Russell returned to work in a co-starring role with [[Randolph Scott]] in the western ''[[Seven Men from Now]]'' (1956), produced by her friend Wayne and directed by [[Budd Boetticher]]. The performance (and film) was acclaimed and it seemed Russell would make a combeack.<ref name="hedda"/>

It looked like Russell would follow it with ''Madame Courage'' directed by [[Budd Boetticher]] but that film was not made<ref>Drama: Gail Russell to Star as Pioneer Nurse; Brian Donlevy Shifts to Film
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 26 Oct 1955: B7.</ref>.

Instead Russell appeared in an episode of ''[[Studio 57]]'' and had a substantial role in ''[[The Tattered Dress]]'' (1957).<ref name="los"/><ref>Louella Parsons: Gail Russell, Restored To Health, Plans Film The Washington Post and Times Herald 23 Sep 1955: 46. </ref>

In April 1957 she was found unconscious on the floor at her home.<ref>Police Find Gail Russell Unconscious in Home
Los Angeles Times 21 Aug 1957: 12. </ref>

⚫
On July 5, 1957, she was photographed by a ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' photographer after she drove her convertible into the front of Jan's Coffee Shop at 8424 Beverly Boulevard, injuring a janitor. After failing a sobriety test, Russell was arrested and charged with [[driving under the influence]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2007/07/gail-russell.html|title=Gail Russell: In memoriam|last1=Coates|first1=Paul V.|last2=Harnisch |first2=Larry |date=2007-07-05|publisher=latimesblogs.latimes.com|accessdate=2009-04-06}}</ref> The janitor sued her for $75,000.<ref>Gail Russell Faces Court
Los Angeles Times 9 July 1957: 5. </ref> She failed to appear at a court appearance and was discovered at home passed out due to drinking.<ref>Gail Russell's Condition Good
Los Angeles Times 22 Aug 1957: B30. </ref> She was fined $420, given a 30 day suspended sentence and put on three years probation.<ref>Gail Russell Fined on Coast
New York Times 15 Mar 1958: 12. </ref>


She appeared in ''[[No Place to Land (film)|No Place to Land]]'' (1958) for Republic.
She appeared in ''[[No Place to Land (film)|No Place to Land]]'' (1958) for Republic.


She had roles in episodes of ''[[The Rebel (TV series)|The Rebel]]'' and ''[[Manhunt (1959 TV series)|Manhunt]]''. "I guess there are still a lot of doubts about me," she said in April 1960. "And this is one of the reasons why I want to get back to the business to prove to people I can do a picture. I'm stronger now. The future looks pretty good."<ref>Gail Russell Feels Fit for a Comeback
The Washington Post, Times Herald 10 Apr 1960: H5. </ref>

In November 1960 she was announced for a film with Mark Stevens and George Raft called ''Cause of Death''<ref>Harrison, Portman Up for 'Sherlock': Stevens Directs Gail Russell; Production in Spurt at 20th
Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]15 Nov 1960: B7.</ref> but it appears to have not been made. She was top billed in her last film, the low budget ''[[The Silent Call]]'' (1961).
==Death==
==Death==
She appeared in two more films after that but was not able to control her addiction, and on August 26, 1961, Russell was found dead in her apartment in [[Brentwood, Los Angeles]], California, at the age of 36.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2007/07/gail-russell.html |title=Gail Russell--in memoriam |date=5 July 2007 |access-date=12 January 2019 |newspaper=[[LA Times]]}}</ref> She died from liver damage attributed to "acute and chronic [[alcoholism]]" with stomach contents aspiration as an additional cause.<ref>{{cite book |title=Duke: The Life and Image of John Wayne |last=Davis |first=Ronald L |year=2001 |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |isbn=978-0-8061-3329-4 |page=137 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0wbaa9S53QC&pg=PA137&dq=Gail+Russell+died+alcohol#v=onepage&q=died&f=false |accessdate=July 26, 2010}}</ref> She was also found to have been suffering from [[malnutrition]] at the time of her death.<ref>{{cite book|last=Brettell|first=Andrew|author2=King, Noel |author3=Kennedy, Damien |author4= Imwold, Denise |others=Leonard, Warren Hsu; von Rohr, Heather|title=Cut!: Hollywood Murders, Accidents, and Other Tragedies|publisher=Barrons Educational Series|year=2005|pages=251|isbn=0-7641-5858-9}}</ref> She was buried in [[Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery]] in [[North Hollywood, Los Angeles|North Hollywood]].
Russell moved to a small house where she lived alone. She would periodically try to stop drinking then start again. On one occasion she was hospitalised. On August 26, 1961, Russell was found dead in her apartment in [[Brentwood, Los Angeles]], California, at the age of 36.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2007/07/gail-russell.html |title=Gail Russell--in memoriam |date=5 July 2007 |access-date=12 January 2019 |newspaper=[[LA Times]]}}</ref> She was found by two neighbours who were concerned they had not seen her for several days. An empty vodka bottle was by he side and the house was full of empty bottles.<ref name="los">Actress Gail Russell Found Dead at Home: Ex-Star's Death Laid to Natural Causes; Empty Liquor Bottle Found at Her Side GAIL RUSSELL
Los Angeles Times 28 Aug 1961: B1. </ref><ref>Actress Gail Russell, 36, Found Dead at Her Home
The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-28 Aug 1961: B2. </ref>
She died from liver damage attributed to "acute and chronic [[alcoholism]]" with stomach contents aspiration as an additional cause.<ref>{{cite book |title=Duke: The Life and Image of John Wayne |last=Davis |first=Ronald L |year=2001 |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |isbn=978-0-8061-3329-4 |page=137 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A0wbaa9S53QC&pg=PA137&dq=Gail+Russell+died+alcohol#v=onepage&q=died&f=false |accessdate=July 26, 2010}}</ref> She was also found to have been suffering from [[malnutrition]] at the time of her death.<ref>{{cite book|last=Brettell|first=Andrew|author2=King, Noel |author3=Kennedy, Damien |author4= Imwold, Denise |others=Leonard, Warren Hsu; von Rohr, Heather|title=Cut!: Hollywood Murders, Accidents, and Other Tragedies|publisher=Barrons Educational Series|year=2005|pages=251|isbn=0-7641-5858-9}}</ref> She was buried in [[Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery]] in [[North Hollywood, Los Angeles|North Hollywood]].


==Filmography==
==Filmography==

Revision as of 13:31, 10 April 2019

Gail Russell
Russell, 1946
Born
Betty Gale Russell[1]

(1924-09-21)September 21, 1924
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedAugust 26, 1961(1961-08-26) (aged 36)
Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of deathLiver damage resulting from alcoholism
Resting placeValhalla Memorial Park Cemetery
OccupationActress
Years active1943–1961
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1949; div. 1954)​

Gail Russell (born Elizabeth L. Russell, September 21, 1924 – August 26, 1961) was an American film and television actress.

Early years

She was born to George and Gladys (Barnet) Russell in Chicago, Illinois, and then moved to the Los Angeles, California, area when she was a teenager. Her father was initially a musician but later worked for Lockheed Corporation. Before she ventured into acting, she had planned to be a commercial artist.[2] Her beauty saw her dubbed "the Heddy Lamar of Santa Monica."[3]

Career

Russell's beauty brought her to the attention of Paramount Pictures in 1942, and she signed a long-term contract with that studio when she was 18.[4] Although she was almost clinically shy and had no acting experience, Paramount had great expectations for her and employed an acting coach to work with her.

She later said, "suddenly there was this terrific amount of work for myself and no time to myself. It was that way for ten years." [5]

At the age of 19 she made her film debut in the 1943 film Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour. She also had a small part in Lady in the Dark (1943) and was meant to play a role in Henry Aldrich Haunts a House when, in March 1943, she was cast in a key role in The Uninvited (1944) with Ray Milland. Joan Mortimer played her role in Henry Aldrich instead.[6]

Stardom

The Uninvited was directed by Lewis Allen and was a big success. A delighted Paramount announced Russell for Her Heart in her Throat and True to the the Navy with Eddie Bracken.[7]

Allen directed Russell in Our Hearts Were Young and Gay (1944), in which she co-starred with Diana Lynn. It was another success.

Russell co-starred opposite Alan Ladd in Salty O'Rourke (1945), a horse racing drama.[8]

Her Heart in Her Throat became the third film Russell made with Allen, The Unseen (1945), an unofficial follow up to The Uninvited. True to the Navy became Bring On the Girls; Russell did not appear in that film.

Then she and Lynn were in Our Hearts Were Growing Up (1946), a sequel to Our Hearts Were Young and Gay. [9] Paramount announced her as the female lead in The Virginian (1946) but she did not appear in the final movie.[10]

She was reunited with Ladd in Calcutta (1947), shot in 1945 but not released until two years later. She made a cameo as herself in two all-star Paramount films, Duffy's Tavern (1945) and Variety Girl (1947).

Loan Outs

With John Wayne (1947)

Russell was borrowed by Andrew Stone for The Bachelor's Daughters (1948) at United Artists.[11]

Republic Pictures borrowed her to be John Wayne's leading lady in a film Wayne was producing, Angel and the Badman (1948).[12] Also at Republic she did Moonrise (1948) for Frank Borzage.

Russell returned to Paramount for Night Has a Thousand Eyes (1948), directed by John Farrow, who had made Calcutta. She reteamed with Wayne for Wake of the Red Witch (1948) at Republic which was a hit.[13]

She appeared in a Western with John Payne for Pine-Thomas Productions, a production outfit who released through Paramount, El Paso (1949). Pine-Thomas normally made lowerer budgeted films but El Paso was made on a bigger scale.

Russell did Song of India (1949) for Columbia and The Great Dan Patch (1949) for United Artists.

Russell married actor Guy Madison on 1 August 1949.[14] They separated in less than six months[15] but later reunited.

She made some more Pine-Thomas films: Captain China (1950) with Payne, and The Lawless (1951) with Macdonald Carey directed by Joseph Losey.[16]

By 1950 it was well known that she had become a victim of alcoholism, and Paramount did not renew her contract. She had started drinking on the set of The Uninvited to ease her paralyzing stage fright and lack of confidence.[17]

She made Air Cadet (1951) for Universal then did not act for a number of years.

Legal Troubles

In 1953 John Wayne's then-wife claimed during her divorce proceedings that Wayne and Russell had spent the night together. Wayne and Russell denied this.[18]

In November 1953 she was held in jail overnight after being arrested for drunk driving.[19] The following month she and Madison separated permanently.

In January 1954, in a court in Santa Monica, California, Russell pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness, receiving a $150 fine. The fine was in lieu of a jail sentence, with the provision that she not use intoxicants or attend night spots for two years. In the same court session, she received a continuance on a charge of driving while drunk.[20]

A Democrat, she supported Adlai Stevenson in the 1952 presidential election[21].

She sued Madison for divorce in May 1954.[22] The divorce was finalised in October 1954. During the court proceedings Madison claimed that Russell would never do any housework and would not allow visitors or servants in the house.[23]

In October 1954 she was admitted to hospital in a coma after an attack of hepatitis.[24]

In February 1955 she hit another car containing a couple and their baby while driving. She was fined $50.[25] The couple later sued her for $30,000 and settled out of court.[26]

Comeback

Russell returned to work in a co-starring role with Randolph Scott in the western Seven Men from Now (1956), produced by her friend Wayne and directed by Budd Boetticher. The performance (and film) was acclaimed and it seemed Russell would make a combeack.[5]

It looked like Russell would follow it with Madame Courage directed by Budd Boetticher but that film was not made[27].

Instead Russell appeared in an episode of Studio 57 and had a substantial role in The Tattered Dress (1957).[28][29]

In April 1957 she was found unconscious on the floor at her home.[30]

On July 5, 1957, she was photographed by a Los Angeles Times photographer after she drove her convertible into the front of Jan's Coffee Shop at 8424 Beverly Boulevard, injuring a janitor. After failing a sobriety test, Russell was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.[31] The janitor sued her for $75,000.[32] She failed to appear at a court appearance and was discovered at home passed out due to drinking.[33] She was fined $420, given a 30 day suspended sentence and put on three years probation.[34]

She appeared in No Place to Land (1958) for Republic.

She had roles in episodes of The Rebel and Manhunt. "I guess there are still a lot of doubts about me," she said in April 1960. "And this is one of the reasons why I want to get back to the business to prove to people I can do a picture. I'm stronger now. The future looks pretty good."[35]

In November 1960 she was announced for a film with Mark Stevens and George Raft called Cause of Death[36] but it appears to have not been made. She was top billed in her last film, the low budget The Silent Call (1961).

Death

Russell moved to a small house where she lived alone. She would periodically try to stop drinking then start again. On one occasion she was hospitalised. On August 26, 1961, Russell was found dead in her apartment in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, at the age of 36.[37] She was found by two neighbours who were concerned they had not seen her for several days. An empty vodka bottle was by he side and the house was full of empty bottles.[28][38]

She died from liver damage attributed to "acute and chronic alcoholism" with stomach contents aspiration as an additional cause.[39] She was also found to have been suffering from malnutrition at the time of her death.[40] She was buried in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1943 Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour Virginia Lowry Alternative title: Henry Gets Glamour
1944 Lady in the Dark Barbara (at 17)
1944 The Uninvited Stella Meredith
1944 Our Hearts Were Young and Gay Cornelia Otis Skinner
1945 Salty O'Rourke Barbara Brooks
1945 The Unseen Elizabeth Howard
1946 Our Hearts Were Growing Up Cornelia Otis Skinner
1946 The Bachelor's Daughters Eileen Alternative title: Bachelor Girls
1947 Angel and the Badman Penelope Worth Alternative title: Angel and the Outlaw
1947 Calcutta Virginia Moore
1948 Moonrise Gilly Johnson
1948 Night Has a Thousand Eyes Jean Courtland
1948 Wake of the Red Witch Angelique Desaix
1949 Song of India Princess Tara
1949 El Paso Susan Jeffers
1949 The Great Dan Patch Cissy Lathrop Alternative title: Ride a Reckless Mile
1950 Captain China Kim Mitchell
1950 The Lawless Sunny Garcia Alternative title: The Dividing Line
1951 Air Cadet Janet Page Alternative title: Jet Men of the Air
1956 TV: Studio 57 Episode: "Time, Tide and a Woman"
1956 Seven Men from Now Annie Greer
1957 The Tattered Dress Carol Morrow
1958 No Place to Land Lynn Dillon Alternative title: Man Mad
1960 TV: The Rebel Cassandra Episode: "Noblesse Oblige"
1960 TV: Manhunt Mrs. Clarke Episode: "Matinee Mobster"
1961 The Silent Call Flore Brancato

Radio appearances

Year Program Episode/source
1946 This Is Hollywood The Bachelor's Daughters[41]

References

  1. ^ "Betty Gale Russell - Illinois, Cook County, Birth Certificates". FamilySearch. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
  2. ^ Johnson, Erskine (April 24, 1944). "Around Hollywood". Pampa Daily News. p. 2. Retrieved September 14, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  3. ^ Gail Russell Will Give All to Career Before Camera: Setbacks Fail to Halt Gifted Glamour Girl Gail Russell Goes All Out for Career Before Camera Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 31 Dec 1944: B1.
  4. ^ "Actress Gail Russell Loses Battle of the Bottle; Found Dead in Flat". Wisconsin, Madison. Wisconsin State Journal. August 28, 1961. p. 4. Retrieved January 14, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  5. ^ a b Faith Saved Me!: Ex-Chicagoan Gail Russell Was a Rising Hollywood Star When Trouble Came; Now She Knows What It Takes to Come Back Russell, Gail. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963); Chicago, Ill. [Chicago, Ill]29 Jan 1956: d22.
  6. ^ 'Virginian' Femme Lead Goes to Gail Russell: Columbia Slates 'Men of the Deep; Bruce Bennett Mentioned as Star Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 15 Apr 1944: 5.
  7. ^ DRAMA AND FILM: 'Pistol Packin' Mama' Rights Bring $250,000 Gail Russell's Screen Slate Includes 'True to the Navy' With Eddie Bracken Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 3 Sep 1943: 15.
  8. ^ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: Alan Ladd and Gail Russell to Co-Star -- Graetz Acquires 'Undercover,' English Film THE NEW YORK TIMES. 8 Feb 1944: 12.
  9. ^ SCREEN NEWS: Donlevy to Co-Star With Gail Russell, Diana Lynn Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. 8 Dec 1944: 26.
  10. ^ 'Virginian' Femme Lead Goes to Gail Russell: Columbia Slates 'Men of the Deep; Bruce Bennett Mentioned as Star Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 15 Apr 1944: 5.
  11. ^ 3 TOP ROLES CAST FOR STONE'S FILM: Gail Russell, Claire Trevor and Ann Dvorak Will Appear in 'The Bachelor's Daughter' Of Local Origin Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES 25 Jan 1946: 22.
  12. ^ Gail Russell Borrowed for 'Angel' Portrayal Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 11 Apr 1946: A2.
  13. ^ GAIL RUSSELL 'REDISCOVERED' AFTER ROLE TROUBLE RUMORS: 'Fate' Picks Roles for Gail Russell Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 30 Jan 1949: D1.
  14. ^ Gail Russell Married New York Times 2 Aug 1949: 16.
  15. ^ Gail Russell Separated The Washington Post (1923-1954); Washington, D.C. [Washington, D.C]13 Jan 1950: 4.
  16. ^ Gail Russell and Carey to Co-Star in Movie Chicago Daily Tribune 5 Mar 1950: F3.
  17. ^ Porter, Darwin (2005). Howard Hughes: Hell's Angel. Blood Moon Productions, Ltd. p. 618. ISBN 0-9748118-1-5.
  18. ^ GAIL RUSSELL, FILM ACTRESS, IS FOUND DEAD: Empty Bottles Litter Her Apartment Chicago Daily Tribune 28 Aug 1961: b2.
  19. ^ GAIL RUSSELL SPENDS NIGHT IN JAIL: Gail Russell Held on Drunk Driving Charge Los Angeles Times 25 Nov 1953: 1.
  20. ^ "Gail Russell Fined as Drunk, Weeps as Barfly Act Banned". Long Beach Independent. January 19, 1954. p. 16. Retrieved September 14, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  21. ^ Motion Picture and Television Magazine, November 1952, page 33, Ideal Publishers
  22. ^ Gail Russell Sues Guy Madison for Divorce Los Angeles Times 28 May 1954: 23.
  23. ^ DID ALL HOUSEWORK, HE SAYS: Actor Guy Madison and Gail Russell Divorced Los Angeles Times 7 Oct 1954: 4.
  24. ^ Gail Russell's Trial Delayed Los Angeles Times 8 Dec 1954: 25.
  25. ^ Gail Russell Fined $50 New York Times 23 Apr 1955: 22.
  26. ^ Gail Russell Settles $30,000 Damage Suit Los Angeles Times 28 Nov 1956: A12.
  27. ^ Drama: Gail Russell to Star as Pioneer Nurse; Brian Donlevy Shifts to Film Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 26 Oct 1955: B7.
  28. ^ a b Actress Gail Russell Found Dead at Home: Ex-Star's Death Laid to Natural Causes; Empty Liquor Bottle Found at Her Side GAIL RUSSELL Los Angeles Times 28 Aug 1961: B1.
  29. ^ Louella Parsons: Gail Russell, Restored To Health, Plans Film The Washington Post and Times Herald 23 Sep 1955: 46.
  30. ^ Police Find Gail Russell Unconscious in Home Los Angeles Times 21 Aug 1957: 12.
  31. ^ Coates, Paul V.; Harnisch, Larry (2007-07-05). "Gail Russell: In memoriam". latimesblogs.latimes.com. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
  32. ^ Gail Russell Faces Court Los Angeles Times 9 July 1957: 5.
  33. ^ Gail Russell's Condition Good Los Angeles Times 22 Aug 1957: B30.
  34. ^ Gail Russell Fined on Coast New York Times 15 Mar 1958: 12.
  35. ^ Gail Russell Feels Fit for a Comeback The Washington Post, Times Herald 10 Apr 1960: H5.
  36. ^ Harrison, Portman Up for 'Sherlock': Stevens Directs Gail Russell; Production in Spurt at 20th Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]15 Nov 1960: B7.
  37. ^ "Gail Russell--in memoriam". LA Times. 5 July 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  38. ^ Actress Gail Russell, 36, Found Dead at Her Home The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-28 Aug 1961: B2.
  39. ^ Davis, Ronald L (2001). Duke: The Life and Image of John Wayne. University of Oklahoma Press. p. 137. ISBN 978-0-8061-3329-4. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
  40. ^ Brettell, Andrew; King, Noel; Kennedy, Damien; Imwold, Denise (2005). Cut!: Hollywood Murders, Accidents, and Other Tragedies. Leonard, Warren Hsu; von Rohr, Heather. Barrons Educational Series. p. 251. ISBN 0-7641-5858-9.
  41. ^ "New Star". Harrisburg Telegraph. November 16, 1946. p. 17. Retrieved September 14, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon

External links

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