Born in Bemidji, Minnesota, on June 21, 1921, actress Jane Russell was the daughter of an Army lieutenant and a former actress. In the 1920s, Russell’s family moved to California. When Russell’s father passed away in 1937, she took a job as a receptionist to help support the family. By 1940, Russell began to take acting classes and was discovered by producer Howard Hughes, who signed her to a seven-year contract. Her first film was the notorious western The Outlaw, which became known for its then-shocking display of Russell’s charms rather than as a quality western film.

This Hollywood star was much more than just another sex symbol. She was the sassy brunette to Marilyn’s blonde bombshell, and went on to campaign for changes in US adoption laws. Born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell, she worked as a chiropodist’s receptionist and a photographic model before turning to acting, when her 38-inch bust came to the attention of Hollywood. The daughter of a former actress, she studied at Max Reinhardt’s Theatrical Workshop, under Maria Ouspenskaya.