Many little girls dream about playing a sophisticated leading lady on screen. But classic Hollywood actress Rosalind Russell wanted the opposite, and this look at her unusual life might just explain why.
1. She Started Young
Born in Connecticut in 1907, Rosalind Russell showed her love for making people laugh early. Maybe it had something to do with being the middle of seven kids, or maybe she just “never minded being a clown,” as she noted later in life. Either way, she always kept a couple tricks up her sleeve—something she proved to her parents pretty early in her career.
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
2. She Pulled A Fast One
After a pretty charmed childhood with her all-American family, Rosalind Russell headed off to for a higher education—but she was hiding a wild secret. Though Russell told her parents she was off to study education, she was actually going to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
So when she graduated from college and started pursuing acting, it came as quite a shock. But shocked or not, her parents couldn’t stop her.
ECO DEL CINEMA , Wikimedia Commons
3. She Wanted Her Own Way
Russell’s parents still tried to go against her, despite her new degree in the arts. She didn’t seem to care too much for their approval, though. She worked as a fashion model, then landed a few acting gigs on stage in Boston and New York. But when she realized she couldn’t get what she needed on the East Coast, she took off on a life-changing adventure.
http://www.rozrussell.com/gallery/craigs-wife7, Wikimedia Commons
4. She Went Hollywood
Rosalind Russell made the move to Los Angeles in the early 1930s. The lightning struck early, or at least, it seemed like it anyway. She signed a deal with Universal shortly after her arrival on the West Coast. By all means, it seemed like just the big break she needed. Unfortunately, she soon discovered it to be everything but.
Studio Publicity, Wikimedia Commons
5. They Didn’t Notice Her
From the moment Rosalind Russell stepped onto the lot at Universal, she knew something was desperately wrong. The crew basically ignored her. She took it personally, feeling her confidence start to drain right away. Furthermore, she seemed to second guess her choice, considering Universal’s reputation as an inferior studio. She needed to make a change, and she needed to do it asap.
Hildydildyjohnson, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
6. She Found A Lifeline
Just in time, Rosalind Russell met Benny Thau, vice-president of the much more reputable MGM Studios. She felt good business chemistry with him right away, but that didn’t make things simple. With her Universal contract, she couldn’t just jump ship and go tryout for a deal with MGM. Not without a little secrecy, that is.
Columbia Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
7. She Kept It On The Down Low
Rosalind Russell needed to get out of her contract with Universal—so she came up with a devious plan. She decided to test at MGM Studios in secret, despite her Universal contract. Directed by award winning director, Harold S Bucquet, she positively dazzled them in her session.
As a matter of fact, she said she “never acted so well in her life”. She got the offer. But her Universal contract still loomed in the background, threatening to hold her back.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
8. She Plotted
Technically, Rosalind Russell couldn’t get out of her contract without the studio’s permission. She needed to set up a meeting with the head of production, Carl Laemmle Jr, to convince Universal to release her. When she got wind that Laemmle felt particularly fond of beautiful women, she came up with the perfect plan—to be as ugly as possible.
A. L. Whitey Schafer, Wikimedia Commons
9. She Faked It
Rosalind Russell dressed herself as badly as she could, completing a frumpy look with messy mascara and runny lipstick. To make the look work, she slumped during the meeting, and used the most unappealing, nasal voice she could manage. When she told Laemmle she didn’t feel happy at Universal, he seemed more than happy to let her go—just what she wanted.
Bain News Service, Wikimedia Commons
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10. She Hit Her Stride
Rosalind Russell hit the ground running at MGM, debuting with a small role in the 1934 drama film, Evelyn Prentice. After that well received performance, the roles seemed to start rolling in. Even more than realizing her dreams of becoming an actress, though, Russell found herself enamored with the new Hollywood lifestyle—at first, anyway.
11. She Loved The Perks
Her newly minted status as a Hollywood actress opened up a whole new world to Russell. Later on in her career, she remembered feeling especially dazzled by the established starlets’ entourages in those early days. Perhaps she dreamed of a ridiculously large entourage of her own one day. That is, until one relationship changed her entire view.
12. She Made Famous Friends
Notably, Russell got close to another actress, Jean Harlow, during those years. Harlow already touted a reputation as a symbol of all things seductive, and often played the trademark “bad girl” in films. It worked well for her on screen, but real issues arose when all the bad girl behavior spilled over into her day-to-day life.
George Hurrell, Wikimedia Commons
13. It Caught Up With Her
According to Russell, Harlow didn’t experience much joy in her regular life. Harlow’s questionable relationship with her mother, paired with issues with drinking and the pressures of Hollywood, served to expose Russell to the dark reality of it all. And then things took an even more harrowing turn.
Russell lost a dear friend when Harlow tragically passed at just 26 years old. But luckily for Russell, she still had time to save her own future.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
14. It Wasn’t Good Enough
Rosalind Russell continued to find steady work in film, but by the mid-1930s, she felt dissatisfied with the roles productions offered to her. She played the same type of woman over and over again—a sophisticated, “impeccably dressed” lady, by her own account. That probably sounds like good, respectable film work. But Russell didn’t want to be good or respectable.
General Electric Theater, Wikimedia Commons
15. She Felt Small
Homogenous roles in films like West Point of the Air in 1935 and The Citadel in 1938 earned Rosalind Russell a solid reputation. But she felt they minimized her, confining her talent to far less than she felt herself capable of. She eventually took the issue to her associate, a director named Frank Lloyd. Unfortunately for her, he turned out to be no help at all.
MGM, West Point of the Air (1935)
16. She Got Caught Up
Lloyd went on to cast Russell in another film, Under Two Flags, in exactly the same type of sophisticated lady role as she’d played multiple times. Still, she refused to just go with the flow, even at the risk of losing her career. In the late 1930s, she finally got a chance at a very different type of role. It didn’t come easy, though.
Twentieth Century Productions, Under Two Flags (1936)
17. She Wouldn’t Stop
Russell’s big chance came in the form of the 1939 comedy, The Women. Russell set her sights on one of the comedic leading roles. But she was in for a serious ordeal. Over the whole course of the casting process, Russell tested for the role five times. She eventually landed the role, but it ended up being just the start of the fight.
18. She Lost Control
One scene in the film features a physical encounter between Russell’s character and that of superstar actress Paulette Goddard. Reportedly, Russell got so into character that she actually bit Goddard, leaving a scar. Luckily for her, Goddard didn’t take it too personally. But even that didn’t spell the end of her troubles on set.
Studio publicity still, Wikimedia Commons
19. She Wanted The Best
Another well-known actress at the time, Norma Shearer, held top billing on the film. After some discussion, though, she agreed to let one of the other stars share the billing with her. Once she heard that, Russell figured she’d receive the same permission from Shearer. But when Shearer actually refused, she took serious, drastic action.
Bain News Service, Wikimedia Commons
20. She Quit
Well, she didn’t technically quit. But she did refuse to come in to work. Russell insisted she was sick and refused to show up on set until Shearer finally gave in and decided to extend the top billing to her as well. It may have appeared to be a bit abrasive, but considering everything to follow, Russell made just the right move at just the right time.
Studio Publicity, Wikimedia Commons
21. She Got More Than She Bargained For
Not only did The Women become a hit, but it also created space for Rosalind Russell to become the actress she really wanted to be. It officially cemented her abilities as a comedic performer, and soon brought more dynamic roles her way. Interestingly enough, though, the film also brought on one life-changing relationship—and in a most unusual way.
22. She Like Her Privacy
Unlike many Hollywood starlets of her time, Russell mostly kept her romances far from the prying eyes of fans and paparazzi. So while she dated high profile men like actor Jimmy Stewart during her career, she managed to keep her personal life out of the limelight. Even so, her on-screen presence ultimately invited the greatest romance of her life.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wikimedia Commons
23. She Drove Him Nuts
It all started with The Women. During his travels from Europe to the US, talent manager Freddie Brisson found himself forced to watch (and possibly rewatch) the film for the entire trip. Apparently, it served as the only available entertainment. And it sparked something deep within him.
24. He Loved The Drama
Brisson watched as Rosalind Russell gave a hilarious performance as one of the more insufferable leading ladies. But perhaps that extra bit of sass intrigued him all the more. By the end of the trip, he made a disturbing declaration.
Brisson said he’d either “kill” or “marry” Rosalind Russell. And luckily for him, he already knew just the wingman to help him either way.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Wikimedia Commons
25. He Asked For The Hook Up
Upon getting to LA and settling in with his friend, actor Cary Grant, Brisson discovered a fortunate connection. At the time, Grant and Russell happened to be working together on another comedy, His Girl Friday. There’s some drama about that film too, but more on that later. Brisson asked for an introduction, and Grant delivered—kind of.
Columbia Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
26. She Played Hard To Get
Grant started out by bringing up Brisson to Russell every day. When he joined her on set for filming, he asked her, “Do you know Freddie Brisson?” She didn’t and responded accordingly, once even asking if a “Freddy Brisson '' was a sandwich.
Yeah—Grant’s attempts at being a wingman? A fail. Luckily for Brisson, she eventually got curious.
Columbia Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
27. She Noticed Him
One evening, Grant brought Bisson along on an outing planned with Russell. So the two finally met. After all that, they were in for a surprise. There were no fireworks, no chemistry, and no love at first sight—for Russell, at least. She enjoyed a great time with Grant, but recalls Brisson staying quiet most of the night. The next few months didn’t go much better.
Schuyler Crail, Wikimedia Commons
28. She Snubbed Him
Reportedly, Brisson pursued Russell for almost a year. He tried again and again to take her out on a date but she refused, sometimes pretending not to be home when he came to call. But persistence ultimately paid off. Feeling sorry for Brisson, she finally decided to go on a date with him. And the rest, became history. Eventually.
Studio Publicity, Wikimedia Commons
29. She Fell Hard
Russell discovered that she and Brisson got on like a house on fire. Her own more extroverted, comedic, and sassy personality seemed a perfect match for his kindness and warmth. So when he asked her to marry him, she gave a resounding yes. Even with that yes, though, she made one final run for it before the big day.
30. She Was A Runaway Bride
The marriage between Rosalind Russell and Freddie Brisson nearly ended before it started. On the big day, Brisson glanced out his window and saw Russell in her wedding dress taking off from the venue. He ran after her and convinced her to come back.
And while all's well that ends well, an extra sprinkle of drama started to seem to come with all Russell’s big wins.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wikimedia Commons
31. They Underestimated Her
After The Women, Russell landed another leading role in a comedy with His Girl Friday, the movie she co-starred in with Grant. Critics ultimately concluded she played the role to perfection, and the film went on to great success. However, Russell found out after the fact that the way she landed the role hadn’t exactly happened as she’d thought.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
32. She Was The Last Choice
While in transit to New York by train, Russell read an article in the paper that revealed an embarrassing truth. According to the report, the production team offered the role to six other more established actresses (including Katharine Hepburn) before finally landing on her. This likely stung, and perhaps even contributed to a shocking condition.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Wikimedia Commons
33. Things Fell Apart
Just a few years after the release of His Girl Friday, the walls started to close in around Rosalind Russell. While she continued to land film roles, she had problems in her personal life. On one end, she struggled with health problems that came fully to light later. And on the other end, two of her siblings passed within a short period of time. She just couldn’t take it.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
34. She Broke Down
By 1943, Russell felt she’d gone as far as she could. According to her husband’s report, she experienced a mental breakdown, which forced her to take a break from working. Luckily, her husband and family stayed close to her, helping nurse her back to mental stability. Perhaps one famous friend also played a vital role…
35. She Socialized With The Elite
Russell started spending time with certified superstar Frank Sinatra during the 1940s. He became good friends with both her and her husband, and they often spent time together at Sinatra’s home in Palm Springs. During one of these stays, Russell got up to the kind of tricks that confirmed she finally felt like herself again.
36. She Hit Him Where It Hurt
According to Russell, Sinatra had a way of micromanaging what happened during stays at his home. So she came up with a plan for an ingenious prank. Russell decided to plan a party at the house with her husband, and purposely not invite Sinatra.
They eventually let their shocked host in, to much laughter and merriment. But being Sinatra’s buddy didn’t always feel good.
37. They Used Her
Despite her own growing career, Sinatra still represented a class of celebrity and fame far beyond Russell’s. As such, she often found herself in situations where people tried to use her to get to the famous crooner. She didn’t seem to take it to heart though. And she didn’t let that keep her from making even more famous friends, either.
Brazilian National Archives, Wikimedia Commons
38. She Adored A Fashion Icon
As Russell’s career progressed, she finally landed the opportunity to brush shoulders with a woman she idolized—the fashionista, Coco Chanel. Russell adored her extravagance and drama, and even went on to secure the rights to her life to create a musical. Meanwhile, she continued to do her own thing in film, though not always to the praise she felt she deserved.
Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
39. She Thought She Was The Best
Russell played many memorable roles throughout the forties, including comedies like 1941’s The Feminine Touch and dramas like 1947’s Mourning Becomes Electra. She did so well in that last drama that the Academy nominated her for an Oscar in the Best Actress category in 1948. But that night, the award show took an unfortunate turn.
RKO, Mourning Becomes Electra (1947)
40. She Moved Too Fast
Before the announcer even finished naming the winner of the award, Rosalind Russell reportedly started getting up to make her way to the stage. So you can imagine her surprise (and embarrassment) when they called the name “Loretta Young” instead. Even with that blunder, though, she never laid down her own perception of who she was—even when people really wanted her to.
Studio Publicity, Wikimedia Commons
41. She Wouldn’t Budge
Russell continued to act throughout the 1950s, even making her way to the bright lights of Broadway with a role in Wonderful Town in 1953. But when her studio wanted to put her up for “Best Supporting Actress” for her role in Picnic in 1955, she staunchly refused.
She didn’t see herself as a supporting actress, and she made sure no one else could either.
Studio Publicity, Wikimedia Commons
42. She Switched It Up
While continuing to act, Rosalind Russell also racked up some credits as a writer. She wrote at least two screenplays under the pen name “CA McKnight”. And with their notable success, she further established her status as a true shining star of classic Hollywood. Before too long, everyone else began to recognize her shine as well.
Studio Publicity, Wikimedia Commons
43. They Loved Her
She missed the win in 1948, but Russell went on to win several awards over the course of her entire career. She racked up five Golden Globe awards and a Tony. Though she didn’t win the Academy Award in a traditional way, she ultimately got her Oscar trophy for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Audiences loved her—though they didn’t always agree with her.
Photo by Clarence bull, Wikimedia Commons
44. She Got Political
Russell considered herself a committed member of the Republican Party. Though it likely caused some division at the time, she publicly supported several Republican candidates for President, including Richard Nixon and Dwight Eisenhower. That ultimately didn’t get in the way of Russell’s success, but a much more serious issue tragically did.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
45. She Struggled
In the late 1950s, Russell began to struggle with declining health. Eventually, doctors diagnosed her with cancer. To try to keep the disease at bay, she underwent a mastectomy in 1960 and again in 1965. This seemed to solve the problem—at first, anyway. But she still felt unwell.
In 1969, more tests from doctors finally showed why.
46. She Suffered
Just four years after the second mastectomy, doctors diagnosed Russell with rheumatoid arthritis. She received treatment, but now in her later years, it's likely recovery became a bumpy journey. Perhaps the onslaught of diseases made Russell feel reflective, as she started to consider writing a book. Surprisingly though, one comment almost stopped it from happening.
Dell Publications, Wikimedia Commons
47. They Weren’t Interested
A talent agent expressly discouraged Russell from writing her memoir. According to the agent, Russell experienced a life of prosperity and luck—not something people wanted to read about. But just like with everything else people disagreed with her on, she did what she wanted to do anyway. She did it just in time, too.
Brazilian National Archives, Wikimedia Commons
48. She Couldn’t Beat It
Tragically, in the mid-1970s, doctors discovered that their mastectomies didn’t completely rid Russell of the cancer that had plagued her. She passed on November 26, 1976, leaving behind her husband and their son.
She finished editing her memoir just shortly before her death, and it came out about a year after. Her story lives on in other ways, too.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
49. They Didn’t Forget Her
If you ever decide to take a trip to LA, you can find Russell’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Vine Street. And if that isn’t enough, you can visit the Rosalind Russell Research Center for Arthritis built in her honor, or watch the documentary based on her life that came out in 2009. By now, only one question remains—how did she do it?
50. She Kept It Classy
With a good look at her life, it’s impossible not to recognize Russell’s unique mix of talent, exuberance, stubbornness, and confidence. But when asked why she thought she succeeded for so many years, she insisted that she did things differently. Namely, she refused to become the typical Hollywood actress praised primarily for her sensuality. Go figure!
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