June 11, 2001. Copyright, 2001, Graphic News. All rights reserved

JANE RUSSELL: FROM POUTING STARLET TO CHILDRENÕS CHAMPION
By Mark Samms

LONDON, June 11, Graphic News:  ITÕS possible that as Jane Russell approaches her 80th birthday on June 21, she looks at Liz Hurley and thinks: ÒThat was me more than 50 years ago.Ó

The similarities in the careers of the two women are striking. Both have talent that seems likely to remain largely unexploited, both have made big money from promoting famous products, both have been seen on the arms of famous men and both seem destined to be remembered more for their physical attributes than anything else.

This is unfair on both of them, but especially Russell. As a youngster, she worked hard at becoming an all-round entertainer, and may have succeeded at a certain level. Then one day, while she was employed as a dental receptionist, a gentleman called Howard Hughes called in for some treatment.

He signed her up to his production company, designed the famous bra in order to showcase what he considered to be her finest assets, featured her in his highly controversial movie ÒThe OutlawÓ and oversaw the creation of a famous poster which featured the pouting, seductive Russell lying in the hay.

A legend of sorts was born, and so was a professional image from which Russell tried in vain to distance herself. With a couple of exceptions, she went on to make a serious of indifferent movies over the next 30 years.

It is in a different sphere altogether that Jane Russell has left her mark on humanity. For more than 40 years she has been an indefatigable advocate for the rights of children, and having adopted three of her own she formed an organisation called WAIF that has overseen the adoptive placement of more than 38,000 youngsters.

In her pursuit of a fair deal for children Ð especially those who are older, handicapped or come from an ethnic minority Ð she has testified before Congress, and met with more than 150 Senators and Representatives, as well as President George Bush Sr.

She has campaigned ceaselessly throughout the United States in newspaper interviews and television talk shows. She has given of her time and her heart to fight for the rights of others, and has unashamedly used the fame she gained long ago to further a worthwhile cause.

Jane Russell may have felt professionally stunted, but there are 38,000 reasons why she can look back on her life with pride and a sense of achievement. Liz Hurley could hardly ask for a finer role model.
/ENDS

Sources: www.wic.org; www.us.imbd.com; www.eonline.com;
www.web.teleweb