Jane Russell dies at 89

Jane Russell, a Hollywood actress who was among the biggest stars in the 1940s and 1950s, died on Monday at her home in Santa Maria, California. She was 89.

According to her daughter-in-law, Etta Waterfield, Russell died of a respiratory-related illness.

Russell was discovered by Howard Hughes in 1940 and was cast in the movie “The Outlaw.” Her motion picture debut was a success, so she went on to appear in more projects opposite much-sought-after actors like Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.

Actress & Pin-Up Jane Russell -- Dead at 89

Golden-age Hollywood actress and pin-up girl Jane Russell -- who starred in Howard Hughes' "The Outlaw" in 1943 -- has died.
Russell also played Calamity Jane in 1948 alongside Bob Hope in "The Paleface" -- and subsequently starred with Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 musical "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."

So far, no specific cause of death has been reported. Russell was 89.