Anne Russell, one of the first actresses to star in classic musicals such as Hello, Dolly! and Mame, has passed away at the age of 103. The beloved actress died on Tuesday at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, according to her friend Ted Seifman.
Background
Born on March 22, 1923, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Russell began her show business career singing with local bands. She moved to New York and became the featured vocalist for the Les Brown and Jerry Wald orchestras while developing a nightclub act that included comic impressions. Ed Sullivan gave her a rave in his newspaper column, and she would appear twice on his CBS variety program.
Russell’s early career also included a stint as the featured vocalist for the Les Brown and Jerry Wald orchestras, as well as a nightclub act that showcased her comedic impressions. Her talent and charisma caught the attention of many, including the legendary Ed Sullivan, who praised her in his newspaper column.
A Legacy in Classic Musicals
Russell’s Broadway debut in 1965 in Kander & Ebb’s Flora, the Red Menace, directed by George Abbott and starring Liza Minnelli, marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career. She went on to star in Hello, Dolly! and Mame, and her impressive resume includes a national tour in 1965, followed by summer engagements, bus & truck tours, and stops in Las Vegas, playhouses, and dinner theaters.
Her time in Hello, Dolly! was particularly notable, as she became the standby for Mary Martin and later toured with the production, standing by for Betty Grable and Ginger Rogers as it played across the country and in Tokyo, Vietnam, and South Korea. Russell’s experience and talent made her a valuable asset to the production, and she continued to work on the show for many years.
A Life of Performance and Adventure
Russell’s life was not just about her career, however. She was a woman of many passions and interests, and she continued to perform and explore new experiences well into her later years. At the age of 88, she learned to skydive, and at 90, she took to zip-lining for the first time.
In addition to her many performances, Russell was also a dedicated member of the Edwin Forrest Society, which made provisions to donate a portion of her estate to the Entertainment Community Fund, formerly known as The Actors Fund. Her commitment to giving back to her community and supporting her fellow performers is a testament to her kind and generous spirit.
What Happens Next
As news of Russell’s passing spreads, her fans and fellow performers are taking to social media to pay tribute to her remarkable life and career. Donations in her memory can be made to the Actors Fund Home, a charity close to her heart.
The legacy of Anne Russell will live on through her many performances and the countless lives she touched throughout her career. As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of this beloved actress, it is clear that her impact will be felt for years to come.
Source: Hollywood Reporter