Legendary Hollywood actress Jane Russell has died at the age of 89, according to US reports. Her family have announced that she died of a respiratory-related illness Monday at her home in Santa Maria, California. In the 1940s and 1950s the voluptuous actress was known for her knockout curves. She showed them off to full effect in the 1953 hit movie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes that co-starred the late Marilyn Monroe. Russell's curves captivated men such as the eccentric tycoon, aviator and moviemaker, Howard Hughes. He directed the 1943 film The Outlaw, which featured lots of camera shots of her ample bosom. Born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell in June 1921 in Minnesota, the actress was married three times. In recent years fans could see the Hollywood legend singing at a hotel bar near her Santa Maria home. She was the Friday-night entertainment in a karaoke-style tribute to the '40s. Russell adopted three children who survive her along with her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
