Rosalind Russell
Biography
Rosalind Russell (June 4, 1907 – November 28, 1976) was a celebrated American actress renowned for her work in both theater and film. She gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a witty newspaper reporter in Howard Hawks' classic screwball comedy, *His Girl Friday*, as well as for her iconic role as Mame Dennis in *Auntie Mame*. Over her illustrious career, Russell received five Golden Globe Awards, winning every nomination she received, and held a tie with Meryl Streep for the most wins until Streep secured a sixth award in 2007. In 1953, she was honored with a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical for her role as Ruth in the Broadway production of *Wonderful Town*, a musical adaptation of the film *My Sister Eileen*, in which she also starred.
Russell was particularly noted for her ability to embody elegant, strong-willed women, often portraying affluent, refined characters. Her career, which spanned from the 1930s through the 1970s, was distinguished by her choice of roles that emphasized sophistication rather than conventional beauty, which she credited for her enduring presence in Hollywood. Russell's legacy as a versatile actress remains influential, showcasing her talent across a variety of genres and formats.
Filmography
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Flight for Freedom
1943 • Tonie Carter
A Majority of One
1961 • Bertha Jacoby
Forsaking All Others
1934 • Eleanor
Roughly Speaking
1945 • Louise Randall Pierson
Auntie Mame
1958 • Mame Dennis
Picnic
1955 • Rosemary - The School Teacher
She Wouldn't Say Yes
1945 • Dr. Susan A. Lane
Gypsy
1962 • Rose Hovick
China Seas
1935 • Sybil Barclay
Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows
1968 • Mother Simplicia
The Trouble with Angels
1966 • Mother Superior
Four's a Crowd
1938 • Jean Christy
Tell It to the Judge
1949 • Marsha Meredith
My Sister Eileen
1942 • Ruth Sherwood
Under Two Flags
1936 • Lady Venetia Cunningham
The Velvet Touch
1948 • Valerie Stanton
They Met in Bombay
1941 • Anya Von Duren
Man-Proof
1938 • Elizabeth Kent
The Night Is Young
1935 • Countess Zarika Rafay
Sister Kenny
1946 • Elizabeth Kenny
Design for Scandal
1941 • Judge Cornelia C. Porter
The Feminine Touch
1941 • Julie Hathaway