50 Plus Hub
Engraved portrait of Rosalind Russell
Film & Screen · 1940s

Rosalind Russell

In memoriam 1907–1976

“The fast-talking, quick-witted star who made the career woman a leading lady.”

Catherine Rosalind RussellReal name
June 4, 1907, Waterbury, ConnecticutBorn
November 28, 1976, Beverly Hills, CaliforniaDied
Four Best Actress nominationsOscar nods
Tony Award for 'Wonderful Town' (1953)Stage honor
The Turning Point

In 1940, Rosalind Russell landed the role of fast-talking reporter Hildy Johnson in Howard Hawks' 'His Girl Friday,' opposite Cary Grant, proving she was one of Hollywood's sharpest comediennes. The success redefined her career from dramatic supporting parts to leading comic roles.

Rosalind Russell, 1950
Rosalind Russell, 1950

From Connecticut to MGM

Born Catherine Rosalind Russell in Waterbury in 1907, she trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She signed with MGM in the mid-1930s, initially cast in elegant dramatic roles.

Russell in the trailer for 'Gypsy' (1962)
Russell in the trailer for 'Gypsy' (1962)

Comedy Queen

Russell found her true calling in comedy, dazzling in 'The Women' and 'His Girl Friday.' Her quick wit and impeccable timing made her one of the era's premier comediennes, earning multiple Oscar nominations.

Stage Triumphs

She conquered Broadway with a Tony-winning turn in 'Wonderful Town' and her beloved 'Auntie Mame.' Russell later became a noted humanitarian before her death from breast cancer in 1976.

Career Timeline

  1. 1907Born in Waterbury, Connecticut
  2. 1934Begins her MGM film contract
  3. 1939Shines in the all-female cast of 'The Women'
  4. 1940Stars in 'His Girl Friday' with Cary Grant
  5. 1942First Oscar nomination for 'My Sister Eileen'
  6. 1953Wins Tony Award for 'Wonderful Town'
  7. 1956Triumphs on Broadway in 'Auntie Mame'
  8. 1958Reprises 'Auntie Mame' on film; Oscar nod
  9. 1962Plays Mama Rose in film 'Gypsy'
  10. 1972Receives Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
  11. 1976Dies of breast cancer in Beverly Hills

Biggest Hits

1939
The WomenAll-star comedy in a famed all-female cast
1940
His Girl FridayScrewball classic as ace reporter Hildy Johnson
1942
My Sister EileenComedy earning her first Oscar nomination
1958
Auntie MameHer signature role as the eccentric aunt
1962
GypsyPlays the formidable stage mother Mama Rose
1953
Wonderful TownBroadway musical that won her a Tony Award
Did You Know
  • She was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar four times but never won, though she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1972.
  • Her rapid-fire delivery in 'His Girl Friday' helped make it one of the fastest-talking comedies in Hollywood history.

The Moment You Remember

Many remember her swirling through Auntie Mame, the irrepressible aunt urging that life is a banquet, a performance brimming with the warmth and zest that defined her.

Portrait: Unknown author (studio portrait, c.1940) · Public domain (pre-1964, not renewed) · via Wikimedia Commons

← All star bios