Gail Russell

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A tribute to the hauntingly beautiful actress (1924-1961), who will be forever associated with the song Stella By Starlight, which was attributed to her character in and composed for the film "The Uninivited" (1944). She was very shy and suffered from great insecurities and stage fright, and this perhaps led to her dependency on alcohol, which got her in trouble with the law, interfered with her career and personal life and ultimately would be the cause of her untimely death. One of her most famous film roles was in "Angel And The Badman" (1947) produced and starring John Wayne. He was drawn to the fragile young actress and it has been speculated but never confirmed that they shared more than a friendship. Gail married actor Guy Madison in 1949, but they would divorce five years later. She took five years off from work in the 50s and when she returned to work she found herself playing minor roles, and her career was not given any assistance by her arrest and conviction for driving under the influence. This once strikingly lovely woman looked bloated and past her prime. Her last film was "The Silent Call" (1961). On August 27, 1961, she was found dead in her Hollywood apartment, the cause of her death determined to be an alcohol-induced heart attack. She was just 36 years old. I have always felt there was a sad vulnerability about her, and this personal quote has only confirmed that feeling for me. "Everything happened so fast. I was a sad character. I was sad because of myself. I didn't have any self-confidence. I didn't believe I had any talent. I didn't know how to have fun. I was afraid. I don't exactly know of what - of life, I guess."

Heartbreaking that this talented, attractive and bright young woman felt so unhappy and unfufilled in her life. I hope this montage will make her fans - old and new alike - smile. Enjoy!

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[Dayniac4324]

Beautiful tribute to such a lovely lady.

So sad she had such a troubled life.

The Uninvited has always been one of

my favorite movies. Great movie !

Thank you ... many stars for you !!

[4262009AP]

This is a very attractive tribute to Gail Russell. I especially like this version of "Stella by Starlight" by the late great Frank Sinatra. Very good work!

[nmvince42]

As a recoverng alcoholic, I have seen first hand what it does to people and to those who cannot get sober. The suggestion she take a drink to calm her stage fright was the start of a downward spiral into alcoholism. What a sad end for a talented, beautiful lady. And Stella by Starlight is a fitting songe for her. Rest in peace, Gail.

[snoops71]

Lovely song.. Equally lovely lady..

[lastrada52]

I agree, she probably was John Wayne's second most popular co-star, 2nd only to Maureen O'Hara. Rumor: Wayne's first wife fired a gun at him when she felt he was having an affair with Gail. She had incredible beauty and her voice added to her allure. "The Uninvited," with Ray Milland was one of her best. Great ghost story. She was also married to TV's Wild Bill Hickock -- Guy Madison. Her career should have been brighter considering the people she worked with.

[aynrandy1]

Wow, she's beautiful!

It's weird to read her saying that she didn't have any confidence, she's afraid,etc.

Usually good looking people have the world handed to them and they are usually a pain in the ass in one way or anther.

[rooseguitar64]

Her eyes are magnetic...what a soul she must have had

[edwardjames50]

@4262009AP ~ I adore the tragic Gail Russell, whose life is one of Hollywood's saddest stories, and every time i hear the beautiful "Stella by Starlight" I think of her.

[burtonrules123]

she was to, more beautiful then hedy lamar because she had a softness and a kindness to her that is simply lacking in nearly all actresses today or in the past 40 years.

[lukystar89]

So beautiful. so tragic, what eyes.!!!!!!! may she rest in peace

[joeparkson]

Next to Maureen OHara, she was my favorite John Wayne leading lady. Her delicate shyness was totally opposite from the fiesty strength of OHara, but she held her own with the Duke.

[2314575]

a heartfelt thank you,2314575