Jane Russell

She went into the wedlock thrice. The first was with Bob Waterfield, Los Angeles Rams quarterback and a Pro Football Hall of Fame member. The two married in 1943 but separated in 1968. The duo had adopted a baby girl Tracy and two baby boys, Thomas and Robert John

She then married actor Roger Barrett in 1968. However, the marriage lasted only a few months as Barrett passed away in November 1968.

Next, she tied the knot with real-estate broker John Calvin Peoples in 1974 and they remained married until his death in 1999.

Jane Russell was born as Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell to Roy William Russell and Geraldine Jacobi. She was the eldest and the only daughter born to the couple who were blessed with four boys.

Her father served as the First Lieutenant in the US Army, while her mother was employed as an actress with a road troupe. Relieved from his duties, the family moved to Southern California where his father started working as an office manager.

Since an early age, she showed keenness for music and drama. She learned how to play the piano and took drama lessons. She also participated in the stage productions at the van Nuys High School.

While at school, she longed to become a designer but gave up on her ambition after the death of her father. Following her graduation, she started working as a receptionist.

Continuing working as a receptionist, she also modelled for photographers. It was her mother who urged her to study drama at the Max Reinhardt's Theatrical Workshop, under Maria Ouspenskaya.

Strangely, her big break came in the most bizarre of situations when she was picked by director Howard Hughes as the winner of the nationwide chest hunt for a figuratively suitable leading lady for his upcoming film. Subsequently, she signed a seven year contract with Hughes.

She made her debut in 1943 with the motion picture, ‘The Outlaw’ which was released to a limited audience. The film did much to showcase her voluptuous figure and deep cleavage that rubbed the censor board on the wrong side. Nevertheless, the film finally witnessed a wide release in 1946.

Right after her first film, she gained a national star status for her busty, full-figured and bodacious self. She gained much fame than her contemporaries who envied her voluptuous figure which was a treat to watch out for, for the men of that era.

Following the release of ‘The Outlaw’, she came up with her second movie, ‘Young Widow’ in which she played the role of Joan Kenwood. Since she was under seven year contract with Hughes, she was bound to appear in his films which only displayed her alluring physical self rather than her artistic talent.

Meanwhile, in addition to pursuing her acting career, she trailed her musical abilities as well and in 1947, launched her musical career by singing along with Kay Kyser Orchestra on radio. She even recorded two singles with his band, ‘As Long As I Live’ and ‘Boin-n-n-ng!’

In 1989 she was bestowed with the Women's International Center (WIC) Living Legacy Award.

She has had her hand and footprints immortalized at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6850 Hollywood Boulevard.

In 2009, she was voted one of the 40 Most Iconic Movie Goddesses of all time by Glamour (UK edition).