1 March 2011Last updated at 11:49

In pictures: Jane Russell

Russell started her working life as a model, which helped her family financially after her father died when she was a teenager.

She was discovered by billionaire Howard Hughes, who cast her in her first Hollywood film in 1943 - The Outlaw.

Russell is seen here on the set of Gentleman Prefer Blondes, in which she starred opposite Marilyn Monroe in 1953.

Russell was greeted by fans upon her arrival at the Royal Film Performance at the Empire Theatre in London's Square in November 1954. The movie being screened was Beau Brummell.

One of Russell's most memorable parts was in 1948's The Paleface opposite Bob Hope.

Russell took to the stage on her opening night at the Sands Hotel in October 1957 in Las Vegas.

The actress became known as the "brunette bombshell" and was a pin-up for millions in the 40s and 50s.

Most of the films produced by Hughes showcased Russell's voluptuous figure rather than her acting talent.

Russell married her third husband, estate agent John Peoples, in 1974.

Russell unveiled a US first class commemorative postage stamp of her former co-star Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood in 1995.

Russell lived up to her glamorous reputation in old age - this image shows her arriving at the 80th Academy Awards in Los Angeles three years ago.

Entertainment & Arts

In pictures: Jane Russell

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