Russell, Rosalind (1912–76), actress. The tall, classy comedienne was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, then played in stock before making her New York debut in the 1930 edition of the Garrick Gaieties. Minor roles followed, after which she went to Hollywood, where she became a major film star. Russell returned to the stage in 1951 to tour as the love‐struck witch Gillian in Bell, Book and Candle. Her two major Broadway assignments were the caustic Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town (1953) and the wildly unconventional guardian of a young boy, the title role in Auntie Mame (1956).

The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. Copyright © 2004 by Oxford University Press, Inc. All rights reserved.