As at 2020, Bill Russell is married to Jeannine Russell and the couple appears frequently together on his Instagram. Dorothy Catherine Anstett was born on June 28, 1947, and was one of nine children of an aircraft plant worker. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Remembering Just Fontaine and His World Cup Record, The Man Behind the First All-Black Basketball Team, 8 Times Brothers Have Faced Off in a Championship, Every Black Quarterback to Play in the Super Bowl, Soccer Star Christian Atsu Survived an Earthquake. Bill Russell turns 88-years-old this February and has lived such an incredible life in the world of sports its almost hard to really wrap the brain around. But there was more to it than that: the white Heinsohn was simply a more attractive candidate for many voters. Sam Pollard, thanks so much for talking with us. As a child, he witnessed how his parents were victims of racial abuse, and the family eventually moved into government housing projects to escape the daily torrent of bigotry. He was a man who grew up in Monroe, La., moved to Oakland with his family when he was a young, young man in his pre-teens. Selected by the St. Louis (now Atlanta) Hawks as a territorial draft choice in 1954. Frustratingly, his sheer basketball excellence made his actions not only excusable for fans but tolerated in a way that bordered on dismissive. So why did you want to do this film and why now? MARTIN: Whew. And so she says are these the guys?. Russell did not create the first basketball dynasty, but to date, through Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, Bill Russell has one more championship than any other basketball player.Bill Russell was born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1934, to Katie and Charlie Louis Russell. Official Sites. Now the incident is under review. Like, how did he deal with all of that? I mean, we all know that when he became a Celtic, he became the lynchpin that began this dynasty of the Boston Celtics. Astrological Sign: Aquarius, Death Year: 2022, Death date: July 31, 2022, Article Title: Bill Russell Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/bill-russell, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: August 11, 2022, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. When Russell was eight years old, his father moved the family to Oakland, California, where the job prospects were better. She went on to win theMiss Washington USA1968 crown title. moviemuskie@yahoo.com, Other Works During his days playing in the NBA, brands were not accustomed to signing sponsorship and endorsement deals with players. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. Russell used his popularity to fight for civil rights and help others who were in a similar situation. The Celtics legend had four wives during his life, and is now the focus of a Netflix documentary called Bill Russell: Legend. You know, I think people remember that sort of ugly era in Boston's history, which went on for quite some time, like the racial tension in Boston. And, you know, for me as a filmmaker, that gave me an opportunity to dig into Bill Russell's life, which was much more complicated than most people know, and that he was not only a great player on the court, but he was a very important human and civil rights activist off the court, too. POLLARD: My pleasure, Michel. NBA legend and Hall of Famer Bill Russell died Sunday at the age of 88. Although Bill Russell played less than 50 games, due to the fact he has won a gold medal for basketball in the Olympics, in his first NBA season he definitely made his presence felt. Until Michael Jordan he was almost unanimously acclaimed as the greatest player of all time, and some still think he is. Due to his height, the NCAA changed some rules that could foster the progress of Bill Russell and other NBA prospects with tall frames. The Greatest Food Debates Of All Time, Answered Pineapple On Pizza? They are Jacob Russell,William Russell Jr.,and Karen Russell. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. Russell brought an aspect to basketball that had rarely been explored before: defense. Born on Feb. 12, 1934, William Felton Russell spent his earliest years in Monroe, Louisiana, before his family moved west during World War II, ultimately landing in Oakland, California. Bill Russells family announced his demise through a statement on Sunday, July 31. However, Russell fought a long and tough battle off the court as well. NBA legend Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88. Legendary center who was a 5-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star selection. Or the mating habits of bees, something he penned a column about once. So it was, like, an easy yes for me to say, I'd love to direct this film about Bill Russell. In 2010 Russell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the countrys highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama. Bill Russell has been married on 4 different occasions but had never kept a marriage for up to 2 decades, the longest being 17 years (19561973) to a lady called He is an American by nationality and has a belief in the Catholic Christian religion. She says dont cry. She's also provided commentary on the high-profile cases of NBA players like Kobe Bryant and Jayson Williams. Inducted into the Sport in Society Hall of Fame, 2000. He was part of the March on Washington. The series airs on Wednesday, February 8, and fans want to know more about his personal life. WebDON'T FORGET TO; SUBSCRIBE+LIKE+COMMENTBill Russell is an American retired professional basketball player, author, NBA legend, and a philanthropist. He had led the university team, the San Francisco Dons, to successive NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) championships in 1955 and 1956, a dream run that had included an astonishing streak of 55 wins in a row. And he learned basketball when he went to Oakland. His home was accosted on a few occasions, and he heard he would not get MVP because he was black from a reporter. Coon. The Celtics won a title in his rookie year, and he became the leagues first African American superstar, though not its first Black player (who was Earl Lloyd in 1956). Russell could very easily have never taken up basketball, much less gone on to become one of the sports immortals. Their marriage lasted until her death in 2009. At SportyTell.com, we strive for fairness and accuracy. Get top headlines from the Union-Tribune in your inbox weekday mornings, including top news, local, sports, business, entertainment and opinion. Still yet Russell was without a doubt one of the finest players of his day. Before his arrival, the Celtics had been a shot-happy, nearly out-of-control team, led by passing wizard Bob Cousy. The teams coach, Red Auerbach, coveted Russell as the missing piece to what he believed could be a championship roster. And there were things that you could take away and say that he was really wonderful and special. Russells Celtics ruled the roost at a time when the minuscule number of teams (the NBA consisted of eight or nine franchises for the majority of his career) made for a greatly condensed talent pool, and a combination of integration and improved scouting brought on an unprecedented rush of new stars. If you have three hours and want to check out Russells story, you can watch this video right below. As head coach, compiled a 341-290 record (.540) in eight seasons. Russell who began his professional career in the NBA in 1956 and ended it in 1969 with a total of eleven NBA championships won, is arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2013, Boston erected a significant statue of their legend, Bill Russell right outside the Boston City Hall Plaza. Updated. Before, most players would just reject the blocked shot into the stands. This was the first All-Star weekend since the death of 11-time champion, Hall of Fame player and Hall of Fame coach Bill Russell. Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness, and thoughtful change, it reads further. Despite winning 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Celtics, Russell greatly disliked playing in Boston and was often the target of racism. He shared all three kids with his first wife Rose Swisher. Russel died on July 31, 2022. According to CBS Sports, he was a track star at his university. He recorded a mean score of 20.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game. Russell anchored a Boston Celtics But we learned that, you know, he had a very interesting life and complicated life off the court. Yet in a sport that traditionally celebrates scoring and offensive heroics, Russell was an anomaly: a dominant player for whom making shots was truly secondary. We go back to our place and Im crying. He is a best-selling author and thirty years after he won he remained a recognizable face and a legend. There, his father initially worked as a truck driver and Bill Russell lost his mother at the age of 12. It was a breakthrough that would change not only his life but, in the long term, basketball itself. While studying at the McClymonds High School, he was introduced to basketball as he participated in the school team. Despite going through numerous struggles, he managed to stay strong and make the most out of the opportunity that was given to him. During his career, Russell supported the American civil rights movement, spoke out against the Vietnam War, and did much that, had it come from any lesser athlete, would have been cause for immediate controversy. I mean, he had a major chip on his shoulder. A the time of his death, he was married to his fourth wife Jeannine, who is believed to have been a competitive golfer. Bill Russel biography facts, childhood, net worth and personal life present a complete rundown of the profile, career and life from childhood to date, of the 12-time All-Star and 5-time NBA MVP. Being fearless on the basketball court was easy. With his first wife, Rose, to whom he was married for 17 years, he had three children: a daughter, Karen, and two sons, Buddha He was one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball and left behind an amazing legacy. Stand up for yourself. Bob Campbell/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images. I didnt know what she was going to do. WebBill Russell Legend on DVD - Both Episodes The life and career of Hall of Fame NBA player Bill Russell is celebrated in the documentary Bill Russel: Legend. On the court, Russell was a force to be reckoned with a champion who sacrificed himself for his teammates and love of basketball. Russell knew that he had won, but he wanted to win over Chamberlain, and did not. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Bill was born to Katie and Charles Russell. What matters is you stood up for yourself. Never Have I Ever: Season 3 | Official Trailer | Netflix, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d_N99x0gAAk/hqdefault.jpg. It's titled, appropriately enough, "Bill Russell: Legend.". After taking the first two at home the Lakers returned to the Boston Garden to lose the next two. Hailed as the greatest winner in sports, Basketball Hall of Fame center Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to an unprecedented 11 championships in 13 seasons. They were together from 1956 to 1973. The couple divorced in 1973. Russell was married three times. And on Sunday, the world lost an absolute legend. He received as much as $100,001 annually, plus an extra $25,000 as a player-coach. WebFamily Life. From his early childhood years, Williams Jr. was fascinated by trucks, and that is why he pursued his passion of being a driver. POLLARD: Yeah, because I think most people see him just as a great sports figure, a legend on the basketball court, and really didn't really dig into how complex his life was off the court. The cemetery is also the final resting place of martial arts action star Bruce Lee and his son Brandon Lee. He has been a very consistent player who has been struggling a Never turned the trash cans over again.. The family of Bill Russell announced that he passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. Sam Pollard, thanks so much for talking with us. Over the course of his 13-year NBA career, Russell steered the club to 11 titles. Russell was the first player to win an Olympic Gold Medal, an NBA Championship, and a collegiate championship. Holds NBA Finals record for highest rebound per game average (29.5 rpg, 1959) and by a rookie (22.9 rpg, 1957). Reflecting on the legacy of Celtics great Bill Russell Russells example helped shape the generations that followed him. He was represented by Russell Spielman, Manager and Booking Agent, GSE Worldwide, Melville, Long Island, New York, United States. MARTIN: I have to tell you, you've done so many things - produced and directed and edited award-winning feature films and documentaries. He could care less, you know, about being someone that Updates? He played alongside star point guard Bob Cousy for a number of years on the Celtics. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. I say yes maam. Bill passed away with Jeannine by his side. Anstett competed in theMiss Washingtonpageant in 1967, finishing in second place. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. Russell immediately made an impact by improving the Celtics defence with his shot-blocking talent. Shedding light on his life achievements outside basketball, the statement read: But for all the winning, Bills understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life. Russell's life was marked by an uphill battle against racism and controversial actions and statements in response to racism. Bill Russells first wife was Rose Swisher, whom he married on December 9, 1956. William Felton Russell was born on the 12th February 1934 to Mr Charles Russell and Mrs Kutie Russell. Moreover, the Celtics needed to move up in the draft order to pick him; with Russell coming off two straight NCAA titles, some team was bound to take the plunge. A post shared by ProCity Hoops (@procityhoops). WebAbout Bill Russell Composer William "Bill" Russell (February 26, 1905 August 9, 1992) was an American music historian and modernist composer. This story was shared by Bill Russell and he discusses the first day of moving into new projects. When we first moved to the projects, my mother was getting everything together. Bill Russell achieved a lot during his life. Who was Bill Russells wife? UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: There was a full house in Kiel Auditorium on that night in December 1956. His calling card was defense, rebounding, andabove all elseshot blocking, which he transformed into a fluid athletic art in the same way that some of his contemporaries had altered the perception of what was possible on offense. moved his family over to Oakland, California, where In California, life for the Russell family proved rocky. In 1966 Wilt Chamberlain was traded from the Golden State warriors to his new hometown Philadelphia 76ers. Bill Russell Wiki/Biography. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). WebBill Russells age is 88. The youngest son of the NBA legend hasn't led a very public life, which is why there isn't much information about him. It's not rare for our writers and team members to collaborate and work together to create the articles you read on the site. Beloved NBA legend Bill Russell has died at the age of 88, his family announced in a statement Sunday. That was the way I conducted my life.. He was then married to Dorothy Anstett from 1977 to 1980 and Marilyn Nault It wasnt who I was.. The Celtics went on to win 8 more back-to-back NBA championships winning five against the Lakers in the finals to set up one of the biggest rivalries in the NBA. He was in the audience when King delivered the I Have A Dream speech in Washington in 1963. Russell died Sunday at the age of 88, with his wife, Jeannine, at his side, his family said in a statement posted on social media. Throughout his 13-year career, he enjoyed a successful spell with the Celtics. He won the NCAA in his finals and even earned recognition as a shot-blocker and defensive maestro. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. In 2009, the NBA changed the name of the finals MVP from NBA finals MVP award to Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. The victory got Russell his 10th NBA Championship title in 12 career years and the Sports Illustrateds Sportsman of the Year Award. While there is still progress to be made, the Hall of Famer should get a lot of credit for fighting against what was wrong. Bill Russell's selection to the Basketball Hall of Fame for his coaching career was announced on May 16, 2021. He was married four times and had three children. Russell, while no behemoth, was tall enough to make his high school team on height alone. By an uphill battle against racism and controversial actions and statements in response to racism without. 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