Contents
Introduction
If you are a fan of Hollywood movies, you might have heard of Kurt Russell, the versatile actor who has starred in films like Escape from New York, The Thing, Tombstone, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. But did you know that he is not the only Russell in the show business? His father, Bing Russell, was also an actor and a baseball club owner who had a fascinating life and career. In this article, we will explore the relationship between Bing and Kurt Russell, and how they influenced each other’s passions and pursuits.
Bing Russell: The Actor and Baseball Lover
Bing Russell was born as Neil Oliver Russell on May 5, 1926, in Brattleboro, Vermont. He always wanted to become an actor and studied drama at Brattleboro High School. He also grew up around the New York Yankees’ spring training camp in St. Petersburg, Florida, where his father ran a floatplane service. As a result, he became an unofficial mascot of the Yankees and befriended players like Lefty Gomez and Joe DiMaggio. When Lou Gehrig was weakened by illness, he gave Bing the bat he used to hit his last home run before retiring.
Bing made his film debut in Cavalry Patrol in 1951, and had some uncredited roles in his early career. He was best known for playing Deputy Clem Foster on Bonanza and Robert in The Magnificent Seven. He also guest-starred in many TV shows, such as The Twilight Zone, The Munsters, Gunsmoke, The Fugitive, The Monkees, and Little House on the Prairie. He appeared in the original pilot for The Monkees TV series as Rudy, a record store owner and the group’s manager, but his character was dropped when the show was greenlit by NBC.
Bing also had a passion for baseball and owned the Portland Mavericks, the only independent team in their league, from 1973 to 1977. He kept more players on his team than he needed, because he thought they deserved to play for one last season. He believed in his players having fun and giving them a chance to prove themselves. Many players who were not good enough for other teams came to his June try-outs, which were open to anyone who showed up. His team’s story was documented in the 2014 film The Battered Bastards of Baseball.
Kurt Russell: The Child Star and Action Hero
Kurt Russell was born on March 17, 1951, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is the son of Bing and Louise Julia Russell, a dancer. He has three sisters: Jill, Jamie, and Jody. His family relocated to California when he was a child, and he grew up in Thousand Oaks. He played little league baseball throughout his grade school years and also on his high school baseball team as a second baseman.
Kurt made his film debut with an uncredited part in It Happened at the World’s Fair in 1963, playing a boy who kicked Elvis Presley in the leg. He also starred as Dexter Riley in several Disney films, such as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Now You See Him, Now You Don’t, and The Strongest Man in the World. He became the studio’s top star of the 1970s and voiced adult Copper in the animated film The Fox and the Hound.
Kurt also pursued a career in baseball and played for minor league teams like the Portland Mavericks. He hoped to play for the major leagues someday, but an injury ended his baseball dreams for good. He tore his rotator cuff while playing air hockey after a game and could no longer pitch.
Kurt then focused on his acting career and starred in many acclaimed films. He gave a memorable performance as Elvis Presley in John Carpenter’s TV movie Elvis in 1979 and married Season Hubley, who played Priscilla Presley in the film. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role. He also starred in several films directed by Carpenter, such as Escape from New York, The Thing, and Big Trouble in Little China. He played anti-heroes like Snake Plissken and Jack Burton who became cult icons.
Kurt also starred in other films like Silkwood (for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award), The Best of Times, Tequila Sunrise, Tango & Cash, Backdraft, Tombstone (as Wyatt Earp), Stargate (as Colonel Jack O’Neil), Miracle (as U.S. Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks), Death Proof (as Stuntman Mike), The Hateful Eight (as John Ruth), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (as Randy Miller), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (as Ego). He also appeared in the Fast & Furious franchise as Mr. Nobody and portrayed Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles films.
The Father-Son Bond
Bing and Kurt Russell had a close and supportive relationship. They shared a love for baseball and acting, and influenced each other’s careers. Bing encouraged Kurt to pursue his dreams and gave him advice on how to handle fame and success. Kurt admired his father’s work ethic and passion, and learned from his experiences. They also worked together on some projects, such as the TV movie The New Land, the film The Best of Times, and the documentary The Battered Bastards of Baseball.
Bing passed away on April 8, 2003, at the age of 76, from complications of cancer. Kurt was by his side during his final moments. He paid tribute to his father in an interview with GQ, saying, “He was my hero. He was a great dad. He was a great example of how to live your life.” He also said that he still feels his father’s presence and guidance in his life.
Bing and Kurt Russell were more than just father and son. They were friends, partners, and mentors who shared a bond that transcended their professions. They were both talented and successful actors who left their mark on Hollywood and beyond. They were also passionate and generous people who inspired others with their spirit and joy. They were truly a remarkable duo who will always be remembered and celebrated.
