Appeared in over 60 WWII-era movies as various cadets and military rookie types, retiring in 1948 for a career in business and real estate in the Palm Springs area.
Developed the El Dorado Country Club in the mid-50s and was the chairman of the Palm Springs Golf Classic tournament (now called the Bob Hope Classic) there for numerous years.
He and wife Janie had two children: Joanie, who predeceased him, and Jeff.
Moved to California in the late 1920s and attended Hollywood High School, appearing on stage before moving into films.
Russell was awarded a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Palm Canyon Drive and was the recipient of the The Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.