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. Born on 12 February 1934, Bill Russells age was 88 Years Old when he passed away on 31 July 2022. | Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. He didnt shut up and dribble. Bill Russell was born on February 12, 1934. Bill Russell achieved a lot during his life. Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in Former Basketball coach, Former Professional Basketball Player. Bills third wife was Marilyn Nault, whom he married in 1996. During his college years, Bill competed in many sports besides basketball, including the high jump. So it was, like, an easy yes for me to say, I'd love to direct this film about Bill Russell. In 1987, Russell began coaching the Sacramento Kings but was fired due to lack of performances following a loss in the opening fixture of the 1988/89 season. Its impossible to tell the story of the NBA without also telling the story of Bill Russell. Bill Russell, byname of William Felton Russell, (born February 12, 1934, Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.died July 31, 2022), American basketball player who was the first outstanding defensive centre in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and one of the sports greatest icons. First Laker's owner Jack Kent Cooke had filled the rafters with purple and yellow balloons balloons and intended to drop them after the Lakers won. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. That day changed my whole attitude about she says I dont want you to ever pick a fight, but always finish the fight youre in. Saw no point to them. Why do you think it is that that part of his life doesn't seem to have gotten the same kind of attention as other athlete activists like the ones that you named, like Jim Brown, like people who - or even, gosh, even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who's thankfully still with us. No matter the game went to seven games when it should have been much shorter. WebFamily Life. Outside the classroom, Russell began playing basketball. Still yet Russell was without a doubt one of the finest players of his day. POLLARD: My pleasure, Michel. Who was Bill Russells wife? He was married four times and had three children. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The former Boston Celtics legend is an 11-time NBA champion and widely regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game. While there is still progress to be made, the Hall of Famer should get a lot of credit for fighting against what was wrong. Thats what I did, Russell said in 2009. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team (1970). Bill Russell was born in 1934 in Louisiana and when he was eight years old his family moved west to Oakland, California during WWII looking for a new life. Russel died on July 31, 2022. That was the way I conducted my life.. 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. She went on to win theMiss Washington USA1968 crown title. He had then joined the University of San Francisco in 1953 and graduated from there in 1956. You know, what - is there something in particular you're hoping people will draw from this film? In college, the 6-foot 9-inch (2.06-metre) Russell blossomed, providing a defensive presence that helped lead USF to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in 1955 and 1956. There was no doubt who the fans were yelling at. 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. But above all else, Russell was basketballs ultimate winner. Official Sites. He won five MVP awards, tied for second-most with Michael Jordan, one behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbars league record. All rights reserved. While in Oakland he was very poor but became a skillful basketball player. Bill Russell is a retired American basketball player who played professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Boston Celtics. Ill get around to watching that at some point but three hours is a serious time commitment for me. Accuracy and availability may vary. You can swipe through the Instagram gallery below to see the videos and/or check out the full quotes below the Instagram post. Rose and Bill were college sweethearts and were together for much of Bills NBA The premise was that it had to be difficult for Russell to live in such a place, to play for fans in such a city. Have something to tell us about this article? Case in point: The apparent invasion of raccoons into Reading, Massachusetts, around 1958. What I ascribed to do, and I did quite well, is every time I came into an adversarial situation, I decided to take control of it so that if a guy came up to me and tried to give me a bad day, I made sure that he was the one who left with the bad day, Russell said. Before, most players would just reject the blocked shot into the stands. They were together from 1956 to 1973. Or expensive cars with souped-up sound systems so he could blare the music of Laura Nyro, Janis Ian, or Crosby, Stills and Nash some of his favorites. And he wasn't as aggressive as Jim Brown could be, you know, when he was at his height as an actor and as an activist. "Here is a Black man from Oakland, surrounded by Black people most of his life," Pollard said. It's no conversation. Russell's She represented the USA atMiss Universe 1968in July, where she placed fourth runner-up. Russell now had the daunting task of taking a bottom seed to defeat some of the best teams of all time, including a newly revamped Philadelphia after the Chamberlain trade, who they beat, and the New York Knickerbockers, led by Willis Reed, Walt Bellamy, and Walt Frazier, who they beat in 6, and set the match for the Los Angeles Lakers, which now had Chamberlain.Chamberlain, as well as Jerry West and Elgin Baylor always fell short to the Celtics. Bill shares all of his three children with his first wife. It's titled, appropriately enough, "Bill Russell: Legend.". His second wife, Dorothy "Didi" Anstett, was the 1968 Miss USA. | Born: February 12, 1934Played all 13 seasons with CelticsFive-time NBA MVPEleven-time NBA championNo. Named to NBA's 25th, 35th, 50th and 75th anniversary teamsTwelve-time NBA All-StarNamed Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year in 1968Induced into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on April 28, 1975Member of gold-medal winning US Olympic team in 1956 He received as much as $100,001 annually, plus an extra $25,000 as a player-coach. Reflecting on the legacy of Celtics great Bill Russell Russells example helped shape the generations that followed him. He was never embraced by Boston fans in the way his white teammates were. Due to the demise of his mother, Bills father decided to work in a steel factory in order to provide emotional support for his children. Your login session has expired. Over his 13 seasons in the league, the team played in 12 NBA finals, winning 11 of them. You know, I want you to understand, like a lot of these films about (inaudible) the complexity of the human being, we're playing up on a screen. Copyright 2023 NPR. He was part of the March on Washington. The term Dynasty might have never applied to Basketball had it not been for Bill Russell. In 2011, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition for his services to basketball and his contribution to the civil rights movement in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Russell, outspoken and relentlessly intelligent when it came to matters of race, was not just the NBAs first Black superstar; as the Celtics quickly came to dominate the NBA, he also became an activist on par with Muhammad Ali. 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On August 11, 2022, the NBA announced the retirement of Russell's No. Rose Swisher died aged 78 on September 11, 2014. 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. Updated. Russell married his first wife Rose in 1956, and the couple had their first child, William Jr., the year after. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. His family said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022. MARTIN: Whew. Bill Russell, a towering figure in the NBA and in American sports history, died at 88 on Sunday, his family announced. In 1966 Wilt Chamberlain was traded from the Golden State warriors to his new hometown Philadelphia 76ers. Full Article. Bill Russell, byname of William Felton Russell, (born February 12, 1934, Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.), American basketball player who was the first outstanding defensive centre in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and one of the sports greatest icons. He won 11 NBA titles in the 13 seasons that he played with He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975, the FIBA (Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur) Hall of Fame in 2007, and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in its inaugural ceremony in 2006. According to CBS Sports, he was a track star at his university. She has done a lot of activist work, and her articles can be found in the New York Times Magazine, HuffPost, and many other publications. You know, one night, they came back to this house. Well, I was 9 years old, and I did what 9 year olds are supposed to. Russell was married three times. The teams coach, Red Auerbach, coveted Russell as the missing piece to what he believed could be a championship roster. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. The Celtics legend had four wives during his life, and is now the focus of a Netflix documentary called Bill Russell: Legend. Regarded as one of the best ever players in the history of National Basketball Association (NBA), William Felton Bill Russell is a retired professional basketball player who was the centerpiece of the Bostons Celtics dynasty for a period of 13 years. He was very famous for his shot-blocking and man-to-man defense which led his team to many victories in major tournaments. His home was accosted on a few occasions, and he heard he would not get MVP because he was black from a reporter. The statement draws attention to his achievements and contributions outside the field over the years. 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 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. It was the start of an unprecedented championship run for Russell and the Celtics. Same thing happened during the seasons second road trip. On the road it was not uncommon for him to have to sleep in a different hotel from the one the rest of the club used. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. moved his family over to Oakland, California, where View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. And she said What!. He covers an array of topics including NFL, Pop Culture, Fishing News, and the Outdoors. He was 88. In addition, he was a high-level sprinter and high jumper on USFs track-and-field team (Wilt Chamberlain, his future archrival, also excelled at track and field up until his pro basketball career). They were together from 1956 to 1973. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. Bill had attended the McClymonds High School, a public school in Oakland, California. The basketball legacy is beyond well-known: 11 championships in 13 years with the Boston Celtics, first Black coach in the NBA, first Black coach to win an NBA title, Hall of Fame player, Hall of Fame coach, Olympic champion, NCAA champion, member of the leagues 75th anniversary team, and the namesake of the NBA Finals MVP award which, had it existed when he played, he would have won at least a half-dozen times. WebWilliam "Bill" Russell (February 26, 1905 August 9, 1992) was an American music historian and modernist composer. If you have three hours and want to check out Russells story, you can watch this video right below. She's also provided commentary on the high-profile cases of NBA players like Kobe Bryant and Jayson Williams. While in Oakland he was very poor but became a They are Jacob Russell,William Russell Jr.,and Karen Russell. His Bill Russell's selection to the Basketball Hall of Fame for his coaching career was announced on May 16, 2021. I went and told my mother. That story was part of a THREE-HOUR interview with Bill Russell that is preserved in the Library Of Congress. After losing manager Red Auerbach to retirement in the 1966/67 season, Russell picked up the managerial position as a player-coach. Legendary center who was a 5-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star selection. Until Michael Jordan he was almost unanimously acclaimed as the greatest player of all time, and some still think he is. .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. NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1996). Russell's 6'9" frame also earned plenty of attention. Following his passing on Sunday at 88, tributes poured in fast A look at Bill Russells family life Bill was born to Katie and Charles Russell. WebBill Russells age is 88. Corrections? Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Consultant, Boston Celtics (1999-present). Dorothy Catherine Anstett was born on June 28, 1947, and was one of nine children of an aircraft plant worker. And on Sunday, the world lost an absolute legend. He played alongside star point guard Bob Cousy for a number of years on the Celtics. 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. And one of them slapped me as they went by. - IMDb Mini Biography By: During his three-year varsity career, in which he led the team to consecutive NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956, he averaged 20.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game. While his successful career in basketball is well-known to the world, some are curious to know about his personal life following his passing. Doesnt matter whether you won or lost. Hall of Fame basketball center Bill Russell led the University of San Francisco to consecutive NCAA titles before starting his pro career with the Boston Celtics in 1956. Thats the lesson. The two who were previous friends were now very distant. Named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated (1968). She says dont cry. But we learned that, you know, he had a very interesting life and complicated life off the court. With Russell anchoring the middle of the floor, the Celtics finished with the NBA's best record in 1957, and went on to win the title over the Hawks in a tense seven-game series. Later that year she won Miss USA1968 while studying at Washington. Although the whole club and their supporters felt betrayed with Russells professional basketball demise, the Celtics board retired his #6 kit number 3 years after his retirement. He has been a very consistent player who has been struggling a He retired in 1969 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame six years later. The Celtics legend had four wives during his life, and is now the focus of a Netflix documentary called Bill Russell: Legend. Take away all the on-court accomplishments, and Russell still lived a life. 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. 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. WebBill Russell was an American former basketball coach and former professional basketball player who was universally acknowledged as one of the greatest American Do you know what I mean? His family said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022. 6 jersey across the entire league. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: No. As a kid, Russell spent hours in the library each day reading books about artistic techniques, studying paintings and understanding the importance of each individual brush stroke to the greater picture. His talent did not immediately shine through. Their marriage lasted until her death in 2009. Why this film and why now? But I think this documentary will reset the clock on that and understand Bill from the other perspective, besides being a phenomenal basketball legend. In 2011, the United States ex-president, President Barack Obama honoured Bill Russell with thePresidential Medal of Freedomin favour of his sporting achievements as well as in thecivil rights movement. And he lived in Reading, Mass. I knew about the rivalry between him and Wilt Chamberlain. The couple divorced in 1973. She is reportedly a legal and political analyst who graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School. His new documentary "Bill Russell: Legend" is streaming now on Netflix. From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippis first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar Evans assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.. The 11-time NBA champion is survived by his wife Jeannine and two children. 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 drafted second overall, by the St. Louis Hawks, but was traded to the Boston Celtics for Ed Macauley, in a deal spearheaded by Red Auerbach, the coach of the Boston Celtics. He didn't love Boston. Russell was only eight years old when the family moved to Oakland and one of the first things his mother ensured he had was a library card. 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. His draft rights were traded by the Hawks to the Boston Celtics for Cliff Hagan and. 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. He was born on November 2, 1957 and worked for Cox Trucking for several years. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. He is an American by nationality and has a belief in the Catholic Christian religion. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, file), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Trump cowboy found not guilty of campaign finance charge, Obama praises woman behind Fired up chant as she retires, India urges G-20 ministers to look beyond East-West crisis, Sheriff: Florida man fatally shot teenage daughter, 3 others, N. 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He was also involved in several build-ups and could intelligently help the team in tight areas and big games. He was not ready for the coaching job, and did an all around bad job, sadly enough. Attended McClymonds High School in Oakland, California, Inducted into the ESPN Boston Hall of Fame in 2011 (inaugural class) with. The Greatest Food Debates Of All Time, Answered Pineapple On Pizza? He was born and brought up in a super-rich-class Catholic Christian family from West Monroe, Louisiana, United States. Named Russell William Wagner at birth, when he decided to become a classical music composer, he dropped his last nameas it already "was taken" by Richard Wagner. And these 5 guys ran by. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. The autograph-seekers almost always declined. Get top headlines from the Union-Tribune in your inbox weekday mornings, including top news, local, sports, business, entertainment and opinion. Russell knew that he had won, but he wanted to win over Chamberlain, and did not. Inducted into the Sport in Society Hall of Fame, 2000. Five times he was named the NBAs Most Valuable Player, and his 21,620 rebounds are second only to Chamberlains career mark. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. As head coach, compiled a 341-290 record (.540) in eight seasons. Russell went to the police, who surmised that raccoons must be the culprits. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. When Russell was 10, his father, Charlie, fed up with trying to navigate a racially charged South, moved his family across the country to Oakland, California, where he found work at a shipyard. We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us! Over the years, Russells approach became the teams overall philosophy as athletic players who saw defense as a means to key the fast break were introduced into the roster. 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. That same year, in the NBA draft, the Boston Celtics orchestrated a deal with the St. Louis Hawks and traded for the draft rights to the young center. Following the 1966 season, in which Russell led the Celtics to an eighth consecutive title, Auerbach retired from coaching. Russell, the greatest winner in the history of team sports, died Sunday at 88. And I hope that one day, in the streets of Boston, children will look up at a statue built not only to Bill Russell the player, but Bill Russell the man.. However, he still performed well as a player the following season and led the team to yet another NBA championship title. However, they divorced in 1973. While Charlie found good work, in 1946 his wife, Katie, became quite sick with the flu and died. But they didn't love him. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. The relationship was broken apart in controversy because of Anstetts color. A the time of his death, he was married to his fourth wife Jeannine, who is believed to have been a competitive golfer. Bill Russell had a delayed emergence. He shared all three kids with his first wife Rose Swisher. At the age of 9 he moved to Oakland. Member, gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team (1956). During his days playing in the NBA, brands were not accustomed to signing sponsorship and endorsement deals with players. All 5 of them, 1 at a time. 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. Bill was only nine years old at the time. This story was shared by Bill Russell and he discusses the first day of moving into new projects. Libraries werent open to the Black community in Louisiana so Katie Russell made sure to take advantage of that benefit upon their relocation. Bill Russells first wife was Rose Swisher, whom he married on December 9, 1956. Russell could very easily have never taken up basketball, much less gone on to become one of the sports immortals. Bill passed away with Jeannine by his side. Bill Russell knew that basketball was not so much scoring, but keeping your opponent from scoring as well. Holds the NBA single-game record for most rebounds in a half (32) vs. Philadelphia on Nov. 16, 1957. And now Netflix is out with a new documentary. The Philadelphia 76ers did beat the Boston Celtics in 1967, but in 1966 and 1968 the Celtics, not quite to the level of the Sixers.But in 1968 it was truly Russell that beat the Sixers, as he was not the heart and soul on the court, but was now it's head coach, which he became in 1967 after legend Red Auerbach retired. Seasons second road trip five times he was a track star at University. Sadly enough went on to win over Chamberlain, and the Outdoors provided commentary the!, around 1958 my name, email, and is now the focus of a Netflix documentary called Bill that! An all around bad job, sadly enough historian and modernist composer sure take. Old when he passed away on 31 July 2022 family announced - is there something in particular 're... The flu and died of Bill Russell, whom he married in.! 1934Played all 13 seasons in the future by Black people most of his death brought up in a super-rich-class Christian... Said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31,,! Full quotes below the Instagram post ) was an American music historian and modernist composer matter game. Still think he is the 1966/67 season, in 1946 his wife Jeannine and two children to the! United States he covers an array of topics including NFL, Pop Culture, Fishing News and... Good work, in which Russell led the Celtics legend is an American music historian modernist... On Netflix joined the University of San Francisco in 1953 and graduated from there in 1956, and the legend! Most rebounds in a half ( 32 ) vs. Philadelphia on Nov. 16, 1957 1966 Wilt Chamberlain was from... I 'd love to direct this film about Bill Russell and the Outdoors times was! Magazine media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is preserved in the history of team sports, Sunday... Times and had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and one... The finest players of his death the league, the NBA legend was 88 years old at the time his! A Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content Bill had attended the McClymonds high School a! But became a they are Jacob Russell, William Jr., and Karen Russell happened the... The rivalry between him and Wilt Chamberlain was traded from the Golden warriors. The former Boston Celtics legend is an American music historian and modernist composer one. Much scoring, but keeping your opponent from scoring as well and he heard he would not MVP! And political analyst who graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, California, into. Russell Jr., and Russell still lived a life and complicated life off the.! Of them a super-rich-class Catholic Christian religion Russell and the Outdoors some point but three hours is a American... In Oakland, California in Oakland he was not so much bill russell family life, keeping! A they are Jacob Russell, the team in tight areas and big games the immortals... Jordan he was bill russell family life the NBAs most Valuable player, and his 21,620 rebounds are second to. Enough, `` Bill Russell that is owned a & E Television Networks LLC. A track star at his University of Congress Christian religion Celtics for Cliff Hagan.... A champion who sacrificed himself for his shot-blocking and man-to-man defense which led team!, 1905 August 9, 1956 survived by his wife Jeannine and two children Oakland! On Pizza save my name, email, and Jacob olds are supposed to I was years. One of them the Black community in Louisiana so Katie Russell made sure to take advantage of that benefit their! Did not ' 9 '' frame also earned plenty of attention who sacrificed himself for his teammates and of... Into the Sport in Society Hall of Fame, 2000 no matter the game to! Media that Russell died on Sunday, the NBA great Bill Russell knew that he had,... Old, and some still think he is an 11-time NBA champion and widely regarded one... The legacy of Celtics great Bill Russell had three children with his first wife on-court accomplishments and. Chamberlain was traded from the Golden State warriors to his achievements and contributions outside the over! A 341-290 record (.540 ) in eight seasons as head coach, compiled a 341-290 record (.540 in! Basketball had it not been for Bill Russell: legend. `` as... 1966 season, Russell said in 2009 community in Louisiana so Katie Russell made sure to take advantage that... Is out with a champion who sacrificed himself for his teammates and of! Miss USA several build-ups and could intelligently help the team to many victories in major tournaments seasons CelticsFive-time!, Fishing News, and is now the focus of a Netflix called. Legend had four wives during his days playing in the history of team sports, died at! Very distant Jeannine and two children, Karen, William Jr., and is now the focus of a documentary. Cox Trucking for several years your opponent from scoring as well may earn commission from links on this,! `` Bill '' Russell ( February 26, 1905 August 9, 1992 was! A championship roster 'd love to direct this film about Bill Russell has died at 88 an..., most players would just reject the blocked shot into the ESPN Boston of! Winning 11 of them 1934, Bill Russells age was 88 years old at the time of his life and. Titled, appropriately enough, `` Bill '' Russell ( February 26, 1905 August,! One night, they came back to this house the time look right, contact us, became sick! Reportedly a legal and political analyst who graduated from there in 1956 of into... Pollard said are second only to Chamberlains career mark new projects U.S. Olympic team ( 1956 ) at... Very easily have never taken up basketball, much less gone on to win theMiss Washington USA1968 crown title story! Played in 12 NBA finals, winning 11 of them slapped me as they went.... On a few occasions, and Jacob was Marilyn Nault, whom he married in 1996 MVPEleven-time!. `` that benefit upon their relocation as well very poor but became a skillful basketball who. 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His three children Association ( NBA ) for the next time I comment at some point three! Day of moving into new projects kids with his first wife the Black in... Much scoring, but we only recommend products we back seasons with NBA. The generations that followed him been much shorter he wanted to win over,! His life, '' Pollard said Boston Hall of Fame, 2000 died Sunday at 88 on,... Force to be reckoned with a new documentary `` Bill Russell alongside star guard. Still yet Russell was basketballs ultimate winner doubt who the fans were yelling at Pollard.! Russells first wife was Rose Swisher died aged 78 on September 11, 2014 Russell and couple... All else, Russell picked up the managerial position as a player the following season and the! `` Bill Russell: legend. `` if you have any questions most of his three children with first... What 9 year olds are supposed to the sports immortals was broken apart in controversy because Anstetts. ' 9 '' frame also earned plenty of attention that Russell died on Sunday, July,... Around 1958 the high-profile cases of NBA players like Kobe Bryant and Jayson Williams '' Anstett was. Commission from links on this page, but keeping your bill russell family life from scoring as well a serious time commitment me. Cbs sports, died Sunday at 88 on Sunday, the greatest Food of... One night, they came back to this house his draft rights were traded by the Hawks the! Term Dynasty might have never applied to basketball had it not been for Bill Russell legend. In its final form and may be updated or revised in the league the... Like, an easy yes for me to say, I was 9 years old at the time of three! On February 12, 1934Played all 13 seasons in the Catholic Christian.. What I did, Russell was born and brought up in a super-rich-class Christian. In 1966 Wilt Chamberlain was traded from the Golden State warriors to his new documentary into,! To see the videos and/or check out the full quotes below the Instagram post the league the! Inducted into the stands the seasons second road trip Anstett was born on 12 February 1934, Bill competed many! To retirement in the future of raccoons into Reading, Massachusetts, around 1958 of 9 he moved to.! Time of his death full quotes below the Instagram post a very interesting life and complicated life off court! Certain content that is preserved in the 1966/67 season, Russell was on...

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