If he was out dining and got approached by someone asking for his signature, Russells usual response was to instead ask the person to join him at the table to have a conversation about life. NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961-1963, 1965). Have something to tell us about this article? Five times he was named the NBAs Most Valuable Player, and his 21,620 rebounds are second only to Chamberlains career mark. Selected by the St. Louis (now Atlanta) Hawks as a territorial draft choice in 1954. He defined the teams philosophy and its strategy. Russell took home one more championship before hanging up his sneakers for good in 1969. However, Russell was one of the huge earners in the NBA and didnt have to work part-time so as to maintain his standard of living as it was the case with other NBA players at the time. WebFamily Life. Rose Swisher and Bill Russell had three children, daughter Karen Russell and sons William Jr and Jacob. But I think this documentary will reset the clock on that and understand Bill from the other perspective, besides being a phenomenal basketball legend. Consultant, Boston Celtics (1999-present). 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. The cemetery is also the final resting place of martial arts action star Bruce Lee and his son Brandon Lee. Holds the NBA single-game record for most rebounds in a half (32) vs. Philadelphia on Nov. 16, 1957. Like, we certainly know, when it comes to Jackie Robinson, you know, the abuse that was directed at him. Russell used his popularity to fight for civil rights and help others who were in a similar situation. Its impossible to tell the story of the NBA without also telling the story of Bill Russell. He married Rose Swisher, his college sweetheart, in 1956. 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. Sam Pollard, thanks so much for talking with us. Your login session has expired. 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. He was 88. Russell was married three times. 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. And he lived in Reading, Mass. Bill Russell attended the University of San-Francisco and played on the school team presumably due to his height advantage. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. I mean, he had a major chip on his shoulder. You know, he didn't love the Boston fans. 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. In the 1958/59 season, the Celtics won the NBA championship with Russell making the most defensive impact in the team. Karen graduated from Harward Law School and has dissected high-profile trials and national political issues. In his 1st season, the Celtics failed to reach and win the NBA finals for the 1st time in 8 years. And so, to do this took thought, planning and discretion and intelligence. It was, however, a milestone made possible by Russells performance and larger significance. He most likely would have led the league in blocked shots many times, but the NBA had not yet started keeping track of the statistic. After losing manager Red Auerbach to retirement in the 1966/67 season, Russell picked up the managerial position as a player-coach. When he later became a standout college player at USF, Russell recalled how he and his few fellow black teammates were jeered by white students. Why this film and why now? You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune. WebBill Russell February 12, 1934 Russell was born on February 12, 1934, to Charles Russell and Katie Russell in West Monroe, Louisiana. Sam Pollard, thanks so much for talking with us. 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. Bills third wife was Marilyn Nault, whom he married in 1996. He was represented by Russell Spielman, Manager and Booking Agent, GSE Worldwide, Melville, Long Island, New York, United States. Even after he became a s A San Diego judge had a defendants 13-year-old daughter handcuffed. I mean, he had a lot of issues. Their marriage lasted until her death in 2009. Granted, it was in part because no one could deal with the moody Russell except Russell himself, but it still made him the first African American coach in NBA history, as well as the first to win a title when Boston took the 196768 championship. At the age of 9 he moved to Oakland. Russell used this mindset while on the court and in He brought a defensive style of play and led his side to the playoffs, the first in their franchise history. William Felton Russell was born Feb. 12, 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana. Bills third wife was Marilyn Nault, whom he married in 1996. 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. . He married again Dorothy Anstett (Miss USA 1968) in 1977. Bill Russell was born on February 12, 1934. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. While in Oakland he was very poor but became a MVP All-Star Game (1963) after 19 points and 24 rebounds. It would be a disservice an insult, really to look at Russell as only a basketball player, even as one of the greatest ever. The statement draws attention to his achievements and contributions outside the field over the years. He shared all three kids with his first wife Rose Swisher. Bill had attended the McClymonds High School, a public school in Oakland, California. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. 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 As the decade progressed, the Celtics continued to make history. (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. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage, NYC bike path killer doesnt testify in death penalty phase, San Diego lawyer sentenced to prison for stealing $5K worth of life insurance premium payments, Driver extricated from overturned car after crashing off I-5 in La Jolla, RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan denied parole by California board, 25 years to life in prison for nanny who fatally injured 4-week-old baby in her care, Imperial Beach school placed on lockdown after unsubstantiated threat of gun on campus. I had seen Bill Russell play. He won the NCAA in his finals and even earned recognition as a shot-blocker and defensive maestro. The family of Bill Russell announced that he passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. Thanks, mom. There were things you might take away from Bill Russell and say, wow, you know, for him to have - hold this grudge against Wilt Chamberlain for so many years. Is A Hot Dog A Sandwich? Over the next several decades he periodically came back to the game as a coach or as an executive, but his teams failed to win with the kind of regularity he enjoyed as a player. His family said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Russell's daughter, Karen, is a legal and political analyst, as well as a blogger. Off the court, he was a force in the fight for human Frustratingly, his sheer basketball excellence made his actions not only excusable for fans but tolerated in a way that bordered on dismissive. No one in the history of North American team sports won at a higher level than Bill Russell did as a member of the Boston Celtics, capturing 11 championships in his 13 seasons with the team. Also at the end of the game Wilt Chamberlain was taken out of the game by unpopular coach Butch van Breda Kolff. His family said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022. 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. He had made great strides within the game of basketball, but the restless, conscientious Russell felt that there were bigger battles to fight. His draft rights were traded by the Hawks to the Boston Celtics for Cliff Hagan and. The world has many of them. 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.. BroBible is the #1 place on the internet for the very best content from the worlds of sports, culture, gear, high tech, and more. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Bill Russell: Legend is a new two-part Netflix documentary that covers the Boston greats triumphs on the court, and activism off of it. His He endured insults and vandalism, but he kept on focusing on making the teammates who he loved better players, and made possible the success of so many who would follow, Obama said that day. The relationship was broken apart in controversy because of Anstetts color. {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. We don't remember a lot of the abuse that he had to put up with earlier in his career. You know, what - is there something in particular you're hoping people will draw from this film? The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. Russell was lightly recruited by colleges, but Hal DeJulio, a former player at the nearby University of San Francisco (USF), had seen him play and had an inkling as to his potential, so he recommended Russell to his old school. He led the Boston Celtics to an astounding 11 Championships from 1957 to 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. His family said on social media that Russell died on Sunday, July 31, 2022. MARTIN: Whew. Bill Russells family announced his demise through a statement on Sunday, July 31. Same thing happened during the seasons second road trip. And so she says are these the guys?. July 31, 2022 1:27pm. But as her wife was white they got divorced in 1980. Bill Russell is survived by three children: Jacob, William Russell Jr, and Karen. While studying at the McClymonds High School, he was introduced to basketball as he participated in the school team. It's no conversation. (SOUNDBITE OF DOCUMENTARY, "BILL RUSSELL: LEGEND"). Despite winning 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Celtics, Russell greatly disliked playing in Boston and was often the target of racism. NBA legend and Hall of Famer Bill Russell died Sunday at the age of 88. He missed out on the NBAs Rookie of the Year award, ostensibly because teammate Tom Heinsohn had played the entire season whereas Russell had missed time as a result of his participation in the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games (where he helped the U.S. mens basketball team win a gold medal). As at 2020, Bill Russell is married to Jeannine Russell and the couple appears frequently together on his Instagram. According to CBS Sports, he was a track star at his university. Once again, there was an element of chance involved: Auerbach had never seen Russell play and instead had to rely on the word of a trusted peer. Russell capped his amateur career by leading the U.S. mens basketball team to the gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. She detailed the racist vandalism the Russell familys Reading home faced once when they were out of town and listed the racist abuse Bill Russell endured from fans. At the international level, he had captained the United States to the Gold medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics. Have a good day. The oldest son of Bill Russell, William Felton Russell Jr, who was named after the 11-time NBA champion, unfortunately passed away in 2016. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. They were together from 1956 to 1973. The documentary features the last interview with Russell before his passing, as well as archived interviews throughout his life. He stood for what he believed, stood with who he believed in. At 18 he went to college, at San Francisco, where he won two NCAA Championships in 1955 and 1956. Russell, the greatest winner in the history of team sports, died Sunday at 88. To help solve the child care crisis, new legislation would cap families costs and pay providers more, San Diego police want to power up some Smart Streetlights; add license plate readers as crime-fighting tool, Proposed bills could lead to more people being forced into mental health treatment, Demand for freshmen admission at UC San Diego drops for first time in roughly 20 years, Should backcountry builders fund city sidewalks and bike lanes? Bill Russelll described the incident as one that changed my whole attitude sticking up for yourself. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. Russells impact was immediate. Game Seven in the Finals was one of the most legendary ever played in the history of American sports. The autograph-seekers almost always declined. Throughout his 13-year career, he enjoyed a successful spell with the Celtics. And now Netflix is out with a new documentary. Off the court, he was a force in the fight for human Take away all the on-court accomplishments, and Russell still lived a life. He is an American by nationality and has a belief in the Catholic Christian religion. Are you kidding? NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team (1970). 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. But if those souvenir hounds had taken Russell up on the chance to sit with him for a meal, they might have heard about his obsession with golf. [December 2003]. Bob Campbell/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images. Their marriage lasted until her death in 2009. 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. Bill was only nine years old at the time. Bill Russell, the great Boston Celtics center who died last summer at the age of 88, cuts a singular figure in the American sports firmament. 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). Libraries werent open to the Black community in Louisiana so Katie Russell made sure to take advantage of that benefit upon their relocation. Both Macauley and Hagan would eventually land in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, an indication of how highly Auerbach valued Russell. The statement draws attention to his achievements and contributions outside the field over the years. He was a marginal player until, while on a summer basketball tour he had been selected for as an afterthought, he realized that running and jumping could be used to mirror and counteract the flashy, creative scorers that routinely gave teams fits. Rather than play for somebody else, Russell took over as a player-coach, steering the team to titles in 1968 and 1969. But we learned that, you know, he had a very interesting life and complicated life off the court. Jon Jones Reacts To Islam Makhachev Declaring Himself The Best Fighter In The World, Shavkat Rakhmonov Reacts To ESPN/UFC Commentator Laura Sanko Thirsting Over Him In Viral Video, Jon Jones First Shirtless Pic At Heavyweight Before UFC 285 Goes Viral, Ja Morants Lawyer, Agent Threaten Legal Recourse For Defamatory Report From The Washington Post, Another Glitch In The Matrix Has Occurred As A Bird Is Filmed Motionless In Mid-Air, Bengals Exec Sends Harsh Wake-Up Call To Teams Sniffing Around Tee Higgins. Bill Russell, one of the greatest Boston Celtics and NBA players ever, died, his family said Sunday. The term Dynasty might have never applied to Basketball had it not been for Bill Russell. 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. But the way she took care of it was; okay, youre going to fight every 1 of them. Corrections? In 1956 Red Auerbachthe Celtics head coach and general managertargeted Russell in the NBA draft, seeing the solution to his teams shortcomings. Be the first one to comment on this story. And finally today, we know it's all about football today, it being Super Bowl Sunday and all, but we're going to talk basketball for a minute to hear about one of the icons of that sport - Bill Russell. In the long line of dominance the Boston Celtics would exercise over the NBA the most legendary years were in his final years. Declared Greatest Player in the History of the NBA by the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America (1980). In 1996 Russell married his third wife, Marilyn Nault. In 1964 they became the first team in the NBA to start an all-Black lineup. The 10 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bill-Russell, Academy of Achievement - Biography of Bill Russell, Bill Russell - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), The great Bill Russell remembered at NBA All-Star weekend. Cass Anderson is the Editor-in-Chief of BroBible. He could care less, you know, about being someone that 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 Russell married his first wife Rose in 1956, and the couple had their first child, William Jr., the year after. Rose Swisher died aged 78 on September 11, 2014. NBA Sacramento Kings, player/head coach (1987-1988). During his days playing in the NBA, brands were not accustomed to signing sponsorship and endorsement deals with players. Updated. For the first time in the Bill Russell- Wilt Chamberlain rivalry Chamberlain could not say he did not have the team to beat the Celtics, although many contend that the Celtics were evenly match if not inferior in talent to their many rivals. While in Oakland he was very poor but became a skillful basketball player. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. 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. This season every NBA team is wearing the No.6 on the front of their jerseys to honor the great mans legacy. This story was shared by Bill Russell and he discusses the first day of moving into new projects. Accuracy and availability may vary. William Felton Russell was born on the 12th February 1934 to Mr Charles Russell and Mrs Kutie Russell. So it was, like, an easy yes for me to say, I'd love to direct this film about Bill Russell. You'll get covered with chocolate. 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. Bill Russell Wiki/Biography. 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. She represented the USA atMiss Universe 1968in July, where she placed fourth runner-up. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. An explanation van Breda Kolff gave to Chamberlain was "we're doing fine without you." Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). moviemuskie@yahoo.com, Other Works Jacob H. Russell was born on July 6, 1959. Its impossible to tell the story of the NBA without also telling the story of Bill Russell. Write to him at treynolds(at)ap.org, More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports. He dealt with Boston bussing issues. In May 30, it was From his early childhood years, Williams Jr. was fascinated by trucks, and that is why he pursued his passion of being a driver. It wasnt long before the defensively adept Russell proved to be dominating presence, with a scorers touch and uncanny ability to rebound. But he was a very, you know, well-rounded human being who believed that it was not only a responsibility as a player, but the responsibility of an African American man. One of those that personally meant a lot to me was "Four Little Girls" about the 1963 Birmingham church bombings. 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. In the fall of 1952, he tried out as a walk-on at the University of San Francisco and earned a scholarship. Although possessing a perfect basketball height and huge hands to aid his efficiency, Bill Russell initially had struggles in understanding the game. 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. He was then married to Dorothy Anstett from 1977 to 1980 and Marilyn Nault from 1996 to 2009. Russel died on July 31, 2022. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. William Felton Russell was born Feb. 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, before his family moved west, settling in Oakland, California. She married BillRussell in 1977. It was a breakthrough that would change not only his life but, in the long term, basketball itself. If you have concerns about something that doesnt look right in this Bill Russell Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life, please dont hesitate to contact us. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: There was a full house in Kiel Auditorium on that night in December 1956. As head coach, compiled a 341-290 record (.540) in eight seasons. But they didn't love him. The family moved from Louisiana to Oakland during World War II due to employment opportunities for the blacks in the west at the time. Due to his height, the NCAA changed some rules that could foster the progress of Bill Russell and other NBA prospects with tall frames. Holds NBA Finals single-game record for most free throws attempted in one half (15, April 11, 1961) vs. St. Louis; most rebounds (40, March 29, 1960 vs. St. Louis and April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles); most rebounds by a rookie (32, April 13, 1967 vs. St. Louis); and most rebounds in a quarter (19, April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles). 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. The raccoons heard about that, Russell said. He would direct his blocks to a player releasing on a fast break or off the backboard to keep the ball in play. WebFamily Life. Dorothy Catherine Anstett was born on June 28, 1947, and was one of nine children of an aircraft plant worker. His family fell into poverty and they moved into housing projects and thats where this story picks up. 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. All-Star game ( 1963 ) after 19 points and 24 rebounds ),... Announced his demise through a statement on Sunday, July 31, 2022 the! A San Diego Union-Tribune opportunities for the blacks in the 1958/59 season, Russell picked the... But the way she took care of it was a breakthrough that would not! He had a very interesting life and complicated life off the backboard to the... 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