Rene Russo

February 17, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Rene Marie Russo was born on February 17, 1954, to parents Shirley and Nino Russo in Burbank, California. Russo did not have an easy youth, as her father left the family when she was just two years old, forcing her mother to be the sole provider for both her and her sister Toni. Russo decided to drop out of high school before completing her education so that she could help out the family financially. She started modeling in the 1970s and was discovered at a Rolling Stones concert in 1972. She rose quickly in the world of modeling, soon becoming one of the most renowned supermodels the world had ever seen!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Rene Marie Russo

Nickname:

Jolly Green Giant

Birth date:

February 17, 1954

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Aquarius

Height:

5' 8"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$40 million

Background

Rene Russo, who was born on February 17, 1954, is an American actress and model who has been seen in front of the camera since the 1970s. As a young girl, she did not have the easiest start in life. Her father moved out, leaving her mother as the sole provider of her two daughters. Russo decided to leave school in the tenth grade and chose to support her family financially. Although this was a tough decision, it helped the family to remain afloat. In 1972, Russo was discovered by Ford Modeling Agency at a Rolling Stones concert, and was signed on later that year!

The 1970s saw Russo rise in the world of modeling as she graced the covers of magazines like “Vogue” and “Cosmopolitan,” while also doing many different campaigns. She was mostly known for doing campaigns centered around makeup and cosmetics. After years in the modeling industry, she decided to bow out gracefully and retired, moving on to a new career in her early thirties. Since she had not completed her high school diploma, she decided to go to acting school. Her debut show was “Sable,” and while it, unfortunately, did not last long, it did get her name out there! In 1989, she got her first big-screen movie role in “Major League.” In 1992, she married screenwriter and movie director Dan Gilroy.

Over the next few years, Russo appeared in many blockbuster hits, performing alongside some of the world’s greatest actors, from Mel Gibson to Clint Eastwood. In 2005, she starred alongside Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey, in “Two for the Money,” which was a sports drama. What was unique about this film was that it was her first role as an executive producer for a movie. Russo continues to act today, and has made recent appearances in movies like “The Intern” and even Marvel’s “Thor”! She is an amazingly talented woman and her fans just love to see her grace the big screen. We are sure there is more coming from this star!

Career timeline

1972

She is Discovered

Russo is discovered at a Rolling Stones concert by an International Creative Management agent at Ford Modeling Agency, and she is signed to this agency.

1987

The Debut T.V. Role

Russo makes her T.V. debut in the American drama and mystery series “Sable.”

1989

The Movie Debut

She appears in her first big-screen movie role in “Major League.”

2005

The Executive Producer

Russo stars alongside Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey in the sports drama “Two for the Money” and is also an executive producer for the same movie.

Why We Love Rene Russo

She has strived and persevered
Not many people who have dropped out of high school to help support their family go on to become as successful as Russo. Despite the hardships she has faced, she has always worked hard and achieved the success she deserves.
She is open about her mental health
Mental health is a sensitive topic and many stars tend not to be too comfortable sharing about it. While Russo has struggled with bipolar disorder, she has been very open about it and often urges others to educate themselves about the issue.
She supports philanthropic causes
Russo started a charity called C.H.A.R.M., which helps to raise money for autistic children. She does not hesitate to use her wealth and influence for a noble cause.

5 Surprising Facts

Her back brace earned her a nickname
Diagnosed with scoliosis, Russo had to wear a back brace that made her appear even taller and led her classmates to call her by the name ‘Jolly Green Giant.’
She was nominated for the best kiss
Russo was nominated for the M.T.V. Movie and T.V. award for Best Kiss along with her “Lethal Weapon 3” co-star Mel Gibson in 1993.
She is allergic to sesame
There are some odd things to be allergic to, and Russo unfortunately is allergic to sesame!
She worked in an eyeglass factory
Russo worked multiple jobs in her teenage years, and one of those jobs was working in an eyeglass factory.
She loves a good documentary
Russo has revealed that during her hiatus from acting, she became obsessed with documentaries.