The voluptuous star of the 1940s and 1950s was most famous for her roles in Howard Hughes’ The Outlaw and in the musical Gentleman Prefer Blondes alongside Marilyn Monroe.

Hollywood screen siren Jane Russell has died at the age of 89 of a respiratory related illness.

The voluptuous actress was discovered by eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, who cast her in his 1943 film The Outlaw, controversially using her 38-inch bust as a key tool in the film’s promotional campaign.

Russell went on to gain praise for her performance opposite Bob Hope in The Paleface in 1948, before starring in musical film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1953 alongside Marilyn Monroe and in the sequel Gentlemen Marry Brunettes two years later.

In 1955 she also starred in Foxfire with Jeff Chandler and alongside Clark Gable in the hit film The Tall Men.

She made only three films during the 60’s, including the biker movie Born Losers in 1967. Her final acting appearance was in Darker Than Amber in 1970. She went on to perform in the musical Company on Broadway.

Russell was married three times and adopted three children. She was actively involved in charity work and set up the World Adoption International Agency after struggling with the process herself. in 1989 she received the Women’s International Center Living Legacy Award.