Russell, Lillian (1861-1922), an American actress and singer, was the ideal of feminine beauty in the late 1800’s. She made her debut in 1879 in the chorus in H.M.S. Pinafore. She became famous in the 1880’s when she was billed at Tony Pastor’s Theatre in New York City as “the beautiful English ballad singer.” Her costumes, especially her hats, became the talk of the town. Beginning in 1899, she performed for five seasons with the musical comedy troupe of Weber and Fields.
Russell was born on Dec. 4, 1861, in Clinton, Iowa. Her real name was Helen Louise Leonard. Russell died on June 6, 1922.
