Harold Russell

Date of Birth: January 14, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 29, 2002

Biography

Harold John Russell was a Canadian-American World War II veteran, actor, and advocate for veterans’ issues. Born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, Russell moved to the United States with his family in 1921. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served as an instructor in the paratroopers. Tragically, he lost both hands in an accidental explosion while handling TNT during a training exercise in 1944. Despite his injury, Russell’s life took a remarkable turn when he was offered a role in the 1946 film “The Best Years of Our Lives,” portraying a wounded veteran adjusting to civilian life. His performance was critically acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a special honorary Oscar for bringing hope and courage to fellow veterans. Russell remains the only actor to have won two Oscars for the same role. After his film career, Russell dedicated himself to advocating for disabled veterans, serving as the chairman of the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped from 1964 to 1988. He also authored two autobiographies, “Victory in My Hands” and “The Best Years of My Life,” detailing his experiences and struggles.

5 Interesting Facts about Harold Russell

1. Harold Russell lost both his hands in an accidental explosion during World War II.

2. He is the only actor to have won two Oscars for the same role.

3. Russell used prosthetic hooks for the rest of his life after his injury.

4. He was a dedicated advocate for veterans’ rights and employment for the handicapped.

5. Russell authored two autobiographies detailing his life and experiences.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold Russell

1. “I turned my misfortune into a challenge.”

2. “The best years of my life were the years I spent helping others.”

3. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”

4. “My hands were taken, but my spirit remains unbroken.”

5. “The measure of a man is not in his hands, but in his heart.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Harold Russell’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his acting career and advocacy work.

Children

Harold Russell had two children, Adele and Gerald, with his wife Rita Russell. He was a devoted family man, often speaking about the support and love he received from his family throughout his life.