Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, Bing Russell always felt the acting gene inside of him. Before appearing in hundreds of films and shows, he first got his start by studying drama at his high school. Because he grew up near the New York Yankees' spring training camp in Florida, Russell would also frequent the training grounds and watch his favorite baseball players play. He graduated with a business degree from Dartmouth, and continued to play in professional minor league baseball in 1948.

A look inside Bing Russell's incredible career

Although his debut role was in the film Cavalry Patrol, Russell began his acting career in the miniseries, The Living Christ Series. He went on to act in smaller parts of television series, but often times was uncredited. It wasn't until 1959 that Russell received his role as "Deputy Clem Foster" in Bonanza. He starred in seasons 4-5, and then 7-14 of the long-lasting show.

Russell's career lasted over four decades 

Both during and after his fame from Bonanza, Russell continued to star in many Western productions, including The Magnificent Seven, Maverick, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, and The Big Valley. Aside from his television appearances, Russell also has an extensive filmography list! Pictured below, he starred in Stakeout! (1962) and even alongside his son, Kurt Russell, in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969).

In 1946, Russell married his wife Louise Julia Crone. The couple had four children together, one of course being Golden Globe Award-nominated actor Kurt Russell. Bing Russell passed away in 2003 due to cancer. His remarkable career is still widely known and respected today, both in the realm of baseball and acting. 

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