|
Harold Russell (1914 -2002)
Born in Canada, Harold Russell's family moved to
Massachusetts after the death of his father in 1919.
Harold Russell was training paratroopers in 1944,
whensome TNT exploded in his hands. He subsequently
lost both his hands and had to get hooks. So the army
had him make a training video, " Diary of a Sergeant".
William Wyler then saw this it and decided to cast
him in his film " The Best Year of Our Lives"
as Homer Parish, the double amputee.
Russell is the only actor to win two oscars for the
same role, one for the best supporting actor and a
special one for being an inspiration to his fellow
veterans. Since there are not many roles for double
amputees, Russell then went to Boston University and
got his degree in Business. Harold Russell became
an avid advocate for the disabled for the rest of
his life and severed three terms as the commander
of AMVETS. Harold Russell sold his Oscar in 1992 to
help pay his wifes medical bills.
Harold was married twice but never divorced and is
survived by his second wife and his children.
Harold Russell also appeared in INSIDE MOVES (1980).
|
