Click Image to Enlarge

LILLIAN RUSSELL(1861-1922).. American actress & light soprano became popular in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. She was one of the most famous actresses and singers of the late 19th century and early 20th century, known as much for her beauty as for her flamboyant life style, Russell first appeared on stage in the chorus of H.M.S. Pinafore in 1879.

Russell was married four times, but her longest relationship was with Diamond Jim Brady, who supported her extravagant lifestyle for four decades.

She was the foremost singer of operettas in America, performing continuously through the end of the nineteenth century. In 1899, she joined the Weber and Fields's Music Hall, where she starred for five years. After 1904, she began to have vocal difficulties and switched to dramatic roles. She later returned to musical roles in vaudeville,, finally retiring from performing around 1919. In later years, Russell wrote a newspaper column, advocated women's suffrage and was a popular lecturer.

Lillian Russell inscribed & signed 4.25" X 6. 50" Sepia Cabinet Card, copyright 1897 by J. Schloss, New York. At the age of 36, Russell was still a dynamic performer which her elegant costume exhibits. She inscribed her photo To Maggie Ripley Compliments of Lillian Russell in black pen. Schloss- 54 West 23d. St New York is printed centered on the verso of the card. It is in excellent condition for its age.