Rene Russo's glamour and success would fool many into thinking that her life has been nothing but perfect, but Rene's early life was far from that. Born on February 17, 1954, in a low-income neighborhood in Burbank, California, Rene was raised by her single mother. Her starving artist father took off when Rene was only 2 years old, leaving his wife and two daughters to fend for themselves. article continued below.....

Already harboring feelings of loneliness, Rene's present insecurities grew when she was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 10. Not only did she have to wear a full-body cast during her developing years for her spinal condition, but she was also insecure about her awkward height. Her nickname, "the Jolly Green Giant," did not help her ever-present shyness.

A loner throughout her school years, Rene dropped out from Burroughs High School during the tenth grade. Not only was she a social outcast, but she also wanted to help her single mother who was already working two jobs to support her family. Wanting to alleviate her mother's financial burden, Rene's job at an eyeglass factory was one of the many full-time jobs she took on.

Her luck changed after she attended a Rolling Stones concert. When she was leaving the concert, talent scout John Crosby was mesmerized by Rene's beauty and wanted to meet with her to take snapshots. These pictures and her meeting with John Crosby is what turned the once awkward girl into a glamorous model.

Rene's modeling career began with a move to New York and a contract with the Ford Modeling Agency. Her first line of work was doing ads for Revlon cosmetics, during which she still remained insecure. Soon becoming a cover girl for fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, Rene was one of the top fashion models in the 1970's and early 80's. When she appeared on the cover of Vogue at the age of 19, Rene's estranged father even tried to come back into her life.

Her huge success prompted her to buy a house for her mother, in addition to one for herself. Having the intelligence to know that a modeling career does not last forever, Rene knew that she needed a career change when she found herself doing a shoot for a maternity catalog.

In the tradition of models turning into actresses, Rene decided to pursue an acting career after a lot of self-examination and becoming a devout Christian. She regained contact with her former manager John Crosby who helped launch her acting career. Her first role was a short time stint on the ABC series Sable. She moved to the big screen for the first time in the film Major League, as Tom Berenger's wife.

Roles as the wife of leading men quickly followed in films such as One Good Cop and Mr. Destiny. Her role in the 1992 film Freejack can be considered her life altering one, as it was where she met her future husband Danny Gilroy.

Then came the big budget films. Her role as the wise talking, kick boxing detective opposite Mel Gibson opened the doors to other big time roles with other big time actors. Roles in In the Line of Fire with Clint Eastwood, Outbreak with Dustin Hoffman, a comedic turn in Get Shorty with John Travolta, and Tin Cup with Kevin Costner soon filled up her resume.

After being reunited with Mel Gibson in Ransom and Lethal Weapon 4, Rene co-starred with Pierce Brosnan in the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. Rene then went on to film The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle with Robert De Niro. Next, Rene can be seen in Big Trouble, including co-stars, Tim Allen, Janeane Garofalo, and Sofia Vergara to name a few. She presently lives with her husband Danny Gilroy and their daughter, Rose, in Brentwood, California.

• Discovered at 16 after attending a Rolling Stones concert.
• Model.
• Her father, a mechanic, left the family when she was 2.
• Has seven siblings on her father's side. The late, one time auto mechanic turned sculptor, Nino Russo had at least six other children besides Rene, they are: Jim, January Debra, Toni Lynn, David, and Anthony John Russo.
• At 10 years old Rene developed curvature of the spine and had to wear a body cast for 4 years.
• She met her husband Dan Gilroy (I) while they were both working on the film Freejack (1992) - Gilroy as screenwriter had turned down an offer to rewrite it and Rene had turned down an offer to star in it - both changed their minds, met on the set, and were soon married.
• Is allergic to sesame.
• Went to high school with actor/director Ron Howard.
• Attended Burroughs High School.
• Her mother's name is Shirley.
• (August 1993) Daughter Rose born.