Barbara Russell

Barbara Russell (June 16, 1933 - August 25, 2018) was an American film and television actress, theatre performer and singer. She was known for starring in a variety of films and television shows, the most notable being Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, appearing in over a dozen episodes. She was also known for her extensive work in the Pittsburgh theatre scene and for her decades-long partnership with Don Brockett as the comedy duo "Brockett and Barbara".

Early life Barbara Russell was born on June 16, 1933, in Black Lick, Pennsylvania. She had two sisters and three brothers and maintained close ties to her family growing up.

Career

Stage career in Pittsburgh Barbara Russell was a popular presence on Pittsburgh stages for six decades, beginning her theater career at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland. appearing in 14 episodes total through the series' airing. Her appearances in feature films reflected her occasional work in screen projects, often in small parts, alongside her primary focus on Pittsburgh stage performances.

Personal life and death Russell married her longtime partner, Edwin M. Grentz, and had two children as well as two grandchildren. Russell was remembered for nurturing lifelong friendships and infusing her relationships with warmth and laughter.

Discography

Swing with Me (1960, conducted by Don Costa) Golden Blues (1961) The Sounds From Jazzland At The New York World's Fair (1964, with the Al Beldini Trio) Swing with Me/Golden Blues (2015 compilation album) Mack the Knife/By Myself (with Mort Lindsey) Like the Honey for the Bee/Shake Hands with a Fool The Best Of Swing N' Jive: Bootin' Boogie Blues (compilation CD)

Filmography Television

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Mrs. Russellite, Barbara Boomerang, Barbara B. Frisbee, Posie Elephant, Mrs. Hilda Dingleborder Danger Bay - Marta Larsen Neon Rider - Mrs. Farrell Max Glick - Actress MacGyver - Nurse Krandall The New Steve Allen Show (1961) - Guest Springtime with Mr. Rogers (1979) - Self

Film

Day of the Dead - Featured zombie Silent Witness (TV movie) - Customer #1 That Secret Sunday (TV movie) - Eve The Kid Brother - Woman 1 Christmas Comes to Willow Creek (TV movie) - Edna Mae The First Season - Ruth Kelsey Narrow Margin - Nicholas' mother Money for Nothing - Female traveler That's Amore - Rosa Lombardi (posthumous release, final film role) Coming Clean (The Untold Story of Project Paper Moon) (2019) - Edith Golova (archive footage)