Rose Swisher, the first wife of NBA legend Bill Russell, had a life largely shrouded in obscurity until recently, when her story was featured in a Netflix documentary released on Feb. 8, 2023. Despite being married to one of the most renowned basketball players in history, Swisher maintained a low profile throughout her life. While much has been written about Russell’s successful basketball career, little is known about his personal life and especially about his wives, which the documentary briefly sheds light on.
Russell and Swisher were college sweethearts and exchanged their vows on December 9, 1956. The couple shared three children – sons Jacob and William Junior, and daughter Karen Russell. Although they shared many of Russell’s victories together, their happy days eventually came to an end, and they eventually divorced.
It is worth noting that while Russell had been married four times in his life, he only had children with Swisher. In total, he had three children – Karen, William Jr., and Jacob with her.
After her divorce from Russell in 1973, Swisher faded into obscurity and lived a secluded life. On September 11, 2014, she passed away at the age of 78. Despite her quiet life, the Netflix documentary brought Swisher’s story to the forefront, allowing her to be recognized for her role in the life of one of the most prominent sports figures in history.
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Rose Swisher’s daughter Karen Russell
Bill Russell and Rose Swisher have a daughter called Karen.
Karen Russell is a highly accomplished legal and political expert, celebrated for her astute analyses and insightful commentaries. Born on January 20, 1962, she has made significant strides in her career, having graduated from Harvard Law School and tackled prominent court cases and national political issues.
As a result of her expertise, Russell is a frequent guest on major media outlets, including CNN and MSNBC, where she has provided her perspective on high-profile legal battles involving NBA players, such as Kobe Bryant and Jayson Williams.
Aside from her legal work, Russell is an ardent activist, and her articles have been featured in reputable publications like the New York Times Magazine and HuffPost. Despite her numerous accomplishments, Russell continues to actively contribute to her field, demonstrating a strong commitment to making a positive difference through her work.
Rose Swisher’s eldest son – William Felton Russell Jr.
William Felton Russell Jr., the eldest son of the basketball icon Bill Russell, known affectionately as “Buddha,” passed away in 2016 after a brave battle with cancer. Born on November 2, 1957, William Jr. developed a love for trucks at a young age, and eventually pursued his passion by working as a driver for Cox Trucking. Despite his valiant efforts, William Jr. succumbed to his illness on January 25, 2016, passing away peacefully in his sleep.
Rose Swisher’s younger son – Jacob
Jacob H. Russell, the youngest son of the NBA legend, was born in 1959. Despite his famous parentage, Jacob has kept a low profile and there is limited information about him in the public domain. However, sources suggest that he currently resides in Washington State with his wife, Sara Marckx Russell.
Bill Russel’s wives apart froom Rose Swisher
Bill Russell, the legendary NBA player, has been married four times in his life. His first wife and college sweetheart, Rose Swisher, gave birth to all three of his children. They tied the knot in 1956 but parted ways in 1973.
Following his divorce from Swisher, Russell married Dorothy Anstett, who was a former beauty queen and the winner of Miss USA pageant in 1968. However, their marriage did not last long, and they separated in 1980.
Russell’s third marriage was with Marilyn Nault in 1996, and they remained together until her death in 2009.
At the time of his death, Russell was married to his fourth wife, Jeannine. Despite the ups and downs of his personal life, Russell’s remarkable basketball career and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time remain unmatched.
What makes Bill Russell so famous?
Bill Russell is a former American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was born on February 12, 1934, in West Monroe, Louisiana, and grew up in Oakland, California.
Russell played college basketball at the University of San Francisco, where he helped lead the team to two consecutive NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. He was then drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1956 and spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the team.
During his time with the Celtics, Russell won an astounding 11 NBA championships and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) five times. He was known for his dominant defensive skills, rebounding ability, and unselfish team play.
Off the court, Russell was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social justice, and he played an active role in the civil rights movement during the 1960s. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
In addition to his basketball career, Russell has also authored several books, including “Second Wind: The Memoirs of an Opinionated Man” and “Red and Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend.” He remains a beloved figure in the world of basketball and a trailblazer for civil rights and social justice.
Bill Russell – Net Worth and Earnings
During his illustrious NBA career, Bill Russell was not only a highly respected player but also one of the league’s top earners. In 1956, as a rookie, his contract was valued at $24,000, which was only slightly less than the top earner of his team, Bob Cousy, who made $25,000. Unlike many of his teammates, who had to work part-time during the off-season to maintain their living standards, Russell never had to worry about his finances.
In 1965, when Wilt Chamberlain became the first player to earn a $100,000 salary, Russell demanded a salary of $100,001 and got it. As a coach, the Celtics paid him an annual salary of $25,000 on top of his player salary, though it’s unclear if his $100,001 salary as a player was included in the calculation. Furthermore, Bristol Manufacturing Corporation designed a basketball shoe, called the Bill Russell Professional Basketball Shoe, in his honor in 1966.
On July 31, 2022, Bill Russell peacefully passed away at his home in Mercer Island, Washington, at the age of 88. His family announced his death on Twitter, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement describing Russell as “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”
