Harold russell biography

Harold John Avery Russell[1][2] (Janu – Janu) was an American World War II veteran and actor. After losing his hands during his military service, Russell was cast in the epic drama film The Best Years of Our Lives (), which earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. A Cambridge, Massachusetts native, Russell was working on an army film in when an explosive he was holding detonated accidentally, injuring his hands so severely that they had to be amputated. Early years First steps Professional growth Public recognition Peak period Later years Public interest Professional activity Media attention
Harold Russell, who died Tuesday of a heart attack at 88, never was a professional actor. Yet he won not one but two Academy Awards for his performance in his first motion picture, "The Best.