Lillian Russell: Diamond Jim’s Gal

Who was the woman behind one of the most beautiful voices known to the early twentieth century? A look into her life and loves.

Helen Louise Leonard became Lillian Russell after she appeared in the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, H.M.S. Pinafore in 1879. Her beautiful soprano voice was perfect fare for their musical extravaganzas and she became immensely popular after appearing on Broadway at Tony Pastor's Theater. Her flamboyant life style disguised the fact that she was at her very core a complex woman; a patriot, a suffragette and a caring citizen of the world.

Her musical and stage career spanned more than twenty years and her popularity never dimmed. Despite this, she is perhaps best known for her forty years relationship with wealthy businessman, Diamond Jim Brady. Her affair with the rotund millionaire lasted longer than her four marriages, and he showered her with extravagant gifts of jewelry and other fine luxuries. They were often seen together, dining or cycling in Central Park during the cycling craze of the 1880s. Brady was so impressed with this new form of exercise and saw his love losing so much weight that he ordered a dozen gold-plated bikes made with diamond-encrusted handlebars for Lillian and his other friends.

Read the life story of this amazing female entertainer whose talent, style and stage presence made her a legend in the Gotham of her day.

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