Books and Manuscripts

[Reagan, Ronald, and Richard Nixon]
Group of Condolence Letters for Rosalind Russell from U.S. Presidents, and Others
Locations vary, 1976. Comprising six autograph and/or typed letters, signed, from Ronald Reagan (autograph letter, signed), Richard Nixon (autograph letter, signed, with mailing envelope), Mamie Eisenhower (two autograph letters, one being a Christmas card), Edward Kennedy (typed letter, signed, with his autograph postscript, with mailing envelope), Rose Kennedy (Edward's mother, typed letter, signed); includes one two-page Western Union telegram from Henry Kissinger, as well as one printed card from Russell's funeral service. Condition varies, generally fine. Lot includes Russell's personal zinc printing block of her signature as well a large group of her personal stationery, etc. (includes 14 photographs, one calling card, 42 pieces of stationery, most signed, and one typed letter signed, dated 1957).

A collection of sympathy cards from United States Presidents and notable American political figures, addressed to Frederick Bisson, husband of the stage and screen actress Rosalind Russell, sent upon news of her death, in 1976. In an autograph letter, Richard Nixon writes that Russell's “incomparable talent, spirit, & greatness as an actress will be praised by all who were privileged to see her on stage, screen or T.V.”, and notes that he and his wife felt “especially fortunate that we knew her as a friend and saw personally what a superb human being she was.” Ronald Reagan, in his autograph letter, signed by himself and his wife Nancy, writes that they share Fred's sorrow, and that “it isn't given to any of us to understand the why of things. We can only trust in God's infinite mercy & wisdom, knowing that he does have a plan for each of us; knowing also that time will ease our sorrow and leave only the warm & happy memories.” Edward Kennedy, in his typed letter, writes that “Our entire nation mourns the loss of Rosalind Russell, a truly great and gifted woman who shared her enormous talent with us and thereby enriched out lives." A typed letter from Kennedy's mother, Rose, is also included, and she sends her “fervent prayers” and “heartfelt sympathy" and writes that “Roz was a wonderful woman and all of us Kennedys loved her.” Mamie Eisenhower writes that she “lost a dear good friend”. Finally, Henry Kissinger, in a telegram, writes that he and his wife were “saddened beyond words” and that Fred can “take some comfort in the fact that her exuberant celebration of life in so many of her roles brought a spark of joy and happiness to millions.”

In a career that spanned four decades, legendary actress Rosalind Russell is best remembered for her brilliant and witty characters in films such as His Girl Friday, Auntie Mame, and Gypsy. During her career she was nominated for four Academy Awards for Best Actress, won all five Golden Globes she was nominated for, and won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.