Russell and turkey friend. (Photo-Play Journal, February 1917)
Happy Birthdate, William Russell!
Russell was born on April 12, 1884. The "Flying A" leading man had a bird of a birthday in 1916. "When William Russell, the popular local film player, approached his home . . . last evening, the house was dark and everything as quiet as a mouse. As soon as he entered the door, a flood of light was turned on and there were about half a hundred of American Film Company people and a few of his more intimate friends, who had adopted this method of surprise on Mr. Russell's birthday.
During the evening, Mr. Russell's pet turkey was injected into the proceedings, and the bird cut quite a figure as it strutted about among the guests." – Santa Barbara Morning Press, April 13, 1916