Born Russell Harlan on September 16, 1903, in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, to Frank and Bertha Harlan, who originated from the heartland of Iowa and Missouri. Russell grew up in Los Angeles alongside his younger brother Richard, who was born in 1911, and their paternal grandmother Sarah J. Harlan, who resided with the family, enriching their lives with her presence.
As a young man, Russell Harlan began his journey in the film industry, initially as an actor and stuntman. By the early 1930s, he transitioned to working behind the camera, taking on the role of an assistant. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career, which would span an impressive thirty-three years from 1937 to 1970.
Harlan's first significant work as a lead cinematographer was in 1937, when he brought his exceptional skills to the production of four "Hopalong Cassidy" westerns for Harry Sherman Productions. This was the starting point for a remarkable career, during which he was nominated six times for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. His nominations in 1962 for his work on Hatari! and To Kill a Mockingbird are a testament to his outstanding talent and dedication to his craft.
