Early Life and Education of Bill Russell: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bill Russell. From birth to education, explore key events.

Bill Russell was a dominant American professional basketball player, primarily a center for the Boston Celtics (1956-1969). He anchored the Celtics dynasty, leading them to an unprecedented 11 NBA championships in 13 years. Renowned for his exceptional defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking skills, Russell is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 12, 1934: Bill Russell's Birth

On February 12, 1934, William Felton Russell was born. He later became a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics.

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1952: Graduation from McClymonds

In 1952, Bill Russell graduated from McClymonds High School.

1952: Started College at USF

In 1952, Bill Russell started college at the University of San Francisco (USF).

1952: USF becomes part of WCC

In 1952, USF became a part of West Coast Conference (WCC).

1954: First Major College Team to Start Three African-American Players

In 1954, USF became the first major college basketball program to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Bill Russell.

1954: Racism at the All-College Tournament

In 1954, during the All-College Tournament in Oklahoma City, Bill Russell and his black teammates faced racist discrimination when hotels refused them admission. The team protested by staying in a closed college dorm, which strengthened their bond.

1956: Declined Harlem Globetrotters Offer

In 1956, Bill Russell declined an offer to join the Harlem Globetrotters due to racial prejudice from the owner, Abe Saperstein.

1956: Russell marries Rose Swisher

In 1956, Bill Russell married his college sweetheart Rose Swisher.

1958: Racial Discrimination During NBA All-Stars Tour

During the 1958 NBA All-Stars tour, Bill Russell and his black teammates faced racial discrimination when white hotel owners in segregated North Carolina denied them rooms.

1959: Russell becomes first NBA player to visit Africa

In 1959, Bill Russell became the first NBA player to visit Africa.

1961: Celtics Boycott Exhibition Game

Before the 1961-62 season, Bill Russell and his black Celtics teammates boycotted an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky, after being refused service at a local restaurant, leading to controversy and publicity.

1962: Cousy campaigns for Ted Kennedy

In 1962, Auerbach had informed his players to not endorse candidates or causes, as it would alienate fans; Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy in 1962.

January 31, 1963: Celtics visit White House without Russell

On January 31, 1963, before a game against the Cincinnati Royals in College Park, Maryland, the Celtics visited the White House, but Bill Russell overslept and missed meeting President John F. Kennedy because he did not know President Kennedy would be meeting them.

1963: Praise for George Powles

In 1963, Bill Russell expressed his deep admiration for George Powles in a Sports Illustrated article, stating he owed Powles an unquantifiable debt.

1966: Russell's Memoir "Go Up for Glory"

In his 1966 memoir "Go Up for Glory", Bill Russell wrote about the racial discrimination he faced during the 1958 NBA All-Stars tour.

Go Up for Glory

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1967: Russell at the Cleveland Summit

In 1967, Bill Russell participated in the Cleveland Summit, supporting Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse being drafted into the military.

1968: Personal and Professional Struggles

During the 1968-69 NBA season, Russell was affected by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and marital problems, leading to exhaustion and a decline in his performance.

1968: Dorothy Anstett is crowned Miss USA

In 1968, Dorothy Anstett, who would later marry Bill Russell, was crowned Miss USA.

1969: Russell Struggles Through Season

In the 1968-69 NBA season, Russell coped with exhaustion and personal issues, leading to a decline in his performance and the Celtics entering the 1969 NBA playoffs as the fourth-seeded team in the East.

1972: Refusal to attend jersey retirement ceremony

In 1972, Bill Russell refused to attend the ceremony when his jersey No. 6 was retired, reflecting his strained relationship with Boston at the time.

1973: Russell divorces Rose Swisher

In 1973, Bill Russell and Rose Swisher divorced.

1977: Russell marries Dorothy Anstett

In 1977, Bill Russell married Dorothy Anstett, Miss USA of 1968.

November 3, 1979: Hosts Saturday Night Live

On November 3, 1979, Bill Russell hosted Saturday Night Live, participating in various sports-related sketches.

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1980: Russell divorces Dorothy Anstett

In 1980, Bill Russell and Dorothy Anstett divorced.

1985: Tutoring Benoit Benjamin

In 1985, Bill Russell tutored Benoit Benjamin, a top draft pick, at the request of former teammate and Clippers head coach Don Chaney.

March 7, 1986: Appearance on Miami Vice

On March 7, 1986, Bill Russell appeared in the Miami Vice episode "The Fix" as Judge Roger Ferguson.

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1995: Celtics move to FleetCenter

In 1995, the Celtics relocated from the Boston Garden to the FleetCenter (now TD Garden), prompting a renewed effort to honor Russell.

1996: Russell marries Marilyn Nault

In 1996, Bill Russell married his third wife, Marilyn Nault.

October 1999: Return to Prominence After Chamberlain's Death

Following Wilt Chamberlain's death in October 1999, Bill Russell returned to prominence at the turn of the millennium, stepping back into the public eye.

2001: Publication of 'Russell Rules'

In 2001, Bill Russell, along with David Falkner, published "Russell Rules: 11 Lessons on Leadership from the Twentieth Century's Greatest Winner", sharing insights on leadership.

Russell Rules: 11 Lessons on Leadership from the Twentieth Century's Greatest Winner

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2005: Russell's Perception of Insults

According to sportswriter Taylor in a 2005 book, Bill Russell was extremely sensitive to racial prejudice and often perceived insults even if others did not.

January 2006: Mediates Shaq-Kobe Feud

In January 2006, Bill Russell successfully convinced Miami Heat's Shaquille O'Neal to reconcile with Kobe Bryant, ending the Shaq-Kobe feud.

November 17, 2006: Inducted into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

On November 17, Bill Russell was inducted into the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

May 20, 2007: Honorary Doctorate from Suffolk University

On May 20, 2007, Bill Russell received an honorary doctorate from Suffolk University and served as commencement speaker.

June 7, 2007: Honorary Degree from Harvard University

On June 7, 2007, Bill Russell was awarded an honorary degree from Harvard University.

January 2009: Death of Russell's third wife, Marilyn Nault

In January 2009, Bill Russell's third wife, Marilyn Nault, passed away. At the time of his death, Russell was married to Jeannine Russell.

June 14, 2009: Honorary Degree from Dartmouth College

On June 14, 2009, Bill Russell received an honorary degree from Dartmouth College, adding to his collection of academic honors.

2010: Recalling Celtics racial progress

In 2010, Russell recalled the Boston Celtics' racial progress during the 1950s and 1960s, emphasizing the organization's accomplishments and his personal experiences.

September 26, 2017: Takes a Knee in Solidarity

On September 26, 2017, Bill Russell showed his support for NFL players protesting social injustice by taking a knee in a photograph posted to Twitter, wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom.

November 15, 2019: Acceptance of Hall of Fame ring

On November 15, 2019, Bill Russell accepted his Hall of Fame ring in a private ceremony with his family, marking a shift in his relationship with the honor.