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Russell Armstrong

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Russell Armstrong
Born
Russell Lynn Armstrong

(1963-12-21)December 21, 1963
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
DiedAugust 15, 2011(2011-08-15) (aged 47)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of deathSuicide
Resting placeRoselawn Memorial Park
NationalityAmerican
EducationRichardson High School
Alma materUniversity of Hawaiʻi
Occupation(s)Attorney, venture capitalist
Years active1981–2011
TelevisionThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Spouses
  • Barbara Frederickson
    (m. 1997; div. 2004)
  • Taylor Ford
    (m. 2005; sep. 2011)
Children3

Russell Lynn Armstrong (December 21, 1963 – August 15, 2011) was an American attorney and venture capitalist. He became known through his appearances on the Bravo reality television series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Early life[change | change source]

Russell Lynn Armstrong was born in Dallas, Texas on December 21, 1963,[1] as the elder of two children to John Ann Armstrong (née Anders; 1941–2023)[2][3] and Louie Lynn "L.L." Armstrong (1942–2016).[4] He had a younger sister named Laurie Ann Armstrong (born 1965).[5][6]

Armstrong attended Richardson High School and graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi.[6]

Career[change | change source]

Armstrong began his career as an attorney. He represented Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer, during an armed-robbery case in 1981.[7][8]

Armstrong made his debut, and only appearance, as an actor in the adventure-comedy television film The Ring of the Musketeers in 1992.[9]

Armstrong appeared in an episode of the A&E criminal justice television program American Justice in 1998 and an episode of the A&E documentary television series Biography in 2003. He spoke about Wuornos in both episodes.[10]

Armstrong was the founding managing director of Crescent Financial Partners, a Los Angeles based private merchant banking firm.[11]

Armstrong appeared with his wife, Taylor, on the first and second[12] season of the Bravo reality television series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, in 2010 and 2011.[13][14] The second season was broadcast posthumously,[15] with most of his scenes being cut.[16][17]

Armstrong worked as a venture capitalist.[18]

Criminal history[change | change source]

Armstrong was charged with felony tax evasion on October 10, 1995. The case was closed in 1997. He was sentenced to five years' probation and 150 hours of community service to be completed in two years.[19]

Armstrong was arrested in West Hollywood, California in December 1997. He was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery and battery over an alleged altercation with his then-wife Barbara. He was released on US$15,000 bail; ordered to attend therapy once a week, at least two Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings every week and abstain from all alcohol and drug use, while awaiting trial. In March 1998, he was arrested following a fight with Barbara. He was not required to post additional bail and, on March 30, he plead no contest to misdemeanor battery. The spousal charge was dropped and he was sentenced to three days in Los Angeles County Jail, placed on three years' probation and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service, spend a minimum of one year in anger-management therapy, attend 50 AA meetings, and give a US$1,000 contribution to a women's clinic in Venice, Los Angeles.[19]

Personal life[change | change source]

Armstrong was a member of the Episcopalian Church.[6]

Marriage, children and relationships[change | change source]

Armstrong married his first wife, Barbara Ann Frederickson, in 1997. Their only child, a son, Aiden Armstrong, was born in 1998. The couple separated within months of their son's birth and their divorce was finalized in 2004, with Frederickson obtaining a temporary restraining order against Armstrong on behalf of their son. Frederickson had accused Armstrong of domestic violence against herself and child abuse against their son.[19][20][21]

Armstrong's ex-girlfriend, Claudia Haro, had accused him of domestic violence against herself and child abuse against his elder son, Aiden, during their six-month relationship.[19]

Armstrong was briefly engaged to Milette Fields. Their only child, a son, Griffin Armstrong, was born in 2000.[22] His ex-wife, Barbara, had accused him of child abuse against Griffin.[19]

Armstrong married his second wife, Taylor Ford, a businesswoman, in Mexico, on October 27, 2005, shortly after they started dating.[23][19] The two met at a local restaurant in Beverly Hills, California while waiting to be seated. Their only child, a daughter, Kennedy Armstrong, was born on February 25, 2006.[24][25][26][27] The couple separated on July 1, 2011, with Ford filing for divorce on July 15.[28][29] Ford had accused him of domestic violence.[19][30]

Wealth[change | change source]

Armstrong filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on October 16, 2005, after he was unable to pay US$48,742 to American Express. On March 22, 2006, his bankruptcy filing was converted to Chapter 11.[19]

Armstrong had amassed over US$1.5 million worth of debt at the time of his death. His debt came as a result of trying to keep up with expectations for the lavish lifestyle portrayed on the Bravo reality television series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, according to his lawyer, Ronald Richards.[17]

Death[change | change source]

Armstrong was found dead at his home on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, California on August 15, 2011. He was 47.[31][32][18][33] The coroner's report concluded that his death was a suicide by hanging.[34] He was interred at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, Texas on September 2, 2011.[6]

On August 16, 2011, less than 24 hours after Armstrong's death, his friend and business partner, Alan Schram, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head outside his car on Mulholland Drive. The coroner's report concluded that Schram's death was a suicide.[35]

Filmography[change | change source]

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1992 The Ring of the Musketeers Skeptical Kid Episode: "Episode #1.1" [9]
1998 American Justice Himself Episode: "Death Row Prostitute: Aileen Wuornos" [10]
2003 Biography Episode: "Aileen Wuornos"
2010–2011 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 19 episodes [14]

References[change | change source]

  1. ↑ Texas, U.S., Birth Index, 1903-1997: DEC 21, 1963 1963_0001 DALLAS – Russell Lynn Armstrong
  2. ↑ "Obituary for John Ann Hotchkiss at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors". Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  3. ↑ "John Ann Hotchkiss Obituary". Legacy.com. September 13, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Louie Armstrong Obituary". Legacy.com. October 26, 2016. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  5. ↑ Texas, U.S., Birth Index, 1903-1997: SEP 5, 1965 1965_0001 DALLAS – Laurie Ann Armstrong
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Russell Armstrong Obituary (2011)". Legacy.com. September 1, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  7. ↑ Lavin, Chris; Drummond, Steven; Moritsugu, Ken (January 18, 1991). "Suspect in highway slayings has troubled past". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  8. ↑ "STATE: WUORNOS CAN'T PROFIT FROM FILM ABOUT KILLINGS". Orlando Sentinel. February 6, 1991. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Russell Armstrong". TV Guide. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Russell Armstrong". IMDb. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Malibu Beach Recovery Center announces Russell Armstrong and wife Taylor Armstrong will acquire equity stake". WestsideToday. November 12, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  12. ↑ Metz, Lauren (February 1, 2011). "Taylor Armstrong's Hubby Promises "To Be More Engaging"". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Russell Armstrong". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Videos". Bravo TV Official Site. August 25, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  15. ↑ Rosenfeld, Laura (September 16, 2020). "Taylor Armstrong Explains Why She Wanted RHOBH Season 2 to Air After Husband Russell's Passing". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  16. ↑ Wallenstein, Andrew (August 18, 2011). "Death reveals behind-the-scenes drama on 'Real Housewives'". Variety. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Canning, Andrea; Miller, Sharde (September 6, 2011). "'Real Housewives' Gather to Discuss Husband's Suicide". ABC News. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Kaufman, Amy; Villareal, Yvonne (August 17, 2011). "Death in the glare of a reality show". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 19.7 Finn, Natalie; Rosenbaum, Claudia (August 16, 2011). "Timeline of a Tragedy: Real Housewives' Russell Armstrong Was "Always Depressed"". E! Online. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Russell Armstrong found dead". The Independent. August 17, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Russell Armstrong's Exes Speak Out Against Taylor: "Shame On Her"". OK! Magazine. December 19, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  22. ↑ Earl, William (September 5, 2011). "Russell Armstrong's Funeral: Friends & Family Are Distraught Over His Portrayal On 'Real Housewives.'". Hollywood Life. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  23. ↑ Armstrong, Taylor (January 22, 2011). "Out with a Bang". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  24. ↑ "Kennedy Armstrong | The Daily Dish". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  25. ↑ "Bravo Family Saddened by Passing of Russell Armstrong". Bravo TV Official Site. August 16, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  26. ↑ Rosenfeld, Laura (March 19, 2019). "Taylor Armstrong Shares How Daughter Kennedy Handled Father Russell Armstrong's Sudden Passing". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  27. ↑ Berg, Jenny (March 9, 2023). "Taylor Armstrong's Daughter, Kennedy, Looks So Elegant and Grown Up on Her 17th Birthday". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  28. ↑ "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Taylor Armstrong Files For Divorce". Bravo TV Official Site. July 18, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  29. ↑ Hearon, Sarah (April 15, 2024). "Every 'Real Housewives' Couple Who Filed for Divorce". Us Weekly. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  30. ↑ "Taylor Armstrong Denies Russell's Sister's Claims That Abuse Never Happened". HuffPost. February 8, 2012. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  31. ↑ Serpe, Gina (August 16, 2011). "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Russell Armstrong Found Dead of Apparent Suicide". E! Online. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  32. ↑ Orloff, Brian; Lee, Ken (August 16, 2011). "'Real Housewives' 's Taylor Armstrong's Husband Commits Suicide". People. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  33. ↑ "Russell Amstrong 911 Call: 'My Friend Just Hanged Himself'". ABC News. September 2, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  34. ↑ Finn, Natalie (September 8, 2011). "Coroner's Report Details Chilling Russell Armstrong Suicide Scene". E! Online. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  35. ↑ "Russell Armstrong's Business Associate Alan Schram Found Dead Day After "Housewives" Husband's Suicide". HuffPost. August 30, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
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