John Russell (screenwriter)

John Russell was an American screenwriter, primarily active in Hollywood from the 1940s through the 1970s. He is best known for his work in the Western genre, contributing screenplays to numerous films and television episodes. His writing often featured strong characters, realistic dialogue, and a focus on the moral complexities of the Old West.

While specific details regarding his early life and education are scarce, Russell's career highlights include writing credits for films such as Rio Bravo (1959), directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne. He also contributed to the scripts of several episodes of popular television Westerns, including Gunsmoke and Bonanza.

Russell's contributions to the Western genre helped to shape the cinematic and television landscape of the mid-20th century. Although often working as a screenwriter rather than a director, his influence on the storytelling of Westerns is significant. His ability to craft compelling narratives and nuanced characters cemented his place as a respected figure in the history of Hollywood screenwriting. Details about his personal life, such as his birth and death dates, are difficult to readily confirm through commonly available biographical resources.