In 1965 when Bill Russell came to Halsman’s studio in NYC to be photographed for Sports Magazine, he was one month away from winning his eighth NBA championship in nine years. He would go on to win three more before he retired after thirteen seasons. Added to his two NCAA championships and olympic gold medal, Bill Russell is the winningest player ever to put on a basketball uniform. Halsman’s wife Yvonne wrote in her notes that Halsman was impressed by Russell’s gentleness. Halsman’s photos illustrated the article “The unknown side of Bill Russell,” which ran as a cover story a year later, when he became the first black player/head coach ever. Russell had an intensity about him that he brought to the court, as well as off the court. As he grew up he faced adversity and racism, and had a line which he would not let anyone cross. This defensive mind-set made him a star in the league, and team focused. He marched with MLK and stood by Ali, and participated in social justice and mentorship programs when he was not playing basketball. After winning his 11th title he cut his ties and retired leaving the Celtics without a coach and a center. He did not attend the retirement of his jersey #6 in 1972 or his induction into the hall of fame in 1975. He didn’t live life to achieve accolades, rather he lived to do what he thought was right for the right reasons. He had some coaching stints and TV commentary jobs later in life, but he mostly became reclusive. In 2022 he passed away at the age of 88 and the NBA gave him the biggest honor by retiring his #6 league wide. In Halsman’s portrait of Russell we can gaze into his eyes and feel the intensity that he brought to everything he did in life.
