Russell Andre Derek was the younger brother of actress and model Bo Derek, best known for her role in the 1979 film “10”. He was born on April 13, 1950, in Los Angeles County, California, to Paul and Norma Harris. He had a sister, Sean Catherine Derek, who is also an actress and writer.
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A Motorcycle Accident That Changed His Life
Russell Derek had a passion for motorcycles since he was a teenager. He loved to ride his Harley-Davidson and participate in races. However, his life took a tragic turn on June 15, 1969, when he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. He was only 19 years old at the time.
According to Find a Grave Memorial, Russell Derek suffered a spinal cord injury that rendered him quadriplegic. He had to use a wheelchair and rely on the help of his family and caregivers for the rest of his life. He also had to endure multiple surgeries and complications due to his condition.
His Relationship with His Sister Bo Derek
Despite his disability, Russell Derek maintained a close bond with his sister Bo Derek, who was six years younger than him. Bo Derek was very supportive of her brother and often visited him at his home in Santa Barbara, California. She also helped him financially and emotionally.
In an interview with Variety in 2020, Bo Derek revealed why she never had children. She said that her life was “so crazy” and “unconventional” that she felt that kids would not fit in. She also mentioned that her brother’s accident was one of the factors that influenced her decision.
“I thought about it at one time, but my life was so unconventional,” she said. “I think kids deserve at least a chance to have two parents that are committed but my life was so crazy.”
“There were times I wouldn’t have a dog because my life was so crazy, let alone a child,” she added.
Bo Derek also said that she did not think she would find love again after the death of her first husband, John Derek, in 1998. John Derek was a film director and actor who was 30 years older than Bo Derek. They married in 1976 when she was 18 and he was 48. They were together for 22 years until he died of heart failure.
Bo Derek later met actor John Corbett in 2002 and they have been together ever since. They are not married and do not have any plans to do so.
His Death and Legacy
Russell Derek died on August 21, 1999, at the age of 49. He passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Barbara, surrounded by his family and friends. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but it is likely that it was related to his chronic health issues.
He was buried in an unknown location, according to Find a Grave Memorial. His sister Bo Derek did not comment publicly on his death, but she probably mourned him privately.
Russell Derek may not have been as famous as his sister Bo Derek, but he was a beloved brother and son who faced his challenges with courage and grace. He is remembered by his family and friends as a kind and generous person who loved motorcycles and music. He is also an inspiration to others who suffer from spinal cord injuries and disabilities.
