Who Is Tracey Waterfield?
Tracey Waterfield is best known as the adoptive daughter of iconic Hollywood actress Jane Russell, the glamorous star of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Despite being part of a high-profile family, Tracey has chosen a quiet, private life away from the spotlight. While many celebrity kids chase fame, Tracey is notably absent from the public eye and has no known presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or X.
Faith and Family Life
Raised in a strong Christian household, Tracey was brought up with firm values centered around faith and family. Jane Russell was a devoted Christian who ensured all her children regularly attended Sunday church services. Tracey reportedly continues to live by these values, choosing humility over Hollywood glamor. Her quiet life reflects the teachings instilled by her mother, who once described her children as her greatest gift.
Net Worth and Inheritance
Though Tracey Waterfield’s personal net worth is unknown, it’s believed that she inherited a portion of Jane Russell’s estate, which was estimated at $40 million at the time of her passing. However, unlike many celebrity heirs, Tracey has not leveraged her family name for fame or financial gain. Her lifestyle remains modest and grounded, reinforcing her desire to maintain privacy and faith over fortune.
Who Was Jane Russell?
Born on June 21, 1921, Jane Russell was a legendary American actress and singer, known for her sultry voice, curvaceous figure, and roles in major films of the 1940s and 1950s. She rose to fame with her role in The Outlaw (produced by Howard Hughes) and later co-starred alongside Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Other career highlights include The Tall Men with Clark Gable and Underwater (1955), filmed in Hawaii.
Hollywood Sex Symbol & Pin-Up Icon
Jane Russell was one of Hollywood’s earliest sex symbols, often featured in pin-up posters that became cultural staples during World War II. Despite her bombshell image, she was known off-screen as a sharp, outspoken woman with deep convictions.
Struggles and Spiritual Awakening
Behind the glamorous exterior, Russell battled with alcoholism, which eventually led to her entering rehab in the 1970s. Through intervention and her growing commitment to faith, she underwent a powerful transformation, later describing herself as a “born-again Christian.” Her experience inspired her to become a vocal advocate for Christian values in Hollywood.
Advocate for Adoption
Jane Russell adopted three children: Tracy, Tom, and Buck. Her personal struggles with infertility fueled her passion for adoption. In 1955, she founded WAIF (World Adoption International Fund), an organization that helped over 50,000 children find loving homes across the globe. This work became one of her most meaningful legacies.
Who Was Tracey Diane Waterfield Neilson?
Unlike the daughter of Jane Russell, Tracey Diane Waterfield Neilson was a completely different person—tragically known as the victim of a still-unsolved murder on January 5, 1981.
Her Life and Background
Born in Oklahoma, Tracey Diane Neilson was 21 years old, recently married to her husband, Guy Neilson, and living in Jamestown Square Apartments in Moore, Oklahoma. She was celebrating her birthday and had spent the morning running errands.
The Day of the Crime
Tracey returned home around 11:45 AM, and her last known activity was a phone call to a friend. Her final work ticket was logged at 11:51 AM. When Guy returned home around 5:00 PM, he found Tracey dead. She was discovered face-up on the bed, having been stabbed multiple times above the waist, with her throat slashed. The apartment door was unlocked, suggesting no signs of forced entry.
Key Evidence: The Keychain
The key piece of evidence in the case was a unique plastic tortoise shell key ring, roughly 2 inches wide, with capital block letters. This item, found at the scene, is believed to belong to the killer and has remained a focus of the investigation for over four decades.
The Ongoing Investigation
The case has remained cold but not forgotten. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reopened the case multiple times. Special Agent Steve Tanner, Director Stan Florence, and forensic artist Harvey Pratt have all played crucial roles in keeping the case alive.
Cable Worker Lead
A significant early lead pointed to a Southwestern Bell cable repair worker who was scheduled for a nearby service that day. The cable repairman’s final job log was also recorded around 11:51 AM, the same time as Tracey’s last known contact.
Reward and Public Involvement
The reward for information has grown from $11,000 in the early 1980s to $100,000 today, largely due to efforts from her family and law enforcement to keep the public engaged. The case has also been featured on Unsolved Mysteries and Cold Case Files, drawing national attention.
Final Thoughts
While Tracey Waterfield, daughter of Jane Russell, chose a life of privacy and devotion, Tracey Diane Waterfield Neilson became an enduring symbol of a mystery that still haunts Oklahoma today. Despite sharing a similar name, their lives took drastically different paths—one shaped by quiet dignity, the other marked by a tragedy that remains unresolved.
