Diane Russell is a fictional character in the television series ''

NYPD Blue ''NYPD Blue'' is an American police procedural television series set in New York City, exploring the struggles of the fictional 15th Precinct detective squad in Manhattan. Each episode typically intertwines several plots involving an ensemble ca ...

''. She was played by Kim Delaney in Season 2 as a recurring character, from Seasons 3 to 8 as a primary character, and a recurring character again in Seasons 10 and 11.

Biography

While working a case with

Bobby Simone Detective Robert "Bobby" Simone is a fictional character in the American television series ''NYPD Blue''. Played by Jimmy Smits for four seasons, Simone is known for his sensitivity and street smarts, as well as his friendship with his detective ...

, Russell and he became attracted to each other and began a personal relationship, which became complicated when she transferred to the 15th squad and they became co-workers. Russell was a skilled detective, but came from a dysfunctional family; this background, in addition to her years of working undercover, caused her to develop a drinking problem and other emotional issues. Bobby broke up with her in large part because of her alcoholism; they resumed their personal relationship after she sought treatment and stopped drinking. Over the course of the show, Russell's family issues were a major story line, which largely culminated when her mother shot and killed her father, who had been emotionally and physically abusive to Russell's mother and brother, and had sexually abused Russell when she was a child. As their relationship solidified, Russell and Simone conceived a child, but Russell miscarried. A few months later, Russell and Simone got married, but Simone developed a heart ailment and died from transplant complications soon afterwards. After Russell returned to work, she engaged in a flirtation and brief romance with Simone's replacement, Danny Sorenson. The relationship failed, and Russell took a leave of absence to work out her personal issues. When she returned to service, she was a member of the department's Special Victims (sex crimes) unit. Russell received the Medal of Honor for her actions during a standoff when a DEA agent was being held at gunpoint in the eighth-season episode "Russellmania".

Awards and decorations

The following are the medals and service awards worn by Detective Russell. She received the Medal of Honor for her actions during a standoff when another officer was being held at gunpoint in the eighth-season episode "Russellmania".

References

Sources

Internet

Newspapers

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Russell, Diane Fictional New York City Police Department detectives NYPD Blue characters Fictional alcohol abusers Television characters introduced in 1994