"Real Housewives" Russell Armstrong Commits Suicide

Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead of an apparent suicide ... sources tell TMZ.

Our sources say Armstrong hanged himself. He was found hanging in his bedroom on Mulholland Drive.

We're told L.A. City Fire Department arrived at his home and pronounced him dead at 8:16 PM Monday. Sources say a roommate found Russell and called 911. 

We're told authorities have not found a suicide note.

Taylor filed for divorce last month, after she claimed Russell physically abused her.  We're told authorities informed her of Russell's death last night.

He was 47 years old.

Story developing ...

8:13 AM: Bravo and the cast of "Real Housewives" were unaware of Russell's death. Kyle Richards was distraught when she saw the TMZ post, and Lisa Vanderpump was speechless.

8:38 AM: Camille Grammer just tweeted, "My sympathy and condolences go out to Taylor and Kennedy. My thoughts and prayers are with them."