William Russ is a versatile and talented actor known for his powerful performances in both film and television. Though he has appeared in many notable roles throughout his career, Russ’s portrayal of Roger Lococco in the hit series Wiseguy (1987-1990) stands out as one of his most memorable performances. Playing the morally ambiguous, dangerous, and at times tragic character, Russ left a significant mark on the show and its fans. However, Russ’s acting career spans far beyond Wiseguy, including a wide range of roles in both dramatic and comedic television, as well as feature films.
This biography delves into William Russ’s early life, his path to acting, the pivotal role he played in Wiseguy, his subsequent career in film and television, and his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most adaptable actors.
Early Life and Background
William Hardy Russ IV was born on October 20, 1950, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Growing up in a military family, Russ moved frequently during his childhood, living in various parts of the United States. This early exposure to different cultures and environments may have contributed to his ability to adapt to the many roles he would take on as an actor.
Russ’s interest in performing arts developed at a young age, and by the time he reached high school, he had already become involved in theater. After graduating, he pursued acting more seriously, enrolling at the University of Michigan, where he studied drama. His training at Michigan provided him with a solid foundation in theater and prepared him for a career on stage and screen.
In the early 1970s, Russ moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Like many aspiring actors, he began his career with stage roles, performing in off-Broadway productions and honing his craft. His early theater experience allowed him to develop a deep understanding of character work and performance, skills that would serve him well as he transitioned into film and television.
Film Career and Early Television Roles
By the late 1970s, William Russ began making the move from the stage to the screen. His first major break in Hollywood came with a supporting role in the 1977 film The Last American Hero, which starred Jeff Bridges as a stock car racer. Although Russ’s part in the film was relatively small, it marked the beginning of his film career.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Russ appeared in a variety of television roles, including guest spots on popular shows such as The Incredible Hulk (1979), Hart to Hart (1980), and Hill Street Blues (1981). His rugged good looks and strong screen presence made him a natural fit for action roles and dramas, but he also demonstrated a versatility that allowed him to take on more nuanced and complex characters.
In 1981, Russ played a prominent role in the drama The Long Riders, a Western that followed the story of the Jesse James gang. Directed by Walter Hill, the film was notable for featuring real-life acting siblings (the Carradines, Keachs, Quaids, and Guests) playing brothers in the outlaw gang. Russ’s performance in the film helped solidify his reputation as a talented character actor capable of bringing authenticity to historical and period pieces.
Breakthrough Role: Roger Lococco in Wiseguy
William Russ’s breakthrough role came in 1988 when he was cast as Roger Lococco in Wiseguy, a series created by Stephen J. Cannell. The show followed undercover agent Vinnie Terranova (Ken Wahl) as he infiltrated various criminal organizations. Russ joined the cast during the second season, during the memorable Mel Profitt arc, in which he portrayed a bodyguard and soldier of fortune with complex loyalties and a dark past.
Roger Lococco was initially introduced as a seemingly cold-blooded enforcer, working for the mentally unstable but brilliant Mel Profitt (played by Kevin Spacey) and his sister Susan (played by Joan Severance). However, as the storyline unfolded, it became clear that Lococco was much more than a hired gun. Russ imbued the character with a deep sense of inner conflict, showing glimpses of a man who was struggling with the moral consequences of his actions, even as he continued to carry out his violent duties.
Lococco’s complexity made him a fan favorite, and Russ’s performance was widely praised. The character was ruthless and efficient in his role as a bodyguard, but he also had a tragic backstory, which gave the audience insight into his motivations and inner turmoil. Russ expertly portrayed Lococco’s shifting allegiances, as well as the psychological toll of working for such morally corrupt figures as the Profitts.
One of the most memorable aspects of Russ’s performance was his ability to make Lococco sympathetic, despite the character’s often brutal actions. By revealing the vulnerability beneath Lococco’s tough exterior, Russ brought a depth to the role that resonated with viewers. Lococco’s journey in Wiseguy became one of the show’s most compelling arcs, and Russ’s portrayal of the character remains one of his most iconic performances.
Post-Wiseguy Career in Television and Film
After his success on Wiseguy, William Russ continued to work steadily in both television and film. His versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, from hard-edged dramas to light-hearted comedies. In the early 1990s, he appeared in films such as Disorganized Crime (1989), a crime-comedy caper in which he played a hapless thief, and The Unholy (1988), a supernatural horror film in which he took on the lead role of Father Michael, a priest battling a demonic force.
Despite his success in film, it was in television where Russ found some of his most enduring roles. Perhaps the most notable of these came in 1993 when he was cast as Alan Matthews, the father in the family sitcom Boy Meets World. The role of Alan Matthews was a stark departure from his previous work as Roger Lococco. In Boy Meets World, Russ played the warm, loving, and supportive father of Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) in a role that lasted for seven seasons.
As Alan Matthews, Russ became known to a new generation of television viewers. His portrayal of the everyman father was marked by a mix of humor and wisdom, as he guided his children through life’s challenges while also dealing with his own struggles as a working-class dad. Boy Meets World became a beloved series, and Russ’s role as the patriarch of the Matthews family earned him a place in the hearts of viewers.
Directing and Other Notable Roles
In addition to his acting career, William Russ has also tried his hand at directing. During the later seasons of Boy Meets World, Russ directed several episodes of the show, showcasing his ability to work behind the camera as well as in front of it. His experience as an actor allowed him to bring a unique perspective to directing, particularly in terms of character development and performance.
Russ has continued to work as a director and actor in the years since Boy Meets World ended, taking on guest-starring roles in a wide variety of television shows. He has appeared in hit series like Boston Legal (2006), NCIS (2005), and The Mentalist (2010), among others. His ability to transition between genres and adapt to different roles has kept him in demand as a character actor well into the 21st century.
One of Russ’s most notable guest roles came in the critically acclaimed series Justified (2011), where he played the character of Sheriff Napier in two episodes. In Justified, Russ returned to his dramatic roots, playing a corrupt lawman in a crime-ridden Kentucky town. The role allowed him to once again demonstrate his range, as he brought a menacing edge to the character while maintaining the sense of complexity that has defined much of his work.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
William Russ’s career is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. From his breakout role as the conflicted and dangerous Roger Lococco in Wiseguy to his beloved portrayal of Alan Matthews in Boy Meets World, Russ has shown time and again that he can bring depth and authenticity to a wide range of characters. His work in television and film has left an enduring impact, and his performances continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
Throughout his career, Russ has proven himself to be an actor who can seamlessly transition between genres, whether he’s playing a hard-edged criminal, a loving father, or a character in a horror or crime drama. His ability to adapt to the demands of each role while bringing a unique sense of humanity to his characters has made him a respected figure in Hollywood, and his contributions to television, in particular, have left a lasting mark on the industry.