William “Rusty” Russ is an actor and television director who is best known for playing Alan Matthews on the sitcom Boy Meets World (1993–2000). He also appeared in the television series Wiseguy, the soap operas Another World and The Young and the Restless, and the feature films The Right Stuff (1983), Pastime (1990), and American History X (1998).
Son of a naval officer, he was born in Portsmouth, VA. He enjoys thrill sports and is an avid downhill skier. He’s a self-affirmed “Navy brat” who graduated from the University of Michigan, where he studied drama.
William is married to Clare Wren and has a daughter and son.
Russ’ acting began on the New York stage before he embarked onto a television and film career. Trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse, he appeared on stage with Al Pacino in “The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel” and Holly Hunter in “Ghost on Fire.”
During the 1980s, Russ found work in more supporting roles such as Crisis at Central High (1981), a television film also starring Academy Award winning actress Joanne Woodward, The Border (1981), The Right Stuff (1983), St. Elsewhere (1986) and Crime Story (1986).
William also guest-starred in the television series Miami Vice in the notable 1985 episode “Evan” as the title character, an ATF agent who shared a history with Don Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett. He also made fourteen appearances on the 1987–1990 crime drama Wiseguy.
In 2014, Russ reprised his role of Alan Matthews from Boy Meets World on its spinoff Girl Meets World. In season 2, he joined the production crew and directed one episode, being the only cast member to direct episodes of both Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World.
Be sure to join Mick & Mook on August 3rd to meet the highly talented William Russ.
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