William Russ
Biography
William Hardy Russ IV was born on October 20, 1950 in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA. He is an American actor who is also credited as Rusty Russ. Russ is best known for portraying Alan Matthews on the sitcom Boy Meets World from 1993 to 2000, and for appearances in the television series Wiseguy, Wanted: Dead or Alive, and the soap operas Another World and The Young and the Restless. His film work includes roles in The Right Stuff (1983) and Pastime (1990). In addition to acting, he has worked as a television director and is described as a European‑American businessman and entrepreneur. Russ is married to Clare Wren, and the couple has two children.
Career overview
William Russ is an actor known for his work in television and film. He has appeared in a number of notable roles, including a sitcom and several feature films. Russ's acting credits include Boy Meets World, a sitcom that aired from 1993 to 2000, and Wiseguy, a television series.
In addition to his work in television, Russ has appeared in a number of feature films. Some of his notable film credits include The Right Stuff, Pastime, and Wanted: Dead or Alive. He has also appeared in soap operas such as Another World and The Young and the Restless. Russ's filmography spans multiple genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Throughout his career, Russ has accumulated a significant number of acting credits, with over 100 known roles. His work in television and film has been recognized, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
112 titles- Treasure of the Lost Reel (2026) as Mr.Fixit
- Founders Day (2024) as Mr. Jackson
- Founders Day (2024) Co-Producer
- Keeping Company (2021) as Glen Garrey
- Chasing the Rain (2020) as Ed
- Father by Law (2019) as Dale
- 9-1-1 (2018) as Chuck Summers
- Between Waves (2018) as Sonny
- The Maestro (2018) as Abe Herst
- Colony (2016) as Hennessey
- Bosch (2015) as Captain Garwood
- Magic Hour (2015) as Bruce Fox
- Girl Meets World (2014) as Alan Matthews
- Jonestown (2013) as Leo Ryan
- Drones (2013) as General Lawson
- Scandal (2012) as Frank Holland
- Vegas (2012) as Mert Hayes
- California Solo (2012) as Rusty
- Grimm (2011) as Scott Mudgett
- Green Guys (2011) as Peter Donnelly
- The Defenders (2010) as EMT Carrick
- A Fork in the Road (2010) as Detective Ross
- 1,001 Ways to Enjoy the Missionary Position (2010) as Evan
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2009) as Martin Lake
- Pawn (2009) as Justin Elliot Randolph
- The Mentalist (2008) as Dooley Gerber
- 90210 (2008) as Salty
- Leverage (2008) as Morris Beck
- The Ex List (2008)
- The History of 'Cruising' (2007) as Self (archive footage)
- Exorcising 'Cruising' (2007) as Self (archive footage)
- Ghost Whisperer (2005) as Bill Bristow
- Numb3rs (2005) as Michael Shannon
- Wildfire (2005) as Congressman Dean Nichols
- CSI: NY (2004) as Mr. Prescott
- Boston Legal (2004) as A.D.A. Christopher Palmer
- Deadwood (2004) as Otis Russell
- Silver Lake (2004) as Phil Patterson
- NCIS (2003) as Philip Wickes
- Cold Case (2003) as Tim Hudson (2010)
- Mister Sterling (2003) as Tommy Doyle
- The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire (2003)
- Finding John Christmas (2003) as Hank McAllister
- Without a Trace (2002) as Max Cassidy
- Crossing Jordan (2001) as Jack Olson
- The Division (2001) as Jesse Whalen
- Lizzie McGuire (2001) Director
- Buck Naked Arson (2001) as Ranger Joe Lightcap
- Blackout (2001) as David Robbins
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Jonah Quinn
- Level 9 (2000)
- The Sopranos (1999) as Paul Calviac
- The West Wing (1999) as Dan
- Replacing Dad (1999) as George Marsh
- The Test of Love (1999) as Mark Whitman
- American History X (1998) as Dennis
- Stargate SG-1 (1997) as Jonas Hanson
- Ally McBeal (1997) as Michael Bassett
- When Danger Follows You Home (1997) as Det. Tyler Barnes
- Nash Bridges (1996) as Scott Lamont -'The Monk'
- Have You Seen My Son (1996) as Van Stein
- A Husband, a Wife and a Lover (1996) as Art Maskin
- JAG (1995) as General Earl Watson
- Trail of Tears (1995) as David
- Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story (1995) as Bill West
- Touched by an Angel (1994) as Prof. Thomas North
- Viper (1994) as Townsend
- Boy Meets World (1993) as Alan Matthews
- Boy Meets World (1993) Director
- seaQuest DSV (1993) as Rusty Thomas
- The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (1993) as Jack Randolph
- Other Mothers (1993) as Coach Jim Doane
- Aspen Extreme (1993) as Dave Ritchie
- Middle Ages (1992) as Terry Hannon
- Drive Like Lightning (1992) as Boll Donner
- Traces of Red (1992) as Michael Dobson
- Sexual Advances (1992) as Jack French
- Bay City Story (1992)
- Crazy From the Heart (1991) as Dewey Whitcomb
- Capital News (1990) as Redmond Dunne
- Pastime (1990) as Roy Dean Bream
- A Promise to Keep (1990) as Carl Goodrich
- Disorganized Crime (1989) as Nick Bartkowski
- Nasty Boys (1989) as Ben Farlow
- The Unholy (1988) as Luke
- Tour of Duty (1987) as Sgt. Earl Ray Michaels
- Wiseguy (1987) as Roger LoCocco
- Wanted: Dead or Alive (1987) as Danny Quintz
- Dead of Winter (1987) as Rob Sweeney
- Crime Story (1986) as Det. Wes Connelly
- Crime Story: Pilot (1986) as Det. Wes Connelly
- Blood & Orchids (1986) as Lloyd Murdoch
- Second Serve (1986) as Josh
- Houston: The Legend of Texas (1986) as William Travis
- MacGruder and Loud (1985) as Owen
- The Long Hot Summer (1985) as Jody Varner
- Beer (1985) as Merle Draggett
- Command 5 (1985) as Smith
- Miami Vice (1984) as Evan Freed
- Hunter (1984) as Jack Lachman
- Courage (1984) as Sonny
- The Right Stuff (1983) as Slick Goodlin
- St. Elsewhere (1982) as Patrick O'Casey
- Remington Steele (1982) as Chance McCormick
- The Border (1982) as Jimbo
- Rehearsal for Murder (1982) as Frank Heller
- Cattle Annie and Little Britches (1981) as Little Dick Raidler
- Crisis at Central High (1981) as J.O. Powell
- Cruising (1980) as Paul Gaines
- Just You and Me, Kid (1979) as Demesta
- Death Bed: The Bed That Eats (1977) as Sharon's Brother
- Another World (1964)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is William Russ best known for?
William Russ is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including 9-1-1 (2018), Colony (2016), Bosch (2015), Girl Meets World (2014).
When and where was William Russ born?
William Russ was born on October 20, 1950 in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.
How many credits does William Russ have?
William Russ has accumulated over 112 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1964 to 2026.
What is William Russ's background in cinema and television?
William Hardy Russ IV was born on October 20, 1950 in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA. He is an American actor who is also credited as Rusty Russ. Russ is best known for portraying Alan Matthews on the sitcom Boy Meets World from 1993 to 2000, and for appearances in the television series Wiseguy, Wanted: Dead or Alive, and t...