Russ' acting first began on the New York stage before he embarked onto a television and film career. In 1977, he had his first supporting role in
Death Bed: The Bed That Eats. This film would not be officially released until 2003. 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) as
Slick Goodlin,
St. Elsewhere (1986) and
Crime Story (1986). He continued finding work in both television and film. He 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 made fourteen appearances on the 1987–1990 crime drama
Wiseguy as Roger Lococco. Russ received critical acclaim when he starred in
Pastime (1990) as Roy Dean Bream, a veteran minor league hurler who mentors a young phenomenon. The role earned him a nomination at the 1992
Independent Spirit Awards for "Best Male Lead." In 1993, he was cast as
Alan Matthews on the television sitcom
Boy Meets World. Russ played this role until the series ended in 2000. Russ also directed several episodes of the series during the last three seasons. His other television directing credits include directing one episode of both
Lizzie McGuire and
Rude Awakening. However, he continued performing in other series and films throughout his time on
Boy Meets World, primarily television films. In 1998, he performed as Danny and Derek Vinyard's father in the critically acclaimed
American History X. Later, he starred in the short-lived television serial drama
Mister Sterling. In fall 2009, it was announced that Russ would be cast as the new character Tucker on
The Young and the Restless. Russ' time on the show was short, however, as it has been announced the role of Tucker was being recast with
Stephen Nichols replacing Russ in the role. Russ is the star of the comedy web series
Home at Last. In the series, he portrays "Bob", a homeless man who moves in with the son he abandoned at birth. 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. ==Filmography==