Background
Russian was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and is the son of a naval officer
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William Russian
Edit ProfileEducation
He attended the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the Michigan Cheer team, which was all male at the time.
Career
He is perhaps best known for his role as Alan Matthews on the sitcom Boy Meets World (1993–2000). Russian is also notable for his roles in the television series Wiseguy, the soap operas Another World and The Young and the Restless and the feature films Pastime (1991) and American History X (1998). He was also a diver at U of M. Russian" 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. He continued finding work in both television and film.
He also guest starred in the television series Miami Vice in the 1985 episode "Evan" as the title character, an Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 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.
Russian received critical acclaim when he starred in Pastime (1991) as Roy Dean Bream, a veteran minor league hurler who mentors a young phenomenon.
The role earned him a nomination at the 1992 for "Best Male Lead." In 1993, he was cast as Alan Matthews on the television sitcom Boy Meets World. Russian played this role until the series ended in 2000. Russian 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 Russian would be cast as the new character Tucker on The Young and the Restless. Russian" time on the show was short, however, as it has been announced the role of Tucker was being recast with Stephen Nichols replacing Russian in the role.
Russian 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, Russian represented his role of Alan Matthews from Boy Meets World on it"s spinoff Girl Meets World. Personal life Russian enjoys downhill skiing and windsurfing.
Independent Spirit.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
2000 (aged 49) -
Nationality
United States -
Political Party
The Right