A seasoned, versatile character actor, Russ began his career on the NY stage before segueing to films and TV. The tall (6') redhead played small supporting roles in such films as "The Border" (1981), "The Right Stuff" (1983), "Dead of Winter" (1987) "The Unholy" (1988) and "Disorganized Crime" (1989). Russ gained critical praise for his performance as a minor league past-his-prime relief pitcher in the late 1950s with dreams of the majors in "Pastime" (1991).

Russ is perhaps best known for his TV appearances including "Crisis at Central High" (1981), the TV remake of "The Long Hot Summer"