Ted Rusoff
Ted Rusoff was an extremely prolific dubbing editor, director, and voice actor. He started as an opera singer in Los Angeles in the early 1960's before landing ADR work with his uncle Samuel Z. Arkoff at American International Pictures. Arkoff sent Rusoff to Italy in the late 60's to help get their dubbing system set up to American standards but Rusoff ended up living in Rome for the rest of his life. Rusoff's voice can be heard in the English versions of over 250 Italian, Japanese, Russian, and various European films. He also lent his voice to several big budget American films including THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Beginning in the late 1970's, Rusoff tried his hand at acting in front of the camera too as it was relatively easy for native English speakers in Italy to find acting work at the time. He acted alongside greats including Bob Hoskins and Max von Sydow, and in the dubbing studio alongside such dubbing legends as Robert Rietty, Geoffrey Copleston, Nick Alexander, Lewis E. Cianelli, and Mickey Knox. Cast mostly as monks, elders and religious figures due to his large beard, Rusoff appeared in such bible epics as THE DAY CHRIST DIED and THE NATIVITY STORY as well as monks in DOUBLE TEAM and CATACOMBS. His most prestigious role is perhaps as the chief elder in PASSION OF THE CHRIST who throws the bag of money at Judas. Rusoff, being fluent in several languages including traditional Hebrew and ancient Aramaic, worked as chief translator for the film as well. Rusoff married fellow voice actor / dubber Carolyn De Fonseca but the two had an open marriage. Rusoff fathered 9 daughters to different mothers over a span of 40 years, including one who was still an infant at the time of his death in 2013.
Known For
Credits
- 2012 · Eurocrime! The Italian Cop and Gangster Films That Ruled the '70s as Self
- 2011 · The Scarlet Worm as Print's Attorney
- 2010 · Christine Cristina as Frate Severino
- 2006 · The Nativity Story as Old Shepherd
- 2005 · Rome as Strabo
- 2004 · The Passion of the Christ as Elder
- 2001 · Man and Cat as Talking Insect
- 1999 · Nightworld: Lost Souls as Humphrey Garrett
- 1999 · Riddler's Moon as Pastor Nolan
- 1997 · Double Team as Brother Ramulu
- 1997 · Pocahontas: Princess of the American Indians as Tachi
- 1997 · The Eighteenth Angel as Benedetti
- 1994 · The Voyeur as The Parking Attendant
- 1989 · Fashion Crimes as Rizzo's Friend
- 1989 · Sinbad of the Seven Seas as Torture Chamber Keeper (uncredited)
- 1988 · The Last Temptation of Christ as Crowd Member (voice)
- 1988 · Catacombs as Brother Brandt
- 1985 · Miami Golem as voice dubbing (US version) (uncredited)
- 1985 · Mussolini and I as Francesco Saverio Petacci
- 1982 · Piranha II: The Spawning as Opening Victim (voice) (uncredited)
- 1981 · Absurd as Dr. Kramer
- 1980 · The Day Christ Died as Temple Guard
- 1970 · Voyage Into Space as Jerry Mano (voice)
- 1967 · Yongary, Monster from the Deep as Illoo Nami (Voice, English dub)
- Future · The Last of the Mohicans as Great Serpent