Episode 49 – Reminiscing With ‘80s Leading Man & Soap Opera Star Russell Todd - Part 1

On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros speaks with actor turned agent Russell Todd who is best known for starring in the 1984 remake of “Where The Boys Are”, the soap opera “Another World” and several 80’s horror films including “Friday the 13th Part 2”. During their absorbing conversation Russell tells Tony about his fun-filled days of working as a male model in Milan and NY for designers like Calvin Klein, his memorable acting roles in several 80’s horror films like “He Knows You’re Alone” with the then unknown actor Tom Hanks and playing a camp counselor trainee in “Friday the 13th Part 2” - the 1981 sequel to the blockbuster slasher film “Friday the 13th and the unique way producer Allan Carr discovered him and offered him the lead role in his remake of the 1960 sex comedy film “Where the Boys Are” co-starring actresses Lisa Hartman, Lorna Luft, Wendy Schaal, and Lynn-Holly Johnson.

RUSSELL TODD

Russell Todd was born in Troy, NY where he made Super 8mm films as a child, winning an honorable mention in the “Kodak Young Filmmakers Awards”.  He attended Troy High School where he starred as Conrad Birdie in the musical, “Bye Bye Birdie”. He then attended Syracuse University where he majored in film production and acting.  In his freshman year he wrote Verna Fields, the Academy Award winning editor of “Jaws” and VP of feature production at Universal Studios, and expressed his love of the film industry and desire to work with Steven Spielberg.  Thanks to Ms. Fields he was soon working at Universal Studios during his summer vacation as a tour guide and given total access on the lower lot to observe filmmaking.  It was here while giving tours that Russell was often asked if he was an actor himself and developed the desire to pursue acting as a career. After leaving college he moved to NY where he began his modeling career with the world-renowned Zoli Agency.  Following a successful initial testing period in Milan, Italy he returned to NY where he was chosen to be the fit model for Calvin Klein, having the world famous jeans designed on his body for over a year.   

Russell appeared in global magazines and newspapers such as GQ, L’ Uomo Vogue, The New York Times, Penthouse Magazine, Interview Magazine, Menswear Magazine, Ski Magazine and many others as well as acting in 100’s of commercials including McDonald’s, Coke, DHL, Jean Nate, Southern Comfort, Taco Bell, Lean Cuisine, & his last commercial, playing Sharon Stone’s date in a spot for William Lawson Scotch. He was also contracted as the Jovan Musk man and the Gammon Fragrance man in Europe.

Russell is also well known for playing the role of Dr. Jamie Frame for 3 years on the NBC soap opera, “Another World”.  He starred in the films "Friday the 13th Part 2" and the remake “Where The Boy’s Are” ‘84 as Scott Nash, a role originally played by actor Jim Hutton.  Other starring TV roles included the CBS series, “High Mountain Rangers” as ranger Jim Cutler with Robert Conrad and a western for TNT called, “Border Shootout” with the legendary Glenn Ford.  Russell also had roles on the soap operas “The Bold and the Beautiful”, “Capitol” & “The Young and the Restless” as well as the shows, “Jake and the Fatman” & “Riptide” where he played the son of actor Cesar Romero for two episodes.    

Russell currently lives in Studio City, CA where for 23 years he has owned the Russell Todd Agency representing steadicam operators across the US and around the world.  He is passionate about life and his current work in the industry behind the scenes.

Russell Todd Agency – https://www.russelltoddagency.com

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