
Person
Ted Rusoff
Acting · 1939–2013 · Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Biography
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

Rome
Strabo

The Passion of the Christ
Elder

The Voyeur
The Parking Attendant

All Ladies Do It
Dialogue

The Last Temptation of Christ
Crowd Member (voice)

Double Team
Brother Ramulu

The Nativity Story
Old Shepherd

Absurd
Dr. Kramer

Piranha II: The Spawning
Opening Victim (voice) (uncredited)

Quiet Flows The Don
ADR & Dubbing
Filmography
- 2012Eurocrime! The Italian Cop and Gangster Films That Ruled the '70sSelf
- 2011The Scarlet WormPrint's Attorney
- 2010Christine CristinaFrate Severino
- 2006The Nativity StoryOld Shepherd
- 2006Quiet Flows The DonADR & Dubbing
- 2005RomeStrabo
- 2004Snuff TrapDialogue
- 2004The Passion of the ChristElder
- 2001Man and CatTalking Insect
- 1999The Legend of the TitanicDialogue
- 1999Nightworld: Lost SoulsHumphrey Garrett
- 1999Riddler's MoonPastor Nolan
- 1997Double TeamBrother Ramulu
- 1997The Eighteenth AngelBenedetti
- 1994The VoyeurThe Parking Attendant
- 1992All Ladies Do ItDialogue
- 1990Ritual of LoveArt Professor
- 1990Cellini: A Violent LifeAlessandro Farnese /Pope Alexander III
- 1989Fashion CrimesRizzo's Friend
- 1989Sinbad of the Seven SeasTorture Chamber Keeper (uncredited)
- 1988Zombie Flesh Eaters 2ADR & Dubbing
- 1988The Last Temptation of ChristCrowd Member (voice)
- 1988CatacombsBrother Brandt
- 1986Hands of SteelADR & Dubbing
- 1982Piranha II: The SpawningOpening Victim (voice) (uncredited)
- 1981AbsurdDr. Kramer
- 1980The Day Christ DiedTemple Guard
- 1977Achtung! The Desert TigersAdditional Dialogue
- 1973Karate, Fist and BeansDialogue
- 1973Seven Deaths in the Cat's EyeAdditional Dialogue
- 1972Two Brothers in TrinityADR & Dubbing
- 1971Four Pistols for TrinityDialogue
- 1971The Last TraitorAdditional Dialogue
- 1970Voyage Into SpaceJerry Mano (voice)
- 1967War of the MonstersKeisuke Hirata (voice)
Follow their work on Vescene
Rate films and shows on two axes — quality and fun — and share taste with friends.