AL RUSCIO remembered as Man of Midwestern College.

Sadly, on November 12, 2013 professor Ruscio passed away in his Encino, California home. The Professor had one of those Doc “Moonlight” Graham careers, no midnight escapades or back alley shenanigans, just a good solid performer, a backbone of the Hollywood and Midwestern College communities. No Tweets, no fusses no ruses stirred by publicists paving the way to the moon. His star on the Boulevard was earned by not losing his soul to get one. He showed up for work like the rest of us and in a career of stellar performances performed shoulder to shoulder with many of the better known actors and actresses of the last sixty (60) years.

We came to know him in an era when television sets were black and white, wore rabbit ears, and not nearly so portable. Our families and friends learned about him and what he meant to us. The man and his legacy will dwell in that special part of our hearts where he will be loved and missed. Rest in peace dear friend.

Born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1924 Mr. Ruscio served 5 years as the Chairman of the Drama Department of Midwestern College. In addition to his duties as department chair, Mr. Ruscio instructed classes and was the leading actor in many award winning productions showcased at the college.

It was our good fortune to know Mr. Ruscio as a professor, actor and friend. More than forty years have passed since the college closed, but when he appeared on television or in a movie we proudly point him out to friends. Long before his passing Mr. Ruscio devoted considerable time and energy to writing an acting textbook titled: “So Therefore… A Practical Guide For Actors” which was well received by reviewers and is available at Amazon.com. The foreword was written by well-known Academy Award winner Martin Landau.

The Internet Movie Database profile of his acting career itemizes more than one hundred eighty (180) appearances in movies and television series or episodes. His acting career was a litany of stellar performances in which he worked shoulder to shoulder with many of the better known actors and actresses of the last sixty (60) years.

Currently you may see Mr. Ruscio in “FERN ROSENTHAL Takes on Age” In which the brilliant Tracey Ullman plays Fern, of course, and Otto is played by AL RUSCIO….

An all-time favorite which has been enjoyed by many is the memorable episode from The Wonder Years titled “The Hardware Store” in which Mr. Ruscio plays the store owner Mr. Harris. The script is familiar to aging Baby Boomers and is one you should watch should you have the opportunity.

At the 2007 Midwestern College Reunion held in Washington, D.C., Mr. Ruscio was the keynote speaker and delivered a well-received remembrance address to a standing ovation.