William DeCoff
**William DeCoff: A Multifaceted Career**
William DeCoff was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, an area steeped in the history of the Salem Witch Trials. He is the son of Command Sgt. Major George DeCoff, who served as a personal bodyguard to Major General Robert McClure.
DeCoff's journey into the entertainment industry began at just 14 when he was approached in his high school hallway to star in a television commercial for Anderson Little. This initial foray led him to study method acting under Rafael Ramirez at The NY Conservatory. His impressive physique for a teenager in the 1970s soon opened doors into body part modeling for print and television.
At 19, DeCoff transitioned into professional wrestling, training under the legendary Walter "Killer Kowalski." He wrestled across Canada and the United States, gaining recognition for his remarkable stamina and strength, despite his smaller stature. Notably, he won several "Tough Man" contests and wrestling titles, but faced challenges that led to temporary retirements. In 1987, wrestling promoter Fritz Von Erich advised him to utilize his creativity in booking rather than wrestling, a suggestion supported by Kowalski.
DeCoff experienced personal hardships, including the tragic suicide of wrestler Mike Von Erich, which deeply impacted him. He left wrestling and returned to Massachusetts, taking on roles as a bouncer, prison guard, and police officer before being disabled in 2001.
Re-entering the acting world, DeCoff found success in independent horror films and earned accolades for his comedic performance alongside William Forsythe in "Slip And Fall." He garnered "Best Actor" awards at various film festivals and built a reputation as a versatile character actor.
In 2017, feeling a renewed sense of duty amid social turmoil, DeCoff returned to the police force to mentor younger officers. He continues to write, produce, and act, balancing his artistic pursuits with his commitment
Filmography