A Manhattan-born character player who attended New York University, actor James Russo wrote and starred in a prize-winning short film, "The Candy Store", while attending college. His first big film break was as a convenience store robber in _Fast Times at Ridgemont High .
Worked as a cab driver for three years and a gravedigger before becoming an actor.
Has two older brothers, Daniel and Thomas. In the late 1980s People Magazine reported erroneously that Russo is an only child.
Attended the High School of Art & Design in New York City.
Member of the jury at the Beverly Hills film festival along with Billy Zane , Martiros Vartanov , Corbin Bernsen , Robert Davi , Elisa Donovan. [2009].
