William DeCoff
Place of Birth: Danvers, Massachusetts, USA
William DeCoff, born in the Danvers Massachusetts in the area of Old Salem Village where much of the Salem Witch Hysteria took place., He is the son of Command Sgt. Major George DeCoff who served as personal bodyguard to Major General Robert McClure.
DeCoff at the age of 14 was recruited in a high school hallway to perform in a TV commercial for the clothing store Anderson Little. Shortly after he was trained in method acting by Mr. Rafael Ramirez of The NY Conservatory. Because of high unusually muscular physique for a teenager in the 70's William started body part modeling for print and TV.
While competing in bodybuilding as a teenager he was recruited to play a high school bully in a full-length movie Blood Tide. Which was never completed but did succeeded in giving young William a zest for acting.
At the age of 19 DeCoff started his career as a professional Wrestler. After being trained by Walter "Killer Kowalski he entered the pro ranks. Wrestling throughout Canada focusing mainly in Quebec and the maritime provinces. He also worked throughout the United States mainly in Dallas and the New England states . He also competed and won several "Tough Man " contests which were popular in that time frame.
Known for his high incredible stamina and deceptively high degree of physical strength Decoff won several wrestling titles. However his lack of physical size held him back and he became discouraged leaving the business several times only to return. Wrestling Promoter Fritz Von Erich told William in 1987 that his place was in the booking office where he could be better utilized considering high degree of creativity and promotional instinct. DeCoff spoke to Killer Kowalski by phone later that day. Kowalski agreed with Von Erich. William completed his bookings and left the business days later.
DeCoff's friends also claim that he took the suicide of Mike Von Erich very hard. That this may have been the actual catalyst for Decoff retiring.
He returned to Massachusetts where he worked as a bouncer, prison guard, bodyguard to the Mass state attorney General James Shannon and finally as a Police Officer.
He was disable as a police Officer in 2001. DeCoff returned to acting shortly after. Not missing a beat he renewed his former skill of body-part modeling and doubling. Acting in a plethora of Indie horror films which he most enjoyed. His film/TV career faulted as he refused take bookings that would force him to be away from home overnight. Preferring to be home with his family.
His comedy performance playing opposite William Forsythe in the comedy "Slip And fall" earned DeCoff high praise from Forsythe in particular who said their scenes together were among the funniest of his long career. DeCoff won "Best actor" awards in several film festivals
DeCoff developed a solid reputation as a character actor. Working dozens of Independent movies which he loved while occasionally getting bit parts in larger TV and films.
He returned to duty as a police Officer in 2017. Saying he felt a 'Call of Duty" after seeing many Officers his age retiring because of social turmoil. Wanting to help inspire and counsel young Officers as he did younger actors. He continues to write, produce, and act when his schedule allows.
