Tim Russ Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Songs, Movies

Tim Russ is a proud American icon whose talent spans acting, directing, music, and even astronomy, making him a true Renaissance man.

He’s best known for his role as the stoic Vulcan Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, a performance that earned him a legion of fans.

From his hilarious cameo in Spaceballs to his recurring role as Principal Ted Franklin on iCarly, Tim’s versatility shines through in comedy, drama, and sci-fi.

Profile

• Full Name: Timothy Darrell Russ
• Stage Name: Tim Russ
• Born: June 22, 1956
• Age: 69 years old
• Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Musician, Voice Actor, Producer
• Height: 182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Walt Russ, Josephine Russ
• Siblings: Michael Russ, Angela Russ
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Madison Camille Russ
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $3 million to $6 million

Early Life & Education

Tim Russ was born on June 22, 1956, in the heart of Washington, D.C., to Walt Russ, a U.S. Air Force officer, and Josephine Russ, a government employee.

Growing up in a proud military family, Tim and his younger siblings, Michael and Angela, moved frequently, living on bases in various locations, including Niagara Falls, Elmendorf (Alaska), Omaha, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Turkey.

His ethnicity is African American, rooted in his American heritage, and he was likely raised in a Christian household, though he keeps his faith private, focusing on his craft. Tim’s global childhood gave him a unique perspective, blending American pride with cultural curiosity.

Tim attended Izmir High School in Turkey during his family’s time abroad, later graduating from Rome Free Academy in Rome, New York, in 1974.

He pursued his passion for acting at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts.

With a full scholarship, he continued his studies at Illinois State University, where he was later inducted into the Hall of Fame for his achievements.

Career

Tim Russ’s career is a four-decade celebration of American entertainment, spanning acting, directing, music, and writing.

He began his career in 1985 with roles as Sam in Hunter and a part in PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre while still a student.

His early TV credits include guest spots on The Twilight Zone (1985, as Officer #2 in “Kentucky Rye”), Amazing Stories, Thirtysomething, 21 Jump Street, Beauty and the Beast, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Murphy Brown.

His film roles started with Crossroads (1986, as Robert Johnson), Fire with Fire (1986), and Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987).

His iconic line as a trooper in Spaceballs (1987), “We ain’t found shit!” while combing the desert, became a fan favorite.

Tim’s love for Star Trek defined his career. A dedicated Trekkie, he auditioned for Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987 but landed roles like Devor in “Starship Mine” (1993), T’Kar in Deep Space Nine’s “Invasive Procedures” (1993), and a lieutenant in Star Trek: Generations (1994).

His most notable role was that of Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001), where he portrayed the Vulcan security officer with logic and depth across 170 episodes.

He directed the Voyager episode “Living Witness” (1998) and voiced Tuvok in video games like Star Trek: Voyager – Elite Force.

Tim co-wrote Star Trek: Deep Space Nine comics (#29–30) and starred in fan projects like Star Trek: Of Gods and Men (2007) and Star Trek: Renegades (2015–2017). He reprised Tuvok in Star Trek: Picard (2023).

Beyond Star Trek, Tim played Principal Ted Franklin on iCarly (2007–2012) for seven seasons, Frank the doorman on Samantha Who? (2007–2009), and a doctor in Hannah Montana’s “I Am Hannah, Hear Me Croak.”

His film roles include Live Free or Die Hard (2007, as Agent Summers), East of Hope Street (1998, as Casey, which he co-wrote and produced), and 5th Passenger (2018).

He’s guest-starred on The Rookie: Feds (2022), Criminal Minds, 9-1-1, and PEN15. As a musician, Tim has released albums like Only a Dream in Rio, Tim Russ, Kushangaza, and Brave New World, blending jazz and blues.

He directed films such as Junkie (2018) and Life on the Rocks, and won an Emmy in 2014 for his work on FBI public service ads addressing cyberbullying and intellectual property theft.

His work on Bless the Harts (2019–2021) as a voice actor, as well as his stage roles in Dreamgirls and Romeo & Juliet, demonstrate his range. Tim’s career is a testament to American creativity and perseverance.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @timruss2

Personal Life

At 69, Tim Russ lives in Los Angeles, standing at 182 cm (6 ft 0 in) with a commanding presence and warm smile. He’s single, keeping his romantic life private, with no confirmed spouse or past relationships.

He’s a proud dad to Madison Camille Russ (born March 9, 1999), an actress known for her roles in Candy Corn (2019) and Star Trek: Renegades.

They share a close bond, seen in her 2017 Instagram post with him. Tim’s a passionate musician, playing guitar and singing in jazz and blues styles, often performing live in L.A. An avid amateur astronomer, he’s a member of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and helped detect asteroid 617 Patroclus for NASA’s Lucy probe in 2021.

Net Worth

Tim Russ’s net worth is estimated between $3 million and $6 million.

His wealth comes from acting (Star Trek: Voyager, iCarly), directing (Star Trek: Renegades, Junkie), music (four albums), voice work (Star Trek video games), and producing (East of Hope Street).

The range reflects varying source estimates, with his Emmy-winning FBI ads and steady Star Trek projects boosting his income.

Tim’s success shows the American dream of building a legacy through hard work and talent.

Discography

• Only a Dream in Rio (CD)
• Tim Russ (CD)
• Kushangaza (CD)
• Brave New World (CD)
• Bugsters (musical children’s book and CD, co-producer, National Parenting Award winner)

Film

• Crossroads (1986) – Robert Johnson
• Fire with Fire (1986) – Jerry
• Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987) – Jesse
• Spaceballs (1987) – Trooper
• Pulse (1988) – Policeman
• Bird (1988) – Harris
• Roots: The Gift (1988, TV movie) – Marcellus
• Eve of Destruction (1991) – Carter
• Night Eyes II (1991) – Moore
• Mr. Saturday Night (1992) – A.D.
• Star Trek: Generations (1994) – Lieutenant
• Dead Connection (1994) – Det. Chuck Roland
• East of Hope Street (1998) – Casey (co-writer, producer)
• Dead Silence (1997) – Det. Sam Waldron
• Live Free or Die Hard (2007) – Agent Summers
• 5th Passenger (2018) – Franklin
• Karma (2018) – Frank
• Junkie (2018) – Director
• Hunter (1985) – Sam (1 episode)
• The Twilight Zone (1985) – Officer #2 (“Kentucky Rye”)
• Hill Street Blues (1987) – Guest role
• Jake and the Fatman (1987) – Guest role
• 21 Jump Street (1987) – Guest role
• Beauty and the Beast (1987) – Guest role
• The Highwayman (1987–1988) – D.C. Montana (series regular)
• The People Next Door (1989) – Series regular
• Family Matters (1989) – Guest role
• Freddy’s Nightmares (1990) – Guest role
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990) – Guest role
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (1993) – Devor (“Starship Mine”)
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993) – T’Kar (“Invasive Procedures”)
• SeaQuest 2032 (1993) – Guest role
• Murphy Brown (1994) – Guest role
• Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001) – Lieutenant Commander Tuvok (main role)
• Any Day Now (1998) – Guest role
• Samantha Who? (2007–2009) – Frank (recurring)
• iCarly (2007–2012) – Principal Ted Franklin (recurring)
• Hannah Montana (2007) – Dr. Meyer (“I Am Hannah, Hear Me Croak”)
• Trust Me (2009) – Guest role
• Lab Rats (2012) – Guest role
• The Night Shift (2014) – Guest role
• Criminal Minds (2015) – Guest role
• 9-1-1 (2018) – Guest role
• PEN15 (2019) – Guest role
• Bless the Harts (2019–2021) – Various voices.
• The Rookie: Feds (2022) – Guest role
• Star Trek: Picard (2023) – Tuvok/Changeling (recurring)
• Dreamgirls (original L.A. premiere)
• Romeo & Juliet
• Barrabas
• As You Like It
• Twelfth Night
• Cave Dwellers