Al Ruscio began his acting career on an episode of the beloved Western series "Gunsmoke" in 1958. He began working consistently thereafter, appearing on dozens of television shows before he finally got a break by playing the small part of Jack Norrell on the classic police sitcom "Barney Miller" in 1977. The part led to several minor recurring roles on other shows in the early '80s, including "Falcon Crest" and "Hill Street Blues." In 1990 he began playing the role of Sal Giordano on "Life Goes On," appearing on the show until '92. The following year he played Frank Ruscio on the ill-fated sitcom "Joe's Life," and in '98 he portrayed Kosta Kanelos on the soap opera "Port Charles."