Edward Wass (born October 27, 1952) is an American television director and former actor. He is best known for his roles as Danny Dallas on the series Soap (1977–1981) and as Nick Russo on the sitcom Blossom (1991–1995). After Blossom ended its run in 1995, Wass retired from acting and focused only on directing episodic television series, such as Spin City, The Big Bang Theory, Less than Perfect and 2 Broke Girls. Wass returned to acting when he reunited with Mayim Bialik and played her father again on Bialik's Call Me Kat in 2022.
Early life and education Wass was born in Lakewood, Ohio. He was raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and graduated from Glenbard West High School in 1970. He attended Goodman School of Drama at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (now at DePaul University).
Wass trained as an opera singer and was also involved in rock and roll as a lead singer and guitarist.
Career Acting In 1976, Wass made his Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of Grease, playing Danny Zuko.
He made his television debut as Danny Dallas on Soap from 1977 to 1981, filming 101 episodes. He appeared on Broadway with his Soap co-star Diana Canova in Neil Simon's They're Playing Our Song.
Wass starred in Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), one of the post-Peter Sellers films in the franchise, as Detective Sergeant Clifton Sleigh, engaged by Police Chief Dreyfus to track down Inspector Clouseau.
He played struggling musician Bobby Shelton (who trades his soul — and his family — to become an ill-fated rock star "Billy Wayne") in the black comedy film Oh, God! You Devil (1984). He played a sports journalist caught in a murder in female-Tarzan film Sheena (1984).
In 1986, he starred in the TV movie Triplecross, directed by David Greene. This was intended as a television pilot, but the series was never picked up.
His last acting role was among his most prominent, playing the title character's father in Blossom (1991–1995), a sitcom about a teenage girl with two brothers being brought up by their single father. He returned to acting in a similar role in Call Me Kat, which featured callbacks to three television series in which Kat (Mayim Bialik) had appeared.
Directing Wass began directing while acting on the TV sitcom Blossom. He has directed episodes of over 40 TV series along with many TV movies.
Personal life Wass' first wife was actress Janet Margolin, who died in December 1993 at age 50 from ovarian cancer. Their two children are Julian (a composer) and Matilda. He has two grandchildren from Julian's marriage to director Jenee Lamarque. His second and current wife is producer Nina Feinberg Wass, whom he married in 1996. They have a daughter named Stella.
Filmography Director Year Title Notes Blossom 18 episodes Local Heroes Coach 1 episode Mr. Rhodes 6 episodes The Jeff Foxworthy Show 13 episodes Jenny 1 episode Smart Guy 5 episodes Soul Man The Secret Lives of Men Costello 1 episode 1998–99 Caroline in the City 17 episodes 1999 Two of a Kind 1 episode Oh, Grow Up Norm 1 episode Stark Raving Mad Then Came You Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place My Wife and Kids 2000–2002 Spin City 45 episodes My Adventures in Television Regular Joe Married to the Kellys I'm with Her 2002–2006 Less than Perfect 2006 Crumbs 10 episodes 2006 The Game 2 episodes 2006 'Til Death 2007–2013 Rules of Engagement 45 episodes 2007 The Big Bang Theory 1 episode 2007 Two and a Half Men 7 episodes Gary Unmarried 2007–2008 Everybody Hates Chris 2009 Scrubs 1 episode 2009 Ruby & The Rockits 2009 Brothers 2010 Accidentally on Purpose $#*! My Dad Says 2010 Melissa & Joey 9 episodes 2011 State of Georgia 5 episodes 2011–12 2 Broke Girls 9 episodes 2012 Sullivan & Son 3 episodes 2013 Dads 2 episodes 2014 Undateable 2 episodes 2013–14 Last Man Standing 2014–2015 Mom 16 episodes 2015 Cristela 2015 Truth Be Told 2016 The Odd Couple 2 episodes
Acting roles Year Title Role Notes 1977 Family Sam Trask Episode "A Safe House" 1977 Handle with Care Cpl. Tillingham TV pilot 1977–1981 Soap Danny Dallas Main cast (77 episodes) 1979 The Thirteenth Day: The Story of Esther Simon TV special 1987 CBS Summer Playhouse Mickey Episode "Mickey and Nora" 1989 Men Dr. Steven Ratajkowski Main cast (6 episodes) 1991–1995 Blossom Nick Russo Main cast (113 episodes) 2022 Call Me Kat Kat's father Guest (2 episodes)
TV movies Year Title Role 1979 The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal Vinnie 1982 I Was a Mail Order Bride Robert Fitzgerald 1983 Baby Sister David Mitchell 1985 Sins of the Father Gregory Scott Murchison 1986 Triplecross Elliott Taffle 1986 The Canterville Ghost Harry Canterville 1986 Sunday Drive Paul Sheridan 1988 Shades of Love: Sunset Court Dr. Jimmy Fielding 1988 Pancho Barnes Frank Clake 1990 Sparks: The Price of Passion Steve Warner 1993 Triumph Over Disaster: The Hurricane Andrew Story Bryan Norcross
Feature film Year Title Role 1983 Curse of the Pink Panther Sgt. Clifton Sleigh 1984 Sheena Vic Casey 1984 Oh, God! You Devil Bobby Shelton 1986 The Longshot Stump 1989 Fine Gold Andre
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