William DeCoff, a Massachusetts native, grew up in the historic Old Salem Village, a site infamous for its role in the Salem Witch Hysteria. At the tender age of 14, DeCoff's life took an unexpected turn when he was approached to star in a TV commercial for Anderson Little, a clothing store. This opportunity led him to receive method acting training from the renowned Rafael Ramirez at The NY Conservatory. With his remarkably muscular physique, which was a rare sight among teenagers in the 1970s, DeCoff won the Teenage Mr. Eastern States title and placed fifth in his height class at the Teenage Mr. America competition. He also began modeling for print and television, showcasing his impressive physique.
As he entered adulthood, DeCoff pursued a career in professional wrestling, receiving training from the legendary Walter "Killer Kowalski." He made his mark in the wrestling world, competing across Canada, particularly in Quebec and the maritime provinces, as well as in the United States, primarily in Dallas and the New England states. DeCoff's exceptional stamina and deceptively high physical strength earned him several wrestling titles. However, his lack of physical size led to frustration, causing him to leave the business on multiple occasions before returning.
Wrestling promoter Fritz Von Erich recognized DeCoff's creative potential and suggested he transition to a behind-the-scenes role, where he could utilize his promotional instincts. DeCoff took Von Erich's advice to heart, speaking with Killer Kowalski, who agreed with the assessment. DeCoff completed his bookings and bid farewell to the wrestling world.
DeCoff's next chapter saw him serving as a police officer from 1990 until his retirement in 2025. During this time, he also pursued his passion for acting, appearing in various indie horror films. Despite the challenges he faced in his film and television career, DeCoff prioritized his family life, often declining bookings that required him to be away from home overnight.
