About Retro Bill
BILL RUSS (AKA "RETRO BILL") is currently one of the most in-demand Kindergarten through 12th Grade Motivational Speakers in North America. He is currently celebrating his 30th year as the Official International D.A.R.E. Safety & Self-Esteem Buddy. RETRO BILL's live presentations are unique, energetic, humorous, and inspiring. He is a highly in-demand speaker at schools covering topics such as anti-bullying, good character, safety, social media, goal setting, peace building, diversity, conflict resolution, healthy choices and good citizenship.
RETRO BILL is also a much sought after corporate Motivational Speaker delivering Keynote Presentations focused on Customer Service to the Hotel, Restaurant and Airline industries.
RETRO BILL crafts his presentations and delivery for each audience, specific requests and age level. Children, Adults, Families, Law Enforcement, School Safety Personnel, Educators and Food Service, Airline and Hospitality Employees all enjoy RETRO BILL's unique style, use of humor, sound effects and visual props, which have had him referred to by media outlets as "Carrot Top meets Jim Carrey with an Elvis-flare and the heart, devotion and empathy of Mr. Rogers!"
RETRO BILL's Training Conference Presentations for Law Enforcement and Educators include themes such as: Improving Your Ability to Motivate Children of All Ages, Effective-Connecting with Youth, Your Kids are Your Customers and Creative Ways to provide an Exceptional Learning Experience!
RETRO BILL's highly sought K-12th Grade School Assembly Programs connect with, inspire, inform and empower Elementary, Middle and High School Students on a variety of themes and topics affecting today's youth (including bullying, peer pressure, social media, gangs, diversity and alcohol, tobacco & drug abuse).
RETRO BILL's very popular Family Shows are FUN for ALL ages, bringing audiences to tears one moment and uproarious laughter the next! His Family Shows are great for "Back to School" and PTA/PTO sponsored events.
RETRO BILL has literally spoken to MILLIONS of FANS Worldwide over the last three decades as a Professional Speaker and Family Entertainer! He has delivered presentations in all 50 States and throughout the Provinces of Canada. He's received countless accolades from Government Officials, Educators, Law Enforcement, Corporate & Entertainment organizations and dignitaries. He’s also received numerous Keys to Cities and is a recipient of Gubernatorial Proclamations making him an “Honorary Hoosier” in the State of Indiana and a Certified “Kentucky Colonel“ in the Blue Grass State. CNN's Larry King called RETRO BILL "a Supercharged Mr. Rogers for the 21st Century." High Compliments indeed!
RETRO BILL (Bill Russ) grew up in the Midwest outside of Chicago as the oldest of 4 siblings. Upon winning a number of Student film-making Awards while attending Columbia College, he caught the attention of famed movie Director/Producer Steven Spielberg, who subsequently awarded Bill with a Scholarship to attend the prestigious University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television.
While attending USC, Bill was selected by the United States Department of Defense and U.S. Navy to serve as a contracted Combat Camera Instructor, where he worked extensively with Naval Air Wings, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the notorious Navy SEAL Teams.
As a graduating film student at USC, Bill directed, wrote and produced the Award-Winning film "The Last Ride" (starring Academy Award-Winning actor Ben Johnson). RETRO BILL (as Bill Russ) Guest Hosted E! Talk Soup, Hosted "Taxi-Vision" in Las Vegas and starred in and directed numerous episodes of Great Britain's BBC 5's "Roland Rat" children's TV show featuring puppets and co-produced by Jim Henson & Associates U.K.
Throughout his directorial career, Bill Russ has directed television commercials, infomercials, tv specials and numerous music videos for artists such as Kenny G, Michael McDonald, MC Hammer and The Red Hot Chili Peppers to mention a few.
In 2001, Bill Russ wrote, directed and starred in (as RETRO BILL) the Award-Winning "D.A.R.E. Safety Tips starring RETRO BILL" video. In 2010, he directed and starred in the Award-Winning "RETRO BILL Safety & Self-Esteem Tips" video. Both videos have been utilized by D.A.R.E. and Law Enforcement Officers worldwide since their release.
In addition to his Academic and Corporate Motivational Speaking Appearances, RETRO BILL (Bill Russ) has worked as a Creative Theatrical Advisor for Cirque du Soliel, and as an Emcee for "Kirk Franklin's Live Gospel Brunch" held at House of Blues locations across the USA. As RETRO BILL, he has served as the pre-concert warmup Emcee alongside renowned K-EARTH 101FM Los Angeles DJ Charlie Tuna for the Beach Boy's "Endless California Summer Tour."
RETRO BILL (credited as Bill Russ) has provided numerous Character Voice-Overs for Television Commercials and Cartoon Shows for Nickelodeon, Boomerang and Disney. He has also done extensive voice-over work for Television Documentaries aired on the History Channel and A&E Network.
For 10 years, RETRO BILL starred in his own television program which aired globally on two TV networks: Trinity Broadcast Network and the Smile of a Child Network.
RETRO BILL has had the distinct honor of being the Opening Ceremony Keynote Speaker at the Canadian National D.A.R.E. Conference held in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He was also hired by the United States National Park Service to serve as the Official Host & Master of Ceremonies of America's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration held at Mount Rushmore National Monument in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
RETRO BILL has served as the Official Hospitality Motivational Speaker for Tim Horton's Restaurants in Canada, where he provided entertaining, instructional and motivational live presentations to thousands of Tim Hortons Restaurant employees throughout the Provinces.
Since 2022, the California Central Coast COPS 'N KIDS Organization has partnered with RETRO BILL in sponsoring his K-12th grade Motivational Assemblies throughout schools in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.
In 2023, RETRO BILL received the Chief Daryl F. Gates "D.A.R.E. Lifetime Achievement Award." Also in 2023, RETRO BILL received the President's Award from the National School Safety Advocacy Council for his Lifelong dedication to the safety and well-being of America's Youth.
Additional RETRO BILL titles & affiliations include:
-Host of America's National Kids Day
-Celebrity Spokesperson for the Worldwide "KidsPeace" Organization
-Celebrity Spokesperson for Bright House Networks "Keeping Kids Safe Project"
-Certified National Dr. Seuss "Read Across America" Celebrity Reader
-Certified Children's Life Improvement Coach
-Certified Internet Safety Presenter
-Certified Safe Schools Presenter
-Certified Anti-Bullying Presenter
-Official D.A.R.E. Graduation Keynote Speaker
In addition to his Motivational Speaking and Creative Consulting work RETRO BILL will release two Children's Books in 2026, and as writer, producer, director Bill Russ will premiere the long-anticipated Director's Cut of the Award- Winning film "The Last Ride."