Rif Hutton (November 28, 1952 – April 18, 2026) was an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his recurring role as Dr. Ron Welch in the comedy-drama series Doogie Howser, M.D., appearing in that series from 1990 up to its conclusion in 1993. From 1997 to 2001, he appeared in a recurring role as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni on the series JAG. Hutton is also notable for playing Russ Beeler, a fictional owner of a KFC establishment, appearing in a number of KFC commercials in the early to mid 1990s.
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Early life and career
Hutton was born in San Antonio, Texas, and was raised in East Orange, New Jersey. He moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s to pursue an acting career. He went to many auditions in his early years, but soon found himself broke and homeless, getting assistance from friends.
He went on to guest star in a number of notable television series including The Jeffersons, Night Court, L.A. Law, Married... with Children, Hunter, Wings, Murphy Brown, The Larry Sanders Show, Getting By, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Family Matters, and Cold Case among others.
Hutton also appeared in stage productions in the Los Angeles area as well as working as a voice actor.
Personal life and death
Hutton was married twice. His first marriage was to a woman named Pat, an actress and stand-up comedian. His second was to actress Bridget Hoffman in 2001.
It is also reported in 2000 that he was engaged to actress Telma Hopkins. In 1993–94, Hutton had played Hopkins' love interest in a few episodes of her sitcom Getting By.
Hutton died from brain cancer at his home in Pasadena, California, on April 18, 2026, at the age of 73.
Filmography
Film
Wavelength (1983) – Air Force officer
Wanted: Dead or Alive (1987) – Agent
You Talkin' to Me? (1987) – Black Man
Moving (1988) – Reporter
Stand and Deliver (1988) – Pearson
L.A. Heat (1989) – Det. Royster
The Borrower (1991) – Newscaster
Going Under (1991) – Dr. Friendly
Star Trek Generations (1994) – Klingon Guard
Bigfoot: The Unforgettable Encounter (1995) – Jess
Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995) – Arnold
Restraining Order (1999) – Sidney Evans
The Thirteenth Floor (1999) – Joe
Shrek (2001) – Lord Farquaad's Guards (voice)
Osmosis Jones (2001) – Charlie (voice)
Gas (2004) – Brad
Shark Tale (2004) – Fish (voice)
Tugger: The Jeep 4x4 Who Wanted to Fly (2005) – Crewman #1 (voice)
Madagascar (2005) – Crowd Member (voice)
Stick It (2006) – Drill Sergeant
Curious George (2006) – Mailman (voice)
Television
The Jeffersons (1985) – Roulette Spinner
227 (1987) – Man #1
Webster (1989) – Bob
A Different World (1989) – Security #2
Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993) – Dr. Ron Welch
Married, with Children (1990) – Bailiff
Wings (1991) – T.V. Anchorman
Sister, Sister (1994) – PTA President
Fudge (1995) – Mr. Green
General Hospital (1995) – David Ward
Home Improvement (1995) – Man at Arena
The Wayans Bros. (1995–1999) – Ted Winters / Agent Doug Steckler
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1996) – Agent Rawlings
The Jamie Foxx Show (1996) – Vray Beaujay
Family Matters (1997) – Reverend Fuller
Seinfeld (1998) – Salesman
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2003) – Initiative General
House (2005) – Morris
Thats So Raven (2005) – Reverend Mattson
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2007) – Vernon Porter
