- “Look at me: I pay my taxes. I keep my name out of the paper, and I don't make waves. And in return I can do anything I want!”
- ―Russell Winters[src]
Russell Winters was a wealthy vampire who owned the investment firm Russell Winters Enterprises. A client of Wolfram & Hart, his vast wealth made him one of the most powerful men in Los Angeles, living among humans and using his connections and power to kill with impunity.[1]
Biography[]
- “We do things a certain way here in LA.”
- ―Russell Winters[src]
Russell Winters was one of the most powerful individuals in Los Angeles. He selected young women seeking fame in Los Angeles as his victims with the promise of launching their careers and attending whatever they wished. He enjoyed tormenting them over a prolonged period until he killed them; his latest victims were Denise Perkins and Christina Clarke before he moved on to his next target, Cordelia, whom he had first seen in video footage of a party that Tina had attended.[1]
When Russell received Cordelia in his mansion, however, she recognized him for what he truly was because of her previous experience with vampires in Sunnydale. He didn't deny it and still planned to feed on her. However, his attempt to feed on Cordelia was interrupted by the intervention of Angel — who Doyle had sent to protect Tina, only to fail when she ran away after discovering his vampire nature. Angel fought Russell off but was forced to flee with Cordelia after Russell's security guards arrived.[1]
The next day, Angel went after Russell in his office, where Russell's lawyer Lindsey McDonald informed him that Russell had never been accused and would never be convicted of any crime, and further harassment would result in Angel being brought "into the light of day." Russell told Angel that he could do anything he wanted, unlike the usual vampires Angel confronted, so Angel asked if Russell could fly. Before he could answer, Angel kicked Russell's chair out of a window behind him, the sunlight causing Russell to turn to ash before his chair reached the ground.[1]
Powers and abilities[]
Russell reveals his true face.
- “He's the kind of guy that can get away with murder.”
- ―Tina[src]
Russell's greatest power did not lie on his strength as a vampire, but on his vast economic power. His wealth allowed him to surround himself with butlers and armed security guards and afford the services, not only of hired muscle, but also those of the law firm Wolfram & Hart. The firm not only worked to ensure the success of Russell's enterprises, but also helped cover his killings, providing alibis, witnesses, and scapegoats.[1]
Personality and traits[]
- “He likes pain. I mean he really does. He talks about it like it was a friend. And you don't leave him, he tells you when he's had enough.”
- ―Tina[src]
Beneath his mature appearance and charming demeanor, Russell was a controlling and sadistic predator. According to Tina, he liked and talked about pain "like it was a friend." He enjoyed toying with his victims, particularly young aspiring actresses, harassing them and causing them to live in constant fear, breaking them to the point where they would have no option but to turn to him. Russell then would kill his targets once they ceased to amuse him, though he indicated that he regretted killing Tina too soon.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
- He was portrayed by Vyto Ruginis.
- Russell's unique vampire face is due to new prosthetics experimented in "City Of," which were discarded from the next episode on.[2]
Appearances[]
- "City Of"
- City Of (novel)
- "Five by Five" (Only mentioned)
- "You're Welcome" (Only mentioned)
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "City Of"
- ↑ Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt. Angel Season One on DVD; DVD commentaries for "City Of." 20th Century Studios, February 11, 2003.