Background
Russo was born in Syosset, New York. He went to Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, and Rollins College near Orlando, Florida graduating with a degree in history. He also spent one spring at the Cranleigh School south of London, England (Russo's mother is English) and one semester at Sydney University in Australia studying Australian history and literature.
Prior to joining WFAN, Russo worked for WKIS in Orlando, Florida between 1984 and 1987 and WMCA in New York City between 1987 and 1988. During his career at WKIS, when it became clear that the people of Central Florida were having trouble understanding his accent, the station sent him to see a speech therapist twice a week. He got the "Mad Dog" nickname from New York Daily News Sports TV and Radio critic Bob Raissman.
Russo is known for his quick manner of speaking, the expressiveness of his voice, and his trademark greeting of "Good afternoon everybody!" at the start of the Mike and the Mad Dog show. George Vecsey of The New York Times described his voice as "a bizarre mixture of Dr. Michael Bird, Archie Bunker and Daffy Duck." Russo's voice is also described as "Donald Duck on steroids."
Russo has done his shows from the US Open and the Jersey Shore on many occasions.
Read more about this topic: Chris Russo
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