If you’ve spent any time in the Supernatural fandom, you know the name Rufus Turner. He’s the grumpy, paranoid, surprisingly Jewish, and incredibly savvy hunter who basically taught Bobby Singer everything he knows. But the question that usually pops up during a rewatch or a late-night trivia session is: who plays Rufus in Supernatural?
That would be the legendary Steven Williams.
He isn't just some random guest actor they found in a casting call. Honestly, Steven Williams is a titan of character acting. He’s one of those "hey, I know that guy!" faces who has been in literally everything since the mid-70s. But in Supernatural, he brought a specific kind of salty, lived-in energy that made Rufus feel like he had been hunting demons since before Sam and Dean were even a twinkle in John Winchester’s eye.
Steven Williams: The Man Behind the Grumpy Hunter
Steven Williams was born in Memphis and grew up in Chicago. Before he was hunting hellhounds on the CW, he was actually a mailman. Yeah, for real. He even worked in the garment district as a salesman after serving in the Army. He didn't even take acting lessons. He’s just a natural.
When he finally landed the role of Rufus Turner in Season 3, episode 15, "Time Is on My Side," the chemistry was instant. Especially with Jim Beaver (Bobby Singer). The two of them played off each other like a married couple that had been arguing for forty years.
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Why Rufus Worked So Well
It wasn't just the writing. It was the way Williams delivered his lines. He gave Rufus this "I’m too old for this" vibe that actually felt authentic. Most hunters in the show are young, shredded, and full of angst. Rufus? Rufus was just tired. He wanted his Scotch, he wanted to be left alone in his cabin in Canaan, Vermont, and he definitely didn't want to help you with your ghost problem—unless he absolutely had to.
Interestingly, Steven Williams has mentioned in interviews that he deliberately played Rufus with a bit more "levity" than Bobby. He didn't want to compete with Jim Beaver for the title of the grumpiest man on screen. So he made Rufus a bit of a pest. A guy who would annoy Bobby just for the fun of it.
Beyond the Impala: Where Else Have You Seen Him?
If you feel like you've seen the man who plays Rufus in Supernatural before, you're right. He has a resume that would make most A-listers jealous. He has been a staple of cult television for decades.
- The X-Files: He played the mysterious "X," the informant who replaced Deep Throat. He was terrifyingly cool in that role.
- 21 Jump Street: No, not the Channing Tatum movie. The original 80s show. He played Captain Adam Fuller alongside a very young Johnny Depp.
- Jason Goes to Hell: He played the bounty hunter Creighton Duke. If you’re a horror fan, that’s a core memory.
- IT (2017): He was Leroy Hanlon (Mike’s grandfather).
- The Chi: He played Quentin, showing he’s still got those dramatic chops.
He’s also popped up in Yellowstone, The Leftovers, and Locke & Key. The man doesn't stop working.
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That Infamous "Omaha" Incident
One of the best parts about Steven Williams' portrayal was the mystery he carried. Fans spent years wondering what happened between Rufus and Bobby in Omaha. It was clearly a sore spot. Rufus basically told Bobby he'd never forgive him.
For a long time, it was just a "noodle incident"—something mentioned but never shown. However, the tie-in book Supernatural: Bobby Singer's Guide to Hunting eventually spilled the tea. Turns out, Bobby accidentally got Rufus’ daughter killed during a hunt gone wrong. It adds a whole layer of tragedy to their "grumpy old men" routine. When you realize Rufus was still hanging out with the guy who caused his daughter's death, it makes their bond feel much more complex and heartbreaking.
How to Appreciate Rufus Today
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of Rufus Turner and Steven Williams, there are a few things you should actually do rather than just scrolling through IMDb.
First, watch "Weekend at Bobby's" (Season 6, Episode 4). This is peak Rufus. Seeing him try to dispose of an Okami (a Japanese monster) while Bobby is trying to deal with a dozen other things is comedy gold. It showcases exactly why Williams was such a vital part of the show's DNA.
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Second, check out the "Then and Now" podcast.
Steven Williams has appeared as a guest on the Supernatural rewatch podcast hosted by Rob Benedict and Richard Speight Jr. Hearing him talk about his career and his time on set is a treat. He’s incredibly humble and treats acting like a craft, not a celebrity status.
Finally, look for him at conventions.
Even in 2026, Steven is still a regular on the convention circuit. He’s known for being incredibly warm with fans. If you ever get the chance to see him on a panel, do it. His stories about the "old days" of Hollywood and filming in Vancouver are worth the ticket price alone.
Basically, Steven Williams didn't just play a character; he built a legend. Rufus Turner might have died in Season 6 (thanks to a Khan Worm-possessed Bobby), but the impact he left on the show—and the fans—is permanent. Next time you see a character actor who perfectly nails a role, check if it’s Steven. Odds are, it might be.