W. Rex Voland Bio

My favorite thing is to Create Smiles (and Star Trek). If it wasn't for my work, I'd have almost no fun at all. Outside of working, I spend my time sharing my home in Pflugerville, TX. with my Two dogs, Brain and Cele and my two cats, Harlow and Dozer.

In early 2018 I became a ride share driver. I also began working for Pflugerville Martial Arts as a driver, supervisor, and summer camp counselor, It was akin to starting a whole new life! In 2022 I became the Managing Director of Pflugerville Martial Arts Academy After School and Summer Camp programs. I left the program in 2024.

My film credits include "My Boyfriend's Back" directed by Bob Balaban and "The Rookie" starring Dennis Quaid. I also appeared as Santa Claus in commercials promoting Gattis Pizza's "Children Giving to Children" campaign, Macy’s annual tree lighting at The Domain, and The Tony Nguyen Law Firm.

In 2014 I was honored to be asked to compose and record two spots for Three Ring Service, Austin's premier entertainment company. I was employed by Three Ring for over 20 years as their performer manager, entertainment specialist, and "Head Elf".

During my time there I had the opportunity to train a number of Santas.

I am an avid science fiction fan with Star Trek being my favorite genre. I am considered a "Trekker" as I have an extensive Star Trek collection. It has been said my house resembles a Star Trek museum. I am also heavily into Dr. Who, Torchwood, Sanctuary, Eureka, Babylon 5, and Rocky Horror among other sci-fi classics.

In the Summer of 1974 I had the opportunity of being accepted as an apprentice with Academy Festival Theatre. While there I was cast in two productions. I was the banjo player in the opening scene of the second act of "Desire Under the Elms" starring Cicely Tyson and Roscoe Lee Browne. I also sang the opening song in John Guare's short-lived musical "Rich and Famous". "Rich and Famous" starred Linda Lavin of "Alice", Charles Kimborough of "Murphy Brown" and Ron Leibman of "Kaz" and "The Sopranos". Linda Lavin was the first person ever to suggest that I take up musical performance as a career. 

That Summer I also had the fortune to work with Rip Torn, Geraldine Page, Edward Mulhare, and Tammy Grimes. Miss Grimes had me come to her dressing room before every performance to sing to her. That Summer changed my life. I knew I was meant to pursue a career in theatre and performance.

I have been cast twice as Sancho Panza in "Man of La Mancha". First in 1976 in the Center Stage production at the Ritz Theatre in Austin. The second time in the critically acclaimed 1986 Hyde Park Theatre production. Both were directed by Ken Johnson. He once asked me if I were going to make a career out of playing Sancho.

I never expected to end up as a professional entertainer. I am proud to say that among the Theatre majors in the 1975 Southwestern University graduating class, as far as I know, there are only two graduates making a living as a performing entertainer. I am one of those two.

I am infamous as Sexy Rexy, the original comedy stripper. (I strip from a disheveled tuxedo to tye-dyed longjohns and a ballet tutu while singing "Fat" by "Weird" Al Yankovic.)
I received the nickname "Plexus" at Southwestern while attempting to design a special piano prop for "Dames at Sea". I exclaimed, "It can't be done on our budget". My roommate, a fellow thesbian answered, "Rex is perplexed" and the director, Fred Goodson, dubbed me "Rexus Plexus". I have been Plexus ever since. The Plexus name has been given to my production company, 2 bands, my solo act and finally my "Clown" name: Rexus Plexus the PHAT "Clown" from Texas. (PHAT = Plump, Humorous, and Tye-Dyed)

I look forward to Christmas time when I become Santa Claus. I personify the jolly old elf in his spirit of hope, joy, and giving. When I advise aspiring Santas, I tell them "Remember, you are not playing a part. You must believe you ARE Santa Claus!"

My favorite food is anything Asian, especially sushi and Dim Sum.

The person I would have most liked to meet was Jerry Lewis.

One more thing of which I am very proud is the time I spent having the honor of directing Qualima, the vocal ensemble of the Austin Eckankar Center.

Baraka Bashad, May the Blessings Be!