Viridian’s Virals: Christopher “Topher” Russell

photo courtesy of Tik Tok

Topher is a well-known figure across the globe because of his viral videos on Tik Tok. Mrs. Kathy Cocchi sheds light on his early life before his stardom.
by Ansleigh Hester

From 2022 to 2023, Topher swept across the globe with his sassy persona. Many students at WGHS have positive opinions about Topher, and even Mrs. Cocchi, a teacher at WGHS and a friend of Topher’s family, shares insight into Topher’s personal life. 

Students at WGHS know of Topher and enjoy his content. Freshman Dinara Fernando expresses, “I like Topher’s [country] accent.” Some other students feel a deeper connection to him because they relate to his personality. Freshman Caylyn Hill says, “He isn’t overhyped because he’s literally hilarious and my best friend.” Even students that don’t have social media see his viral videos. Freshman Gabriella Daniel comments, “I see him on Youtube instead of Tik Tok.” 
Topher still gets positive feedback from Warriors, even when they haven’t seen his videos. Junior Howard Dous vocalizes, “I don’t see him much because I don’t have Tik Tok, but I hear from others that he is a funny person and makes people happy.” Fernando recalls when she saw an entertaining video of Topher. “I see him [Topher] in K-pop videos where the K-pop stars introduce themselves and he pops up and says his catchphrase.” 

The consistency of Topher’s videos has dwindled down into the new year. Caylyn Hill explains, “I used to see him a bunch of times, but now I see him less.” He still appears every so often on Tik Tok’s “Student’s For You” page. Fernando notes, “I see Topher once every ten videos.” 

Mrs. Kathy Cocchi, an Algebra teacher, shares her connection with and views on Topher. She knows him and his family from her hometown. “Topher lives in my small hometown [Lebanon] in Kentucky. His grandmother was my teacher when I was in middle school and his mother, Missy, has been a personal friend for many years,” Mrs. Cocchi explained.
 
Further on, she spoke about Topher’s home life. “Topher's family is extraordinary and awesome...just really "good people". His parents and two sisters are supportive of each other (always have been). Topher's mom and two sisters (along with a friend) stayed at our house last summer because they wanted to take the Vampire Diaries tour in Covington. They are all fun to be around and find amusement in all of this Topher stuff!” 

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She corroborated Topher’s off-the-screen personality. “Topher is a fun-loving young man who finds joy in whatever he does. He marches to the beat of his own drummer… in a good way! He "is who he is" and is proud of it!” 
Freshman Rachel Gilbert (and many others) asked, “Why is he so energetic?” Mrs. Cocchi deciphered this reoccurring question by students. 

“One story happened many years ago when we lived in Kentucky and Lynesse played volleyball with Topher's sister, Lizzy. I was watching a volleyball game sitting with Missy (Topher's mom) when we noticed Topher was "missing." As we looked around the gym, we noticed that he was sitting on the bench in the middle of the players from the opposing team...chatting away with a group of unknown girls. That's how Topher is. He doesn't know a stranger. He can carry on a conversation with anyone.” 

To everyone, Topher’s attitude and smiling face makes them happy. Mrs. Cocchi revealed, “Topher lights up the room! He has always been a funny, creative kid who enjoys life and making others happy.”