Vin Diesel is an American actor, producer and director. He is best known for his roles in the Fast & Furious film series as well as other action films such as xXx, The Chronicles of Riddick, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Born Mark Sinclair on July 18, 1967 in New York City, Vin Diesel has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars over the last two decades.
Diesel began his career performing at theater companies around New York before he made a name for himself with small roles in film and television projects such as Saving Private Ryan (1998). In 2001 he achieved mainstream success when he starred opposite Paul Walker in The Fast and the Furious. Since then he has reprised his role several times throughout the franchise’s seven sequels—including a voiceover part for 2017’s Fate of the Furious—which have earned him millions at the box office around the world.
In addition to acting, Diesel also produces many of his own projects through One Race Films, including Strays (1997), Multi-Facial (1995) and Los Bandoleros (2009). He also wrote, directed and produced 2004’s A Man Apart starring himself alongside Larenz Tate. Outside of feature films Diesel provided voices for animated characters like Groot in Marvel Studios’ Guardians Of The Galaxy movies; plus video games such as Wheelman (2009) which was based on his character from XXX: State Of Union (2005).
When not making movies or playing video games Vin enjoys spending time with family friends; especially during holidays where they often host large gatherings filled with laughter, music, food, dancing, yoga, meditation and martial arts classes. Diesel appeared opposite John Cena in F9 —the ninth installment to The Fast And The Furious franchise.
Born on July 18th, 1967, Mark Sinclair better known by his stage name Vin Diesel was born to a mother of astrological theater and an African American father whose identity he never knew.
As a youngster growing up in New York City’s Greenwich Village neighborhood, he developed an interest in acting at an early age after watching classic films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and The Godfather (1972). He began performing monologues in local theaters before eventually enrolling at Hunter College where he studied creative writing before dropping out to pursue acting full-time.
Diesel made his feature film debut with Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1998), playing one of Tom Hanks’ soldiers alongside Matt Damon and Edward Burns. Despite being uncredited for the role it marked the start of a successful career which would span over two decades thus far. His big break came when he landed the lead role opposite Paul Walker in 2001’s ‘The Fast & The Furious’. His portrayal of criminal mastermind Dominic Toretto earned him widespread recognition amongst fans worldwide and launched him into superstardom – spawning several sequels along with spinoffs including Tokyo Drift (2006), Fast Five (2011) and Fate Of The Furious (2017).
In addition to his success within action films Vin Diesel also starred opposite Angelina Jolie as Riddick in Pitch Black (2000) later reprising his title role twice; once again featuring alongside her 2004 sequel Chronicles Of Riddick then again 2010’s Furya Road. Other notable performances include voicing Groot In Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Guardians Of The Galaxy series, appearing alongside Dwayne Johnson in 2018 box office hit xXx: Return Of Xander Cage, and producing/starring 2016 comedy drama Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk .
Moreover outside cinema Vin Diesel has had several music credits under his belt namely 2002 cover version of Irving Berlin song “I’m Flying” featured on Finding Nemo soundtrack plus 2006 single “Feel Like I Do” from Wheelman video game soundtrack which both were credited under pseudonym “Multi Fase”. Additionally during late 90s/early 2000s period he fronted multi-platinum selling hip hop group called Rhyme Syndicate producing their only album titled Streetwise released back 1996 via Tommy Boy Records label.
To conclude despite starting off small vin diesel has carved himself quite impressive legacy throughout past twenty years or so thanks largely due phenomenal success of the Fast Furious franchise.
