Born Mark Sinclair on July 18, 1967, Diesel claims to have been born in Alameda County, California, where his mother, Delora Sherlene Vincent, was also born. Later, Diesel recalled that he and his twin brother Paul moved to New York City in search of better prospects.
Reflecting on his childhood, Diesel credits his African-American theater manager and acting coach Irving H. Vincent for his upbringing, as well as his mother. Diesel expressed his appreciation for the nurturing environment they provided during his early years.
Diesel said he is of “ambiguous ethnicity” and mentioned his Scottish ancestry through his mother. “All I know from my mother is that I have connections to a lot of different cultures,” he said. He said he has never met his biological father. Diesel also speculated that his parents’ relationship may be considered illegal in some U.S. states due to historical anti-miscegenation laws.
Early life and acting debut
At the age of seven, Diesel made his stage debut in Barbara Garson’s children’s play Dinosaur Door. His acting debut came unexpectedly when he and his brother broke into New York City’s Jane Street Theater with the intention of vandalizing it.
Crystal Field, the theater’s artistic director, did not call the police, but instead approached Diesel and his twin brother Paul for roles in an upcoming production. Diesel participated in theater as a teenager and later attended Hunter College in New York City, where his interest in creative writing led him to write screenplays. Diesel describes himself as an actor with a variety of talents and interests.
In 1990, Diesel made his screen debut as an uncredited extra in the drama Awakenings. After struggling for several years to find acting opportunities, he decided to make his own short film to raise money for his first feature film.
Vin Diesel’s Creative Ventures
In 1994, he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the semi-autobiographical short drama film Multi-Facial, which follows a struggling multiracial actor caught up in the audition process. The film was selected to be screened at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. Before becoming an actor, Vin Diesel also worked as a bouncer and telemarketer selling light bulbs.
In September 2020, Diesel released the Kygo-produced song Feel Like I Do as an announcement of his next musical endeavor. On September 24, he premiered the song on The Kelly Clarkson Show, saying, “I’m lucky to have another creative outlet during this year when I’m usually on a movie set, which, as you know, isn’t possible. An additional way for me to speak my heart out or share it with you.”
Diesel will appear in Riddick: Furia, which was announced in February 2023 as the fourth chapter in The Chronicles of Riddick series.
Also read: Fast X: Part 2 release date confirmed by Vin Diesel
