Vincent D'Onofrio Career Retrospective | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations

Vincent D'Onofrio was born in Brooklyn, New York, D'Onofrio grew up in Hawaii, Colorado and Florida. He eventually returned to New York to study acting at the American Stanislavsky Theatre with Sharon Chatten of the Actors Studio. While honing his craft, he appeared in several films at New York University and worked as a bouncer at dance clubs in the city.
In 1984, he became a full-fledged member of the American Stanislavsky Theatre, appearing in "The Petrified Forest," "Of Mice and Men," "Sexual Perversity in Chicago" and "The Indian Wants the Bronx." That same year he made his Broadway debut in "Open Admissions." He recently starred off-Broadway in Sam Shepard's "Tooth of Crime (Second Dance)."
D'Onofrio gained attention for his intense and compelling talent on the screen in 1987 with a haunting portrayal of an unstable Vietnam War recruit in Stanley Kubrick's gritty "Full Metal Jacket." His other early film appearances include "Mystic Pizza" and "Adventures in Babysitting." He also executive-produced and portrayed 1960s counterculture icon Abbie Hoffman in the film "Steal This Movie" opposite Janeane Garofalo and starred opposite Jennifer Lopez and Vince Vaughn in the science-fiction noir film "The Cell." Other film credits include "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" opposite Jodie Foster; "The Salton Sea" opposite Val Kilmer; "Impostor" with Gary Sinise; "Chelsea Walls" directed by Ethan Hawke; "Happy Accidents" co-starring Marisa Tomei; Robert Altman's "The Player," Joel Schumacher's "Dying Young;" Tim Burton's "Ed Wood;" Kathryn Bigalow's "Strange Days" opposite Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett; Harold Ramis' "Stuart Saves His Family," Barry Sonnenfeld's "Men in Black" opposite Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones; "The Thirteenth Floor" opposite Craig Bierko; "The Whole Wide World," which he produced and starred in, opposite Renee Zellweger; and Oliver Stone's "JFK." D'Onofrio directed, produced and starred in a short film, "Five Minutes, Mr. Welles." He also acted in "Brooklyn's Finest," starring opposite Richard Gere and Don Cheadle and "Staten Island" opposite Ethan Hawke.
Vincent worked on the Academy Award winning short film The New Tenants and the feature filmThe Irishman. Most recently, he worked on The Tomb, Ass Backwards, Supreme Ruler, The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman and Fire with Fire.
D'Onofrio received an Emmy® Award nomination in 1998 for his riveting guest appearance in the "Homicide: Life on the Street" episode, "The Subway."
Away from the set, D'Onofrio enjoys spending time in New York with his family.

[@dave-d-grunt]

This guy is probably one of the greatest actors around period!

[@victoriateague9012]

He's great. Something about him just draws you in and captures your attention.

[@amallibeckham2726]

Bobby Goren is still the best law and order detective because of his brilliant mind.

[@judyknutson8142]

When he’s on Law and Order all day, my son and myself watch him all day as long as the show is on. Love watching all his acting, he’s so great in all he does.

[@yevettebamber4273]

EXACTLY!! When I see CI is coming on I get so happy, and then disappointment sets in when it's not him and I just change the channel. It's not the same without him.

[@judiroth7855]

We are always enthralled and drawn into every character he portrays❤️ we want more, please👏🌈⭐️❤️👍💪🥰

[@RenegadeRanga]

Should have mic'd him up so he could have his hands free to gesture.

[@sandygray3546]

Love listening to this natural, down to earth , incredible actor is always better than most other talented contemporaries of now. Wonderful interview.

[@quidproquo0]

he is such an amazing actor!i love how he just gets into his craft and can do so many things at the same time when the camera is rolling.i mean Morgan Freeman admittded that he cant do accents nor is he a method actor yet here is Vincent who can do both.Also I liked how he said he don't need a press agent for people to know him.His work does that for him.A great interview.

[@fahid3342]

He killed it in Criminal Intent. I wish it came back

[@DeformedConscience]

Yes!!

[@nelsonmoonblattmoonblatt2003]

Vincent donlfrio is underated as an actor he proves it in criminal intent

[@marylamb7707]

Yes

[@darrellmccall6100]

He was unbelievable

[@joshuaalejandro42]

Oh yeah

[@hesh.hesh.2051]

Yes my favorite law and order, Robert goren is the best detective ever

[@wesb8159]

He is an actor's actor, do all be all terribly underrated.

[@tiffanyquiroz5299]

I am not an actor, but I am a writer. I admire the advice that Mr. D'Onofrio has for artists, and it holds true, I love research, and the knowledge will always remain. Perhaps this comment won't be seen by Mr. D'Onofrio, but I have to personally say thanks for the news on Johnny and Me, my daughter is Asperger's, and she is a great teacher. Thanks for holding true to the art.

[@kathy2842]

Great actor draws you in and take you on this journey with him. I may have seen him in other films; but I became familiar with his acting in the serious Law and Order CI.

[@aliciamaxwell5081]

One of my favorite actors ✨

[@djdollase]

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Vincent twice in small roles on L and O: CI so this is a revelatory interview for me. Good questions and great, honest answers from one of the consummate actor-artists we have now.

[@lesleyosler6153]

God Vincent is Gorgeous !!!!!!

[@gloriareyes2241]

God I adore Vincent! My favorite of favorites! Keep on keeping on doll!!

[@bevklumpenhouwer839]

Thanks so much for posting the WHOLE interview. We've waited almost a year to see it. Most appreciated.

[@brettthebad]

And yes, you are handsome.

[@jamesbromfield9070]

Great interview and very giving actor

[@JessMatney]

Who ese still here in 2021?

[@seaconfused]

2024

[@samibouhadida5314]

One of the few true brilliant actors of our times. So underrated...

[@laace2003]

Thank you for "The Whole Wide World."

[@ropi8739]

YES! That movie has granted him and everyone involved IMMORTALITY.

[@msshelly16ify]

I love that man Vincent donofrio

[@WalterLiddy]

Maybe the best actor in Hollywood. I understand why he'd want to do TV, etc., but I wish he'd do more movies, because there aren't enough of them that feature him yet.

[@kevintrotter5094]

He's such a great actor and a classy guy!

[@MisterBrimm]

Wilson Fisk is going to be his most memorable role yet!

[@MisterBrimm]

RipenGetlita Hell yeah he did. My assertion was correct.

[@didimean]

4 years later : oh fuck yeah he was the best part of the whole series!

[@WalterLiddy]

He was perfect as Fisk. No one else will ever be able to play that role without being unfavorably compared with him.

[@lynnie6633]

Personally, I loved Chained. He was phenominal in it. One of the greatest actors ever.

[@lynnie6633]

I'm currently waiting on that DVD from Netflix after watching the trailer for it, can't wait!!!

[@bonniedesroches2864]

He is the kind of person in this interview that I believe him to be.

[@vmgeis]

His nose is beautiful!

[@VDOVault]

Oh...wow! Just...WOW!!!

[@quai142]

We've waited almost a year to see it. Most appreciated.😅

[@cyb3rphr33k]

the sound is horrible :( ps: love you vincent :)

[@trudyremelius9390]

He is my idol!!!

[@Ouakadego]

Very good advice for actors

[@JuanRamirez-ol4wd]

this guy is playing the kingpin. Cant wait

[@Msaprilconquest]

thanks for sharing!

[@darrellmccall6100]

One of the BEST to ever do it.

[@queuesnake704]

Good thing he included the studying (and in my case, entrepreneurship in new media). That's kind of a deal breaker for me and any future plans.

[@seaconfused]

It's been 10 years, I think you can do a new retrospective with Vincent. With better audio!

[@karlabufka]

He is an amazing, memorable actor. How lucky we are to have his talent and his willingness to teach and share. Smart man in keeping as much of his private life as possible off the front page.

[@jackypattersont2158]

He is married to a beautiful woman A model and has 3 grown children He is 56 year's old and aging like a fine wine, 🎩

[@mimid6782]

jacky pattersont I love him. Dam, he's married? :))

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

His wife was never a model, somehow the rumor came from someone who had no clue. His eldest daughter was an adult 4 years ago, but his 2 sons are young.

[@MariaLima-vi8vg]

He is a Serious actor. ❤

[@jenettecrescente9076]

I Love Him

[@BillieJean0902]

Vincent was growing his hair out after having to shave his head to play Doc in the play "Clive", which ran off-Broadway from January to March 2013. He's a brilliant actor in stage, in film and TV roles. Check out his next live appearance at Joe's Pub in New York on March 24 with Dana Lyn. Trust me, you'll never forget it!

[@jackypattersont2158]

I was afraid of what I might do if I ever saw him like faint. .. I love him😊

[@pinkyizthebrain2397]

Should of won a oscar for Full Metal Jacket. Definitely should of won multiple emmy's for criminal intent.

[@whaziz]

Vincent seems nervous talking about his youth ... maybe being poor as a child? Don't worry Vincent; I was so poor my sis and I played with sticks and rocks out in the desert. I love you're versatility as an actor ... you attack every role with strength and do everything well. Some things I won't watch; Full Metal Jacket being one ... the scene from Homocide Life on The Street another. I've seen it full through once but won't watch it again. You suffer so well can't endure it. Still, I really admire you as an actor. Thank You for entertaining the world and for your love of dogs ...

[@juvenilehall1979]

Dear Mary .. Hello, also a BIG Vincent fan. "Full Metal Jacket" is very hard for me to watch. While stationed in Vietnam, I saw too many soldiers take their own lives. WHY ? A soldier gets shot by a VC sniper. He is bleeding so fast that there is no way a helicopter is going to get in - in time to pick him up - and the pain is getting worse. HE KNOWS HE IS GOING TO DIE - HE STICKS HIS M-16 IN HIS MOUTH AND ENDS IT ALL !!!. "Homocide Life on The Street" was a great episode -- Vincent really made it work along with Andre Braugher. Roger C. USAF ... 3 March 1968 - 3 March 1972. Was in Vietnam: 17 Feb 1970 -16 Feb 1971. I Thank God everyday that I am alive. :) :) At 66 years of age and living in San Diego, CA it doesn't get any better. This was a good interview - I just wish Vincent would have "been miced" - so he wouldn't have to worry about holding the mic.

[@zovalentine7305]

Vincent D'onofrio 🌟🙏🌟💖🌟⚘🌟

[@JellicleKat]

As beautiful as this man is why does he keep cutting his hair so short? Anyway thank you for posting this, it is my dream to work with Vincent some day. (Working on something now. One day.)

[@aidandking3137]

Class actor

[@tamayagarner1542]

I love this actor and really wanted to hear what he was saying. Could you not have an over head mic so we could hear the actor?

[@Winnie122459]

Played Robert E. Howard author of Conan the Barbarian which was a great flick

[@ncooty]

Appreciate the interview. Wish the mic set-up had been better--ironic for the SAG Foundation.

[@annastevens1526]

Really glad they fixed that for the later conversations, it makes such a difference especially with actors who 'talk with their hands' or move around a lot! Must be hugely more comfortable for the interviewee too, not having to grip a handmike for so long.

[@maxfrankow1238]

Can't wait to see him as Wilson Fisk/the Kingpin!

[@BRYDN_NATHAN]

Vincent!

[@jennym007]

Such an interesting man.

[@mahdjoubaikhlef479]

Moi aussi je n'arrive pas à obtenir la version française des vidéos de cet acteur que j'aime beaucoup !

[@hectorlopez1069]

He had a mechanic shop called, Dawson's garage.

[@piffpaff9674]

Well, I would have loved to watch this interesting conversation in full length but the bad unprofessional sound is kind of annoying. It is somewhat odd that the sound people weren't able to put on the usual little micros... Who would like to talk 2 hours with a huge microphone in the hand?

[@maryhuhnke8496]

Can Anybody relate to his role in "Happy Accident" Marissa Tomei ??? Anyone??? Check it out!

[@DdDD-de4ec]

he kingpin of the mcu on Marvel's daredevil.

[@skroot7975]

Starts at 3:01

[@pieceofadrian]

Here because his character in Magnificent 7

[@whaziz]

I wish I was a writer ... I wish I could interview you. There is so much I would like to know. You are forthright and don't duck anything. I would not tread on your personal life but ... maybe I would just say; talk to me and tell me whatever you want the world to know. Short huh? LOL

[@Thaliard78]

I absolute adore Vincent D'Onofrio! But...is there something wrong with the sound here??? I can barely hear a damn thing.

[@user-pm9pn7im7c]

Why does everyone continue to mis-pronounce Vincent's Sir name???

[@1toniah]

I love the movie naked tango

[@bridfox4551]

Could not hear half of interview

[@athikamerouani964]

bonjour qui pourrais a obtenir la traduction en Français merci cdt

[@athikamerouani964]

bonsoir je n' arrive toujours pas a obtenir la version française de ce site que j aime beaucoup merci beaucoup

[@rwyand909]

Looks like Pyle again

[@davidnims6957]

"Proud to be a union-man" (Source Unknown)

[@DanJanTube]

whoever was handling the audio for some of these needs to be fired

[@MrMicromunchie]

Pvt pyle is that a jelly doughnut

[@chemepuppie]

He reminds me of Batman

[@dbmgna3951]

Ethan Hawke, direct Mayflower descendant!

[@lenwenzel7440]

You really need to keep the mic near your face. Your sound levels are very bad.

[@judyknutson8142]

Is Vincent married with children?

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Do you need help with doing an Internet search?

[@Cosmickitten2012]

Most geniuses are socially inept. Just saying if you have talked to or well "played" any type of game with Mentus they get along with each other but outside a 127 iq they don't bother with you. Personally Stanley was able to live in the "" normal world and his world but when he crossed the line he died an unusual death and sadly he didnt understand he even crossed the line.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Thor Sarah's hero

[@hectorlopez1069]

He was fat in full metal jacket, then he got skinny in adventures in babysitting.

[@debbarker8152]

He is painful to listen to .

[@fergaoneill5323]

Class actor