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Vinny VellaAmerican actor, talk show host and comedian
Date of Birth: 11.01.1947
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Vincent Frank "Vinny" Vella was born on January 11, 1947, on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, New York City. His father, a fishmonger in Manhattan's Little Italy, hailed from Bari, Italy, while his mother originated from Naples.
Vella's first acting role came in the Japanese film "Thorn of the Ice," shot in New York's Central Park, for which he was paid $300. His screen time expanded considerably in Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed 1995 film "Casino."
Gangster Stereotype
Establishing himself as a gangster archetype, Vella gained recognition in television series like "Monsters of Mulberry Street," "New York Undercover," and "Law & Order." His portrayal of Jimmy Petrilli in HBO's "The Sopranos" became iconic, inspiring aspiring actors to follow in his footsteps.
"The Natural"
Vella's affable demeanor and authenticity earned him the reputation of being a "natural." He said, "I used to own a motor home, about 18 years ago. I used to rent it out for film sets. I remember one time, the director was giving his boys a demonstration on how to act Italian. He says, 'Your diction's gotta be this way, your hand movements gotta be this way.'" Vella thought, "I do this all naturally. Why are these guys on camera and I'm not?"
Career Highlights
Vella starred in feature films such as "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai," "Coffee and Cigarettes," "Kill the Irishman," and "Find Me Guilty." He also hosted "The Vinny Vella Show" on MNN Cable Channel and appeared in over 35 commercials.
Personal Life and Legacy
Vella was married to Margaret Ann Hernandez and had one son, Vincent Vella Jr. He opened a pizzeria in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 2007. He passed away from liver cancer at the age of 72 on February 20, 2019.
As a testament to his unique talent, several unfinished films featuring Vella were released posthumously, showcasing his enduring presence on the silver screen.
