Vin Diesel is an American actor, producer, director and screenwriter best known for his roles in action films such as The Fast and the Furious franchise, xXx, and Riddick. He has also starred in several comedies, including The Pacifier and Find Me Guilty.
Diesel was born Mark Sinclair in Alameda County, California on July 18, 1967. He was raised in New York City by his mother, Delora, an astrologer, and his stepfather, Irving. Diesel's first acting role was at age seven in a school production of Dinosaur Door, a children's play about a group of dinosaurs who enter a child's bedroom.
Diesel's first major film role was in the 1998 drama, Strays, which he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in. He followed this success with a starring role in the 2000 action film, Pitch Black, and then in the 2001 sequel, The Fast and the Furious. Diesel went on to star in several other action films, including xXx, A Man Apart, and The Chronicles of Riddick.
In addition to his film roles, Diesel has also done extensive voice work, including voicing the character of Groot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Infinity War. He also provided the voice of Iron Giant in the 1999 animated film of the same name.
Diesel has also been active in producing and directing, having directed the short film, Multi-Facial, and producing the 2018 film, xXx: Return of Xander Cage. He has also produced several of his own films, including Strays and Find Me Guilty.
Diesel is also a successful businessman, having founded the production company One Race Films in 1995. He has also founded the video game company Tigon Studios, and is a partner in the restaurant chain TGI Fridays.
Diesel has been married to model Paloma Jimenez since 2007, and they have three children together. He is also an avid car enthusiast and owns several classic cars.
In addition to his film and business endeavors, Diesel is also a philanthropist, having founded the charity The Vin Diesel Foundation to help underprivileged children. He has also been involved with several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the United Nations Children's Fund.
