Vin Diesel Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Mark Sinclair |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1967 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Alameda County, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1990-present |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Partner | In a relationship with model Paloma Jiménez |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$260 million |
| Known For | Leading the Fast & Furious family as Dominic Toretto |
Early Life & Background
Raised in New York City by his mother and stepfather, Diesel started performing at age seven in an Off-Off-Broadway children's play. He studied at Hunter College, wrote and directed the short film Multi-Facial, and screened it at Cannes, catching Steven Spielberg's attention.
Career Journey
Breakthrough Roles
Diesel's early roles in Saving Private Ryan and Boiler Room led to his breakout as Riddick in Pitch Black (2000) and Dominic Toretto in The Fast and the Furious (2001). He also fronted the extreme sports thriller xXx.
Fast Saga Leadership
As producer and star, Diesel helped grow Fast & Furious into a multibillion-dollar franchise. He returned for sequels from Fast Five onward, expanding the family-centric narrative and overseeing spinoffs.
Other Franchises & Voice Work
Diesel voices Groot in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, recording the iconic line in multiple languages, and continues to develop the Riddick universe through his company One Race Films. He has explored fantasy (The Last Witch Hunter) and animation (Ark: The Animated Series).
Recent Work
Diesel starred in Fast X (2023), producing a two-part finale slated through 2026. He voiced Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and produced the Peacock animated series Fast & Furious: Drift Legends.
Upcoming Projects
In 2026 he is filming Fast X Part 2, shooting Riddick: Furya, lending his voice to Ark Season 2, and developing a live-action adaptation of the video game Ark: Survival Evolved.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Saving Private Ryan | Pvt. Adrian Caparzo | Spielberg war film |
| 2000 | Pitch Black | Richard B. Riddick | Cult sci-fi |
| 2001-2026 | Fast & Furious Franchise | Dominic Toretto | Producer and star |
| 2002 | xXx | Xander Cage | Action franchise |
| 2014-2023 | Guardians of the Galaxy / MCU | Groot (voice) | Fan favorite |
| 2017 | The Fate of the Furious | Dominic Toretto | Global hit |
| 2020 | Bloodshot | Ray Garrison | Valiant Comics adaptation |
| 2026 | Riddick: Furya | Richard B. Riddick | Upcoming sequel |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | MTV Movie Awards | Best On-Screen Team | The Fast and the Furious | Won |
| 2011 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite Action Movie Star | Fast Five era | Won |
| 2015 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Actor Action | Furious 7 | Won |
| 2023 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Character Voice-Over | I Am Groot | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$260 million (2026)
Diesel earns from Fast & Furious backend points, One Race Films production fees, Marvel voice contracts, licensing of the Fast franchise, and partnerships with Dodge, Puma, and video game publishers.
Personal Life
He lives in Los Angeles with Paloma Jiménez and their children, emphasizing privacy. Diesel is an avid Dungeons & Dragons player and names his kids after friends like Paul Walker. He trains daily, mixing weightlifting with jiu-jitsu.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Diesel supports Reach Out Worldwide, Paul Walker's foundation, and marine conservation. He funds STEM scholarships in Los Angeles and fosters youth racing programs that promote safe driving.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @vindiesel shares motivational messages, set diaries, family tributes, and fan art celebrating the Fast saga.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Diesel recorded a dance single titled "Feel Like I Do" with Kygo in 2020.
- He is a twin; his brother Paul is a film editor.
- Diesel owns a production company named after his motto "One Race."
- He narrates bedtime stories for his kids using different Groot inflections.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Diesel is shooting Fast X Part 2 across Italy and Brazil, prepping Riddick: Furya sets in Australia, and executive producing Universal's 25th anniversary celebration of The Fast and the Furious with a docuseries airing late 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Vin Diesel?
Vin Diesel is an American actor and producer best known for portraying Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise and voicing Groot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What is Vin Diesel most famous for?
He is most famous for leading the Fast & Furious films and for his gravelly delivery of "I am Groot" in Marvel projects.
Is Vin Diesel active on social media?
Yes. Diesel actively uses Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to communicate with fans.