Biographie
Vincent Guastaferro is a seasoned character actor with a career spanning 35 years. His diverse credits range from major studio films to low-budget indie projects, series regular roles to web series, and performances on Broadway to Waiver Theater. Vinny values the opportunity to connect with actors of varying experience and fame, including celebrities. He has collaborated with renowned directors such as Woody Allen, Barry Levinson, Michael Mann, David Mamet, Ivan Reitman, and Garry Marshall. His co-stars include legendary figures like Jackie Gleason, Don Ameche, Vera Miles, James Earl Jones, and Peter Boyle, as well as contemporary stars like W.H. Macy, Clark Gregg, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Stiles, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Freddie Rodriguez. Vinny’s work has been enriched by working alongside top cinematographers including Roger Deakins, Juan Ruiz Anchia, John Alonzo, Robert Elswit, and Janusz Kaminski.
A native of Jersey City, Vinny earned a BA in Theater from the University of Toledo in Ohio. He then moved to Chicago for graduate studies at the Goodman School of Drama, then part of the Art Institute of Chicago and now The Theatre School at DePaul University. There, he earned both his BFA and MFA simultaneously and began working in Equity Theater shortly after graduation. He remained in Chicago through the vibrant 1970s before relocating to Los Angeles in January 1980. Upon arriving in L.A., he starred in the stage play Bleacher Bums alongside friends Joe Mantegna, Dennis Franz, and other members of Chicago’s Organic Theater who also moved westward. He quickly signed with legendary agents Phil Arcara, Richard Bauman, and Wally Hiller, and soon became a working actor.
Vincent’s extensive TV credits demonstrate his prolific and versatile talent, making him a sought-after cast member. He continued appearing in TV movies and MOWs until securing the role of Desk Sgt. Agostini on the first four seasons of NYPD Blue, earning a SAG Award for Best Ensemble with the cast. His theater work took him back to Chicago, to Center Stage in Baltimore, and to the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, where he participated in a workshop of a new Mamet play. This led him to Broadway, where he co-starred for eight months with Patti LuPone in David Mamet’s autobiographical drama The Old Neighborhood. His Broadway performances caught the attention of Barry Levinson and Woody Allen, leading to film roles with both directors. Italian filmmaker Ciro Moriello cast him as Genaro the Chef in the fact-based drama The Sons of Italy, filmed over seven weeks in Italy.
Vincent has lived in Sherman Oaks, California, for over 30 years. He also operates The Sport of Acting, a successful studio offering classes and private coaching.
