Vincent Guastaferro is a renowned character actor with a storied career spanning an impressive 35 years. His extensive body of work showcases his remarkable range, featuring credits in studio features, low-budget indie films, series regulars, web series, Broadway productions, and even waiver theater. With a deep sense of humility and respect, Vinny acknowledges the privilege of collaborating with actors from diverse backgrounds and levels of fame, including celebrities.
Throughout his career, Vincent has had the opportunity to work with esteemed directors such as Woody Allen, Barry Levinson, Michael Mann, David Mamet, Ivan Reitman, and Garry Marshall. He has shared the screen with acting legends from various generations, including 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 Styles, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Freddie Rodriguez.
Vincent's experiences have been further enriched by his collaborations with world-class cinematographers, including Roger Deakins, Juan Ruiz Anchia, John Alonzo, Robert Elswit, and Janusz Kaminski.
Born in Jersey City, Vincent attended the University of Toledo in Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater. He later moved to Chicago to pursue graduate studies at the Goodman School of Drama, which is now part of The Theater School at DePaul University. During his time in Chicago, Vincent earned both his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees concurrently and began working in Equity Theater within a month of graduation.
Vincent spent the 1970s in Chicago, where he was part of the burgeoning theater scene. In 1980, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he quickly found success in the entertainment industry. Upon his arrival in LA, Vincent starred in a stage production of Bleacher Bums alongside his friends Joe Mantegna, Dennis Franz, and other members of Chicago's Organic Theater, who had also migrated to LA at the same time.
Vincent signed with iconic agents Phil Arcara, Richard Bauman, and Wally Hiller, and soon became a working actor in TV and film. His extensive TV credits demonstrate his prolific work and versatility, establishing him as a desirable cast member. Vincent continued to work on TV movies and MOWs until he landed the role of Desk Sgt. Agostini for the first four seasons of NYPD Blue, for which he won a SAG award as part of the ensemble cast.
Throughout his career, Vincent has also maintained a strong presence in the theater, working with esteemed companies such as Center Stage in Baltimore, the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, and ultimately landing a Broadway production of David Mamet's autobiographical drama The Old Neighborhood, opposite Patti Lupone. This production brought him to the attention of directors Barry Levinson and Woody Allen, who subsequently cast him in their films.
Vincent has also worked with Italian director Ciro Moriello on the fact-based drama The Sons of Italy, playing the role of Genaro the Chef for seven weeks in Italy. For over 30 years, Vincent has resided in Sherman Oaks, California.
In addition to his acting career, Vincent runs a successful acting studio, The Sport of Acting, offering classes and private coaching to aspiring actors.
