While most people haven't heard of Mark Sinclair, Vin Diesel, probably rings a bell. Although Diesel began his career over thirty years ago, he received recognition in a supporting role for Steven Spielberg's 1998 war film Saving Private Ryan. A few years later, Diesel became renowned for his role as Dom Toretto in the Fast and Furious film franchise.
While the 2001 film The Fast and the Furious launched Diesel's career, he continued to star in various popular films. Another one of his more notable roles is Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy film series. Diesel has starred in many films, that aren't just about car-racing since his career began.
9 Diesel's Other Well-Known Role Is In The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Diesel's impressive acting range allows him to play a hero or villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Diesel's first voice-acting appearance as Groot occurs in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy. He plays a tree creature with human features named Groot. While Groot's lines are simple, Diesel doesn't fail to make audience members laugh and cry for his performance.
Along with the first Guardians of the Galaxy, Diesel reprises his role as Groot in the sequel and in the crossover films Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
8 Spielberg Rewrote Saving Private Ryan For Diesel
One of Diesel's earliest roles happens to be with some of the biggest names in the industry. The 1995 short film Multi-Facial, which Diesel directed, wrote, produced, and starred in, caught critically acclaimed director Steven Spielberg's eye. Spielberg casted Diesel in the 1998 war film Saving Private Ryan.
In order to include Diesel in the cast as Private Adrian Caparzo, Spielberg re-wrote aspects of the script. While it is a supporting role, Diesel's performance crushes viewers' hearts.
7 The Pacifier Is A Break From Diesel's Usual Roles
Diesel abandons his typical car-racing persona to star as the protagonist in Disney's 2005 family comedy film The Pacifier. Diesel plays Shane Wolfe, a U.S. Navy Seal, responsible for taking care of a family while on a secret mission for the military due to their father's death.
The five children frequently test Shane's patience, but eventually bond through activities like wrestling and school plays. While a huge box office success, the film didn't fare well with critics, despite being a light-hearted change from Diesel's previous roles.
6 Diesel Worked Alongside Fast And Furious Director For XXX
Diesel stars as Xander Cage in the 2002 spy action film XXX. Rob Cohen directs the film, also known for directing the 2001 film The Fast and The Furious.
The National Security Agency recruits Xander, a diehard fan of extremely dangerous sports, to discover information surrounding a Russian terrorist group in Central Europe. The XXX franchise would receive two more feature film installments, along with a short film titled The Final Chapter: The Death of Xander Cage.
5 The Iron Giant Wasn't A Hit Until Home Video
Diesel's voice-acting career doesn't begin with Groot in the MCU. He actually stars in the titular role for the cult favorite animated film, The Iron Giant. Diesel lends his voice to the Iron Giant, before launching his career as an action star in the Fast and Furious film franchise. He stars alongside dominant names in the industry, like Jennifer Aniston and Harry Connick Jr.
While not an initial hit, The Iron Giant remains a favorite among animated film fans after its home video release. Many blame the film's initial failure on Warner Bros.'s poor marketing, but the eventual fame would make up for it.
4 Diesel's Role As Richard B. Riddick Is Consistenly Enjoyable
Diesel's first role as Richard B. Riddick occurs in the 2000 film Pitch Black. He is an antiheroic protagonist in the Chronicles of Riddick film franchise. Riddick is one of the last surviving members of the Furyan race.
He's known for his tinted goggles due to his altered vision, which gives him the ability to see in the dark. He blames his visual differences from a botched eye surgery. While the franchise hasn't consistently been enjoyable, Diesel's superb acting performances as Riddick remain constant among the Chronicles of Riddick films.
3 Diesel Stars As Bloodshot In Valiant Comics Film
One of Diesel's most recent acting ventures is the 2020 superhero film Bloodshot, which is based on the eponymous Valiant Comics character. The film isn't intended to be the only installment, and Valiant Comics plans to make more films in a cinematic universe.
Diesel stars as Ray Garrison / Bloodshot, an American soldier who begins the film on vacation with his wife in Italy until their kidnapping. Tragically, he and his wife died during the kidnapping, but Ray is brought back to life from cybernetic enhancements for the sole purpose of being a weapon.
2 Diesel Is Unrecognizable In His Role In Find Me Guilty
Find Me Guilty is a 2006 courtroom drama with elements of comedy written and directed by Sidney Lumet, director of 1957's 12 Angry Men. Diesel is unrecognizable, lacking his typical bald head and tight clothing, as Jackie DiNorscio, a real-life Mafia mobster in the 1980s.
The film follows the lengthy trial between former District Attorney of New York, Rudy Giuliani, and the Luchese crime family. After conflict between Jackie and his lawyer, he decides to represent himself. Peter Dinklage also makes an appearance as lead defense attorney Ben Klandis.
1 Boiler Room Is Similar To Wolf Of Wall Street
Boiler Room is another crime drama film on Diesel's resumé. It's another example of how Diesel doesn't shine in merely car-racing personas with dangerous and action-packed situations. He stars as Chris Varick, a supporting role in the 2000 film, which also stars Ben Affleck and Scott Caan.
The haughty investors in The Wolf of Wall Street and Boiler Room are both inspired by Jordan Belfort's true story. The films are similar in the way a group of young brokers take advantage of wealthier clients to bring in loads of cash for mansions and sports cars.