Vincent D’Onofrio is best known for his powerful performance as the overweight, troubled Marine recruit in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. The role, which launched his career, required him to shave his head and gain nearly 80 pounds—still the most weight ever gained by an actor for a role. The physical transformation shocked fans, especially those who once admired his athletic build and curly hair.
Born in Brooklyn, D’Onofrio got his start in theater and supported himself with odd jobs, including bodyguard work for Yul Brynner and Robert Plant. His big break came when friend Matthew Modine encouraged him to audition for Kubrick. At 6’3″ and fit, D’Onofrio transformed drastically to play Leonard, a role that brought critical acclaim but also public confusion, with many mistaking the actor for his disturbed character.
The experience was life-changing—he described feeling invisible to women and treated as unintelligent. Yet within a year, he returned to his former shape. D’Onofrio has since built a prolific career in film and television, including standout roles in Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Daredevil, The Break-Up, and Jurassic World. He credits Kubrick for launching his decades-long career.
D’Onofrio’s childhood was shaped by his parents’ divorce and move to Florida, where he developed a love for magic. He later had a daughter, Leila George, with actress Greta Scacchi. In 1997, he married Dutch model Carin van der Donk, with whom he has two sons. Though the couple separated and reconciled, D’Onofrio filed for divorce in June 2023 after 26 years of marriage.
In addition to acting, he is also a director, producer, and author, releasing Pigs Can’t Look Up in 2023.