Vincent D’Onofrio is best known for his memorable role as the clumsy Marine recruit in Stanley Kubrick’s movie Full Metal Jacket. However, his popularity decreased after that.
The ruggedly handsome actor, who turned 64 on June 30, 2023, had to change his appearance drastically for the role. This change made women, who once loved his curly dark hair and athletic build, less interested in him.
D’Onofrio has a long and varied career. He always gives his best to every role, transforming completely into his characters, making people forget who he really is.
Born in Brooklyn, D’Onofrio started in stage productions, both off-Broadway and on. He had many side jobs to support his acting dreams, including working as a bodyguard for Yul Brynner and Robert Plant.
In his early days, he worked as a nightclub bouncer, delivered flowers, hung drapes, and drove a cab to make ends meet.
After acting in a few low-budget films, his friend Matthew Modine suggested he send an audition tape to Stanley Kubrick, who was casting for his next big movie.
The 6-foot-3 D’Onofrio, who was very fit at the time, won the role of Leonard, a fat, dim-witted character, but had to meet some tough conditions.
Working with Kubrick was a life-changing experience for D’Onofrio, allowing him to fully dive into his character and push his acting limits in a challenging environment.
At 24, D’Onofrio had to shave his head and gain 70 to 80 pounds for the role, the most weight any actor has gained for a role.
Kubrick initially asked if he was okay with gaining weight, and after D’Onofrio gained 30 pounds, Kubrick felt he still looked too strong. So, D’Onofrio ended up gaining about 80 pounds, going from 200 to 280 pounds.
Gaining weight for the role was tough for D’Onofrio, especially when he had to perform the intense boot-camp scenes in the movie. Normally, obstacle courses would have been easy for him with his athletic build, but they were very challenging at 280 pounds.
D’Onofrio’s incredible performance as the chubby, dim-witted, and mentally disturbed Leonard earned him a lot of praise from critics. However, some fans started confusing him with his character.
“People treat you differently when you’re that size,” D’Onofrio said. “My head was shaved, so I looked completely different from my usual long, lanky self. I turned into this big, burly guy with a bald head. It was a very strange life change.”
He added, “It changed my life. Women didn’t look at me anymore; I mostly saw their backs as they ran away. People even talked to me slowly, thinking I was stupid.”
A year after filming Full Metal Jacket, Vincent D’Onofrio had a full head of hair again and his body returned to its original size.
Today, the New York-born director, producer, screenwriter, and actor, who wrote the 2023 book “Pigs Can’t Look Up,” credits his long career to Stanley Kubrick.
“Stanley made my career, there’s no question about that. I’ve done over 50 films because of him and that part,” D’Onofrio said. He has had many roles in both film and TV, including Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-2011) and Marvel’s Daredevil (2015-2018). His movies include Dying Young, The Break-Up, and Jurassic World.
D’Onofrio’s life was greatly impacted by his parents’ divorce when he was a child. His mother remarried George Meyer, a well-known American producer and writer, and the family moved to Hialeah, Florida. As a child, D’Onofrio was quiet and often spent time alone in his room, deep in thought.
While living in Florida, he became interested in magic and learned sleight of hand from Cuban performers who ran a small magic store.
In the early 1990s, Vincent D’Onofrio was romantically involved with actress Greta Scacchi. They appeared together in several films, including The Player and Fires Within. They have a daughter named Leila George, born around 1991 or 1992, who has also become an actress.
In 1997, Vincent D’Onofrio married Carin van der Donk, a Dutch model. They had their first son in 1999. However, their relationship had problems in the early 2000s, leading to a separation. They later got back together and had a second son in 2008.
In June 2023, D’Onofrio filed for divorce in Manhattan Supreme Court, ending his 26-year marriage with Carin van der Donk.
D’Onofrio appeared with Sandra Bullock in the 2021 film The Unforgivable and will be in the upcoming comedy Dumb Money.
Vincent D’Onofrio was fantastic in Full Metal Jacket and his mental decline as Leonard is incredibly believable!
He looks totally different now, as to be expected many decades later, but we still enjoy his performances!
What do you think about his portrayal of the dumb, fat Leonard?
Roseanne Barr faces backlash from fans over her “messy” living space after sharing a photo of her bed
Actress Roseanne Barr, known for her sharp humor, made a life-changing decision to move to her macadamia nut farm in Hawaii, seeking a more wholesome and peaceful lifestyle.
She boldly embraced a plant-based diet as part of her new journey!
Now enjoying a tranquil life on her expansive 46-acre estate, Barr shares this paradise with her long-time partner, Johnny Argen.
In 2007, Barr purchased the stunning 2,212-square-foot home in Hawaii, investing $1.78 million. The property offers breathtaking 360-degree views of lush greenery, making it the perfect retreat.
The house features three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, providing a serene escape for Barr in her later years.
One of Barr’s greatest joys is spending time on the farm with her granddaughters. She once shared a touching photo of herself walking through a vast green field with them, capturing a heartwarming moment of family connection.
Fans appreciated the sweet snapshot but couldn’t help but comment on Barr’s evolution from famous comedian to doting grandmother.
In a more candid post, Barr shared a picture of herself sleeping amidst clutter, clothes, and her laptop. Instagram users found the humor in it, with one joking, “Looks like the aftermath of a shopping spree.” Another teased, “Maybe it’s time for a new housekeeper!”
However, one follower offered a more critical take, saying, “She doesn’t need to fire the housekeeper—the mess is all her doing! It’s sad to see her like this. No one is perfect, but it’s hard seeing such an icon like this. We all get overwhelmed sometimes, but she deserves better!”
Another commenter, despite their fondness for Barr, remarked, “I love Roseanne, but at first glance, I thought I was looking at a homeless person.”
Yikes! Some people can be harsh!
Despite the mixed opinions, it’s clear that many still admire Roseanne for her wit and authenticity, whether she’s tending to her farm or sharing personal moments.
What do you think of Roseanne Barr? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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