Irving H. Vincent: The Stepfather Who Shaped Vin Diesel’s Success—Did He Surpass His Biological Father?
Though the internet likes to joke about Vin Diesel’s on-screen obsession with family in the Fast & Furious franchise, Vin Diesel’s real-life devotion to his loved ones is just as strong. This article discusses everything you need to know about Vin Diesel’s stepfather, Irving H. Vincent, and his role in shaping the man we love today.
Who Is Irving H. Vincent?
Irving H. Vincent is the stepfather of Hollywood superstar Vin Diesel. He was born on November 4, 1934, to African-American parents with Welsh origins.
There’s little information about how Irving and Vin Diesel’s biological mother, Delora Sherleen Vincent, met, but they’ve been together since Vin Diesel was a young boy. They tied the knot in 1970, three years after Diesel and his fraternal twin Paul were born.
Vin Diesel and his siblings, Paul, Tim, and Samantha, grew up in a low-income artist commune in Manhattan’s West Village.
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Diesel described the neighborhood as a “magical place for a young artist to grow up in,” brimming with poets, painters, musicians, and thespians. This was due to Westbeth Artists Housing’s policy, which reserved its affordable units for individuals with proven artistic careers or backgrounds.
At the time, Irving had a career in theater and TV production and worked as an off-Broadway director at the New Federal Theatre in Hell’s Kitchen. He later taught entertainment studies at New York University, inspiring Diesel to launch a non-profit organization, One Race Global Film Foundation.
Who Is Vin Diesel’s Biological Father?
Vin Diesel has never met his biological father and has never expressed the desire to do so. To him, Irving is his only father.
Irving played a major role in shaping Vin Diesel’s interest in the entertainment industry, and Diesel used every opportunity to thank him for his guidance and support. Vin Diesel also believes himself to be “a person of color” as he grew up under Irving’s influence.
Are Vin Diesel and His Father Close?
Vin Diesel and his stepfather are incredibly close. In fact, the “Vin” in Vin Diesel comes from Inving’s surname, Vincent.
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In 2022, Diesel posted a picture of his father with the caption, “Happy 88th birthday to my first inspiration…my dad. All love, always.”
Diesel dedicated his non-profit organization, One Race Global Film Foundation, to his father. The organization encourages underserved communities to share their stories through filmmaking, art, and coursework that his father developed during his teaching career at NYU.
Are Vin Diesel and His Mother Close?
Vin Diesel shares a special bond with his mother, Delora. She’s often seen accompanying him on the red carpet. When asked, Delores claims that she’s seen all of Diesel’s movies.
On her 2015 birthday, she asked Diesel to take her to see his latest project at the time, The Last Witch Hunter.
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In 2021, Diesel shared a photo of him and his mother at the premiere of HBO’s Spielberg in 2017. The caption states, “Momma’s boy… proud of it. All love, always.”
He also greeted his mother during Mother’s Day, captioning his post with: “I can’t explain the love I have for my mother in words… But, I can say there is no greater gift in life than a loving mother.”
In 2023, the then-56-year-old actor posted a video of himself hugging his mother on her 80th birthday. The caption on the post states: “My beautiful and incredible mother just turned 80!!!!”
Who Are Vin Diesel’s Siblings?
Vin Diesel has three siblings: his fraternal twin brother, Paul, and his half-siblings, Samantha and Tim. All three of his siblings prefer keeping themselves out of the spotlight.
Paul’s current profession is unknown, though he used to work as a sound tester and editor for Hollywood. Samantha, meanwhile, is a movie producer.
She’s worked with her brother Vin Diesel in several projects, including The Last Witch Hunter (2015) and the Fast & Furious Franchise.
She’s the current president of the One Race Films production company, which Diesel founded in 1995. She has a master’s degree in educational policy from Harvard University, and she serves on the board of directors for Westbeth Artists Housing.
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As for Tim, there’s little information about him online. His career, personal life, and education are kept private.
Vin Diesel is close to all three of his siblings, regularly sharing pictures of him and his family hanging out together or sharing a meal.
Final Thoughts
Irving H. Vincent is Vin Diesel’s stepfather. He married Diesel’s biological mother, Delora Sherleen, when Diesel was three years old, and they continue to be together to this day. Vin Diesel has three siblings: fraternal twin Paul and half-siblings Samantha and Tim.
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