Vincent de Paul is a very successful American actor, producer and model as well as a two-time Emmy Award winner. He was featured in magazines such as GQ, Vogue, Cosmopolitan or Men’s Health, advertised L’Oreal, Fuji or Guy La Roche. Vincent appeared in a number of US film and series productions, including „Sex and the City 2“, „House of Cards“, „Frasier“ and „The Bay“, for which he received two Emmy awards in 2015 and 2016.
For the role of Doug Damian in Christian Filippella’s Silver Case he were awarded for Best Actor by the LA Film and New Media Film Festival in 2013. In 2019 he were honored at the French Rivera Film Festival as the best actor for your role in the British comedy Matty Boy.
The attractive 50-year-old actor is president and co-founder of the production company Five Arts Productions and has produced feature films and art-house short films to date, also co-producing some films. He is a member of Producers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. And he is also a supporter of Special Olympics, the largest sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities.
I had the pleasure of meeting this incredibly charming man at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Dear Vincent, you were born in Maryland to a funeral director, your mother Maria chaired the March of Dimes, Children with Birth Defects and Relief to Earthquake victims in Naples committee. You studied epidemiology, biomedical ethics and biostatistics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland and then worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach. Could you say that you grew up very down-to-earth?
I am one of eight children. I was fortunate to grow up with amazing role models such as my parents, who instill upon me kindness. I would say, that it was a very down to earth childhood.
What did your parents mean about your modeling and acting career? Did they always support you?
Yes, my parents were always supportive. I am a graduate of Johns Hopkins and began working at MT. SINAI MEDICAL CENTER in Miami Beach. That is were it all began.
What are your most beautiful childhood memories?
Riding skateboards with my friends.
Did you ever think of becoming a model or actor as a child?
Yes, at 5 years of age I modelled for BRAGER GUTMAN DEPARTMENT STORES.
How was it for you when the great designer Gianni Versace discovered you in Miami Beach and you suddenly appeared in magazines like GQ, Vogue, Cosmopolitan or Men’s Health and advertised L’Oreal, Fuji or Guy La Roche? How did you feel? Did you love modeling?
I have always enjoying doing Editorials and Campaigns, evoking Stories through photos.
Remember when you signed your first autograph?
Not sure how old I was, but it was at the premiere of Hairspray.
With wich well-known model have you worked?
Channing Tatum – I placed him in his first Fashion Show in Miami Beach. And Stephanie Seymour for L’OREAL – ist was a great pleasure to work with her.
How difficult is it for a man today to be successful as a model?
The industry has changed. There are many more models and reality talent then in previous years. If you are dedicated to your work, you can be succesful regardless.
What has changed in the modeling business?
Reality TV.
Do you still work as a model?
Yes, I still do atleast one cover or editorial a year.
You also support the Special Olympics, the biggest sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities. How important is that to you?
It ist so very important for me. My Mom was the National Chairwoman for March of Dimes for Children with birth defects.
And the Cinémoi Stars United For Good Gala in Cannes, were we met, was such a wonderful celebrations helping children in need and giving back to the community. I am very supportive of empowering others and this is a cause is dear to my heart.
You also have an agent in Germany, the TV producer and media expert Chris G. Maier from networxTV. How often are you in Germany?
Twice a year at least.
I read that the famous actress and Golden Globe® winner Sally Kirkland said that you have the most beautiful singing voice. Do you sing often?
Academy award nominated and Golden Globe winner Sally Kirkland is such a great energy in my life. Trained by Lee Strassberg and Shelly Winters Sally has bestow upon me so many life skills in the acting world. Yes, she always likes when I sing to her. I will be working also with Sally on her new film call „Sallywood“. It will be a blast.
How do you get used to your roles and is it often difficult to ‚find your way out‘ of some roles?
Being attached by a director or auditioning. And yes, sometimes it is hard to get out again.
Which people impressed you particularly and perhaps also influenced you?
Those with great creativity.
You’re on the road a lot. Which cities do you love and why?
Cefalu, Sicily for it influence of Moore, Greek art and archeticture. Cologne, Düsseldorf and Berlin what a diverse style of people.
You are currently starring in a Film about Nikola Tesla with Ethan Hawke in the leading role, which is currently being shot in New York City. Right?
Yes, I play George Westinghouse protégé.
Are there any other projects in the works or in planning?
Yes, many many. The series „Rumors“, The Welder, and „All I need for Christmas“ and the new Gianni Versace Documentary „The Geniuis of Gianni Versace“ & „Seeing Beauty“.
What advice would you give to young people who want to successfully enter the world of modeling or acting?
Surround yourself with like minded artist. Always try to do the best you can in every role.
Mainpicture: Vincent de Paul by Greg Doherty photos.com
www.imbd.com/VincentdePaul
www.fiveartsfilm.com
