In Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, Vincent D’Onofrio captivated audiences with his unforgettable portrayal of a pudgy and inexperienced Marine recruit. However, after his remarkable performance, the 64-year-old ruggedly attractive actor noticed a decline in his popularity. D’Onofrio believes that his physical transformation for the role made him less appealing to the women who were previously drawn to his curly, black hair and athletic build.
Both extensive and varied, Vincent D’Onofrio’s career is truly remarkable. Starting as a bodyguard for Yul Brynner and Robert Plant, he worked tirelessly to support his acting aspirations. From being a nightclub bouncer to a flower deliveryman, drapery hanger, and even a cab driver, D’Onofrio hustled to make ends meet while pursuing his dreams.
Encouraged by his friend Matthew Modine, D’Onofrio submitted an audition video to Stanley Kubrick, who was casting for his upcoming major success after seeing his work in low-budget films. D’Onofrio’s towering 6-foot-3 frame earned him the role of Leonard, a chubby and seemingly unintelligent Marine. Working with Kubrick was a life-changing experience for D’Onofrio, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the character and showcase his acting skills in a demanding and challenging environment.
To match the character’s appearance, D’Onofrio had to undergo a significant physical transformation. He shaved his gorgeous full head of hair and gained a staggering 70 to 80 pounds, the most weight ever gained by an actor for a role. Speaking about the weight gain, D’Onofrio shared, “[Kubrick] asked me early on would I be all right with gaining this weight… I think it went up to 80 pounds… from 200 to 280.”
The weight gain was not an easy task for D’Onofrio, especially during the grueling boot-camp scenes of the movie. While his athletic build would have made obstacle courses easier, being 280 pounds made it particularly challenging.
D’Onofrio’s incredible portrayal of Leonard, the overweight and mentally disturbed Marine, earned him praise from critics. However, it also led to some fans mistaking him for the character in real life. D’Onofrio shared, “People treat you differently when you’re that size… Women didn’t look at me, most of the time I was looking at their backs as they were running away.”
Despite the challenges, D’Onofrio’s dedication to his craft paid off. He has had a long and successful career in both film and television, with over 50 films to his name. Kubrick played a significant role in launching his career. D’Onofrio’s roles in Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Marvel’s Daredevil are among his most notable. Alongside his career achievements, he also authored the book “Pigs Can’t Look Up” in 2023.
Growing up, D’Onofrio faced challenges due to his parents’ separation. However, he found solace in magic and became skilled in sleight of hand tricks while living in Florida. Magic became an outlet for his creative expression and a way to connect with others.
In terms of his personal life, D’Onofrio previously had a romantic relationship with actress Greta Scacchi in the early 1990s. They appeared together in several films. D’Onofrio is also a proud parent to his daughter, Leila George, who has followed in his footsteps and pursued a career in acting.
D’Onofrio married Dutch model Carin van der Donk in 1997, and they welcomed their first child in 1999. Although they faced challenges in the early 2000s, they later reconciled and had a second son in 2008. However, after a 26-year union, D’Onofrio filed for divorce from Carin van der Donk in June 2023.
Despite the years that have passed since his breakout role in Full Metal Jacket, Vincent D’Onofrio continues to deliver captivating performances. While he may look different now, his talent shines through in every role he takes on. What are your thoughts on his portrayal of the dumb, fat Leonard?
