Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo (born April 11, 1961) is an American actor, filmmaker, musician, and painter known for his independent films and strong creative control. He was born in Buffalo, New York, to Sicilian parents. His childhood was troubled; he has spoken about an abusive father and a strict, controlling mother. He says he briefly touched on crime as a teenager but later chose a different path. At 16 he moved to New York City, worked various jobs, and pursued art and music. He also spent time painting and collaborating with artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Gallo started acting in the early 1980s, with early appearances in Downtown 81 and small parts in notable films such as Goodfellas, The House of the Spirits, and The Perez Family. He worked with French director Claire Denis on several projects, expanding his acting career beyond the United States.
In 1998, Gallo made his directorial debut with Buffalo ’66. He wrote, directed, starred in, and created the soundtrack for the film, which became a cult favorite and helped him gain a devoted following. His next major project, The Brown Bunny (2003), was controversial for a graphic sex scene and sparked a famous public clash with film critic Roger Ebert. The movie received mixed reviews, and Gallo has had a long-running debate with critics about it.
As an actor, Gallo has appeared in a wide range of films, including The Legend of Kaspar Hauser (2012), a cameo in Julie Delpy’s 2 Days in New York (2012), and the 2022 thriller Shut In. He also acted in Francis Ford Coppola’s Tetro (2009). In 2010 he won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for Essential Killing, a non-speaking role that highlighted his intense screen presence.
Gallo’s filmmaking work is known for its bold, personal style. Buffalo ’66 is celebrated as a strong example of independent cinema, while The Brown Bunny drew fierce reactions. His 2010 film Promises Written in Water polarized critics and has not been widely released. He also released and directed short films, and created music videos for his own projects and others.
In addition to acting and directing, Gallo has a musical career. He released the album When (2001) and was part of several bands in his youth, including Gray with Basquiat and Bohack. He later formed Bunny with Lukas Haas. He has also worked as a model for brands like Calvin Klein, H&M, Supreme, Persol, and Saint Laurent. In 2025 he released the album Butterfly, produced with Harper Simon, after a delay caused by a record label dispute.
Gallo is known for his provocative persona and outspoken views. He has expressed conservative political opinions and supported Republican figures, which has sometimes colored how people view him in the industry. He has had public feuds and controversial statements, but many collaborators still praise his talent. He has a loyal following, especially among fans of Buffalo ’66 and The Brown Bunny, and he remains a notable figure in independent cinema.
Today, Gallo divides his time between his artistic work and personal life. He has lived in various places, including Arizona, where he owns a home in Tucson. His career continues to be a subject of fascination for film lovers, critics, and fellow artists around the world.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:09 (CET).