Vincent Piazza

Vincent Piazza
Piazza at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Supporting Characters
Born	Vincent Francis Piazza (1976-05-25) May 25, 1976 (age 40) Middle Village, Queens, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Alma mater	Villanova University
Occupation	Actor
Years active	2006–present
Known for	Boardwalk Empire, Jersey Boys

Vincent Piazza (born May 25, 1976) is an American film, television and stage actor. He is best known for his portrayal of gangster Lucky Luciano in the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire. He has also played Earl Hefner in the comedy-drama Rocket Science (2007) and singer Tommy DeVito in Clint Eastwood's film adaptation of Jersey Boys (2014).

Piazza was born and raised in Queens, New York. His father is Italian, having immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1960s. His mother is of German descent. He recalls humble beginnings and a prideful work ethic gained from watching his father work multiple jobs to support the family that included a younger brother and one older sister. Vincent also credits his mother's large German family for allowing several travels across the United States to visit distant relatives who encouraged him to find his passion, and see the world's many treasures.

Attending Xavier High School in Chelsea, Manhattan, Vince lettered in football and hockey, receiving scholarships for academics and hockey, as well as National Honor Society. After graduating Summa-Cum Laude with a 4.0 Grade-Point-Average, he received several academic scholarships to a plethora of institutions, ultimately choosing to attend Villanova University where he majored in Sports and Media Management. Piazza played ACHA Division I ice hockey for Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, until a recurring shoulder injury forced him to quit playing and leave the university after only a year. After retiring from hockey, he began to work with acting coach Alice Spivak and joined the TerraNOVA Collective theatre group in Lion Theatre along Theatre Row in New York City. After appearing in a number of New York Off Broadway productions, including Baby Steps, A Match Made in Manhattan and Much Ado About Nothing, he made his feature film debut in the 2006 film Stephanie Daley and went on to appear in the television movie The Dawn and an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.