Poster: owepar
(see this users gallery) "This is the quickest I've ever gotten an acting job," says Vincent Ventresca of his being cast in the role of Jack Reed on NBC's new comedy series "Boston Common." "I was sitting at home watching television, saw the promo for the show and thought that it looked like fun. The next day the producers sent me a tape of the pilot, I read for the part, and I was cast, all within 24 hours."
Ventresca was born and raised in Indianapolis, Ind., with his 11 brothers and sisters, all of whom are either teachers or artists. In fact, Ventresca says he would have followed in his father's footsteps and become a high school teacher if he had not pursed a career in acting. He finds it ironic that he plays a college professor on "Boston Common."
"In Indiana, you pretty much play basketball until you're 18 years old, and then you decide what you want to do with the rest of your life," says Ventresca. Coincidentally, he had the opportunity to audition for "Hoosiers" -- the critically acclaimed basketball-themed film set in Indiana -- while in high school. Although he was not cast, the experience convinced him to study acting.
After graduating from Indiana University with a double major in theater and psychology, Ventresca moved to Los Angeles and began his acting career with a role in the premiere episode of the courtroom drama "Reasonable Doubts," starring Marlee Matlin and Mark Harmon. He also appeared in regional stage productions and co-founded the All U Can Eat Players, a theater group for which Ventresca acted in two productions.
Television audiences know Ventresca best for his role as "Fun Bobby," the friend that Monica (Courteney Cox) often relied on to liven up her parties and dating life, on the NBC comedy series "Friends." He has also guest-starred on "Empty Nest," "Life Goes On," "Blossom," and had a starring role in the series "Medicine Ball." His TV movie credits also include "The Surrogate" and the NBC miniseries "Degree of Guilt."
Ventresca lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Dianne. His birthday is April 29. |