Meet Vinnie Langdon | Actor & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vinnie Langdon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vinnie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Wayne Gretzky said it the best, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!” I’ve lived with that motto when deciding on continuing my career or taking a step back. You could call it FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) any time I was close to giving up. I would stop and ask myself… what if I stopped today and then tomorrow a bigger opportunity lands in my lap? So that is what keeps me going from not giving up. The ‘hope’ of I could always improve or all of my hard work will pay off down the line so in the mean time I keep trucking along to see what mystery that lies ahead. However, yeah, there is the reality of all things come to an end so with that being said: My advice is when things stop being fun or your heart is no longer in it; before giving up; maybe just switch things up. Or sure, give up?! Your choice!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in Northern California. I had big dreams of ‘moving down to Hollywood’ when I was a kid to pursue a career as a full-time actor. I’d see my favorite teen actors on Disney Channel: The Lawrence Brothers, Lalaine, Hilary Duff, Shia LaBeouf or Amanda Bynes doing the Nickelodeon thing… and I thought, how cool? They’re homeschooled? Acting? And getting paid for it? I want THAT lifestyle, too!!!

But, God had other plans for me where I spent seventeen years being the host/producer of my own local talk show that was broadcasted on 7 cable access TV stations from 2004-2021 called ‘The Vinnie Langdon Show!’

I had a heck of a run! I was blessed to produce over 500 half-hour episodes that was broadcasted in New York City, California, & Pennsylvania to over 500,000 households. That for me was equivalent enough for a ‘Hollywood’ Career. The fame didn’t matter. Never got into this field for money, I simply did it because I truly enjoyed it and wanted to have FUN.

With the experience of doing my own talk show (filming, editing and distribution process) it allowed me to gain skills to write and produce my own short films. As of today, I’m proud that I have produced over 50 award-winning short films and currently am running the 4th year of my own film festival in Staten Island, New York.

Some in the industry have compared my work to a younger Woody Allen – I write, film, and even act in my own movies. I suppose I get the Woody comparison because of my comedic writing, acting abilities and the simplicity of my short film work.

I would say visually my journey might appear easy but there have certainly been up and down moments. Some of the highs have been interviewing my favorite artists; getting the experience to travel and follow bands around; to having my show aired on television in the Big Apple (dream come true) and even working on movie sets with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. What some didn’t see behind the scenes were what we’ll call the blood, sweat and tears: self-funding my own show, getting burnt out at times, camera people flaking on me last minute for important video shoots, or just the typical pressure of being in this business.

I’ve loved my 20+ year career thus far and I’m excited to see where I end up in the next 20 years or so as an actor and filmmaker. Maybe appear in a Netflix film with Adam Sandler or something close!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooh honestly, I’m such a homebody!!! I’ve always been that way! Besides going out for “work” related gigs, it’s rare when I do go out but when I do, I definitely enjoy a good hard rock concert. I’m into everything ranging from punk rock, metal, Christian worship bands… who doesn’t like some R&B from the 90’s throwback too?!

I’m a huuuuge WWE nerd and appreciate the history of the company and where it is now so any time WWE is in town, you know you’ll find me by the ramp cheering and booing as the wrestlers come out! Maybe one day I’ll be apart of a WWE Production. I used to mimic the wrestlers and commentators when I was a kid. (Probably helped me as an actor ha-ha!!)

Growing up, I spent five years playing ice hockey: Any time someone invites me to a NHL game, I AM SO THERE!!! (Big New Jersey Devils fan, since my Dad and Sister were born in NJ) but I’m down to see any NHL game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had “fans” come and go. I’ve had “friends” come and go. I’ve had relationships come and go. Through out my career of being an actor and filmmaker the ones who really stood by my side at the end of the day have always been my family: proud of my accomplishments and been there thru the hard times as well. My shoutout goes to my family (Mom, Dad & Sister) for always being there for me no matter what.

Facebook: Facebook.com/sisummerofshorts (Film Festival I Run!)

Youtube: https://YouTube.com/vinnielangdonshow

Image Credits
Photos provided by Vinnie Langdon, TMZ.