Dennis Funny

Biography

Date of Birth 25 May 1967, Tacoma, Washington, USA Birth Name Dennis J. Funny Height 6' (1.83 m) Mini Biography In the entertainment world, attitude, talent and perseverance is a must! Actor Dennis Jay Funny, a Gemini and twin, is embodiment of these ingredients. No, he's not a comedian who changed his name to make people smile. Funny is his birth name and everything Dennis Jay Funny touches is serious business. Dennis and his twin were born in Tacoma, Washington where his father was recently stationed and raised in New York, where most of his family still resides. Voted "class clown & most popular" in high school, then attending engineering powerhouse, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI.edu), his life's an adventure that seems to have no limits. This rising actor, is also a longtime NYC nightlife promoter, restaurateur & indie film maker with a Wall Street past. In Dennis' 1st film, sports epic "Any Given Sunday", director Oliver Stone utilized '#47's' unique acting expertise and diverse skills. This multi-faceted guy is also former co-owner of a hip resto-lounge located in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn with daughter of entertainer Gregory Hines. As a New York City nightlife impresario, his friendly notoriety has inspires a following of dedicated revelers, most taste-makers influencing today's urban culture. Being an extensive traveler, Dennis has forged positive relationships worldwide. His signature soirée's are an "exotic-fusion of flavor that lifts your spirits". Most call the eclectic atmosphere, "Wall Street meets Hip Hop", a road Dennis knows all too well. His most recent project is a charity effort submerging people of all cultures in a celebration for the love of music, dance, art and cuisine. "Taste of NYC", the 1st start up from the SiliconWaterfront incubator, funding an educational portal for student in Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship and the Arts. Inspirational mentors include: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The Art Institute of NYC Restaurant School, The Food-Network, Zagat's, AFTRA and the Screen Actors Guild. This former Wall Streeter has dedicated his life to helping others. The only remnant of his white collar past is a trademark trail of cigar smoke (though he claims he is cutting back) left in his wake. Funny can be seen recently making cameos in HBO's 'How To Make It in America' episode #5 and upcoming in films, 'Man On a Ledge', '13', Mark Wahlberg's, 'The Fighter' film & action film 'Premium Rush'. On television catch him on season2 of both shows 'White Collar' on the USA network, 'Are We There Yet' on the TBS network & his 3rd season on the Showtime hit 'Nurse Jackie' as the hard working Orderly, 'Anony'. When asked, "What's next for you, Dennis?" He smiles, "I don't know it's been a wild ride, anything can happen, You know my style!" IMDb Mini Biography By: Michelle Hunt Trade Mark Usually wears all black Trivia Is a well known underground NYC nightlife promoter and restaurateur...because of this noteriety, Warner Brothers had the New York "Any Given Sunday" premiere in Time Square with Dennis hosting. He brought 300+ friends with only a few days notice. In '99 he told friends he was bringing his head shot for the Oliver Stone movie, "Any Given Sunday" being shot in Miami during his Superbowl trip. On crowded Ocean Drive in South Beach, he heard someone asking for a light. He offered and after small talk the gentlemen mentioned he knew the casting agency for the film. Dennis auditioned the day before he was due back & joined the cast on the 2nd day of shooting. He stayed in Miami & Dallas 4 months to complete filming. This former cub scout from den 8, pack 86 in Ossining, New York began his acting preparation in 4th grade singing, acting & dancing in Roosevelt & Park elementary school productions. His 1st starring role was as a circus performer in Mrs. Finkelstein's 5th grade class student film Born to Stephen & Rudi in Tacoma, Washington where his dad was stationed but grew up in New York. His parents separated several years later, through the shuffle they moved 7 times before the 8th grade. He & twin sister, DeAnna are the oldest of their siblings; 3 sisters (Donna, Tamala and Margaret Danielle) & one brother (Stephen Dale). Made writing/producing/directing debut in a commercial video for his Alexander Hamilton High communications class for a fictional cologne called, "Rock". It starred his friends Sam, John & Steve with RUN DMC's "King of Rock" as the background music. It was a class favorite & he received an "A". Attended the same High school as fellow actor, Giancarlo Esposito. He found his first job as a management trainee easy and was bored. He rested his eyes (dosed) during class, once while standing up from being out all night. His boss sarcastically asked if he was happy there and was he ready to pursue his dreams, show business, perform, travel and get paid to be out all night. Dennis said yes, and left the company that day. Is featured in official trailer of Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center", shown waiting for subway with actor Jay Hernandez the morning of Sept 11th. Is featured in the unrated trailer of "The Ten" as one of the evil prison guard. Personal Quotes Why work for the man...why not be The Man!