Vince Vieluf is an American actor, writer, and director best known for his hilarious role as Blaine Cody in the 2001 comedy Rat Race, his cult-favorite performance in Grind, and his recurring role in the UPN sitcom Love, Inc.
Born Vincent Ernest Vieluf (pronounced “Vee-loff”) on November 10, 1970, in Joliet, Illinois, he built a memorable Hollywood career throughout the late 1990s and 2000s before choosing family over fame. In 2026, fans still search for him and his story is one worth telling.
Vince Vieluf Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Vincent Ernest Vieluf |
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1970 |
| Age (2026) | 55 years old |
| Birthplace | Joliet, Illinois, USA |
| Raised In | Portland, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Director |
| Years Active | 1997 to 2010 |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $500K to $1 Million |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Known For | Rat Race, Grind, Love Inc. |
| Social Media | Inactive |
Early Life and Background
Vince Vieluf grew up far from the Hollywood spotlight. He was born in Joliet, Illinois, but spent most of his childhood in Portland, Texas, a small coastal town near Corpus Christi.
His family had no ties to the entertainment world. That makes his eventual rise to Hollywood all the more impressive. He built everything through sheer determination and a natural comedic instinct.
The Bold Move to Los Angeles
One of the most defining moments in Vince Vieluf’s life happened before he ever appeared on screen. He packed all his belongings into a 13-foot U-Haul, loaded up his cat Groovy, and drove from Texas to Los Angeles with a dream and very little else.
Once in LA, he worked as a bartender at a nightclub to pay the bills. That job turned out to be a lucky break. He met his first agent, a customer at the bar, and that connection opened the door to his first acting role.
This kind of hustle and timing became a theme throughout his entire career.
Acting Career: Films and Television
Early Roles (1997 to 2000)
Vince Vieluf made his film debut in 1997 as Brad in An American Werewolf in Paris, starring alongside Tom Everett Scott and Julie Delpy. It was not a blockbuster, but it gave him a solid foothold.
Around the same time, he appeared in several notable projects:
- On the Edge of Innocence (1997): One of his earliest TV appearances
- Clay Pigeons (1998): A dark comedy alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Vince Vaughn
- National Lampoon’s Barely Legal: A comedy that added range to his early resume
These roles established him as a capable character actor with strong comedic instincts.
Breakout Role: Rat Race (2001)
This is the role that made Vince Vieluf a household name for fans of early 2000s comedy.
In Rat Race, he played Blaine Cody, the dim-witted and hilariously chaotic brother of Seth Green’s character Ennis. The ensemble cast included John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jon Lovitz. Yet Vieluf more than held his own among all those big names.
His most memorable bit was a botched tongue piercing that left him unable to speak clearly for most of the film. The physical comedy and unpredictable energy landed perfectly with audiences.
Key Facts About Rat Race:
| Detail | Info |
| Release Year | 2001 |
| Director | Jerry Zucker |
| Vince’s Character | Blaine Cody |
| Co-Stars | Seth Green, John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson |
| Box Office | $56.6 million worldwide |
| Status | Cult comedy classic |
Many fans still revisit Rat Race today, and Blaine Cody is consistently cited as one of the film’s most beloved characters.
Grind (2003) and the Skateboarding World
After Rat Race, Vince Vieluf starred in Grind (2003), a coming-of-age comedy centered around skateboarding culture. He starred alongside Adam Brody from The O.C. and Mike Vogel.
Grind became a cult favorite among skateboarding fans and early-2000s movie lovers. It did not perform huge at the box office but found a massive audience on DVD and cable television.
Television Appearances
Vince’s TV work was just as impressive as his film career. He appeared in some of the biggest shows of the era:
| Show | Character | Notes |
| Friends | Ned Morse | Season 7, pretended to love Professor Ross |
| ER | Bernard Gamely | Guest appearance |
| Love, Inc. | Barry | Lead role in UPN sitcom (2005 to 2006) |
| CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Connor Foster | Three episodes |
| CSI: Miami | Gil Callem | Spin-off appearance |
His role in Love, Inc. was his most sustained TV work. He played Barry, a wingman character whose bizarre comments and quirky behavior consistently stole scenes. The show aired on UPN in 2005.
Later Career: Firewall, Epic Movie, and Order of Chaos
Vince continued working steadily through the mid-2000s with several notable projects:
- Firewall (2006): Played vicious henchman Pim alongside Harrison Ford and Paul Bettany
- Epic Movie (2006): Played a jock version of Wolverine in the popular parody film
- Snow Wonder: A made-for-TV movie that showcased his range as an actor
His most ambitious project came in 2010 with Order of Chaos, a thriller he wrote and directed himself. The film starred Milo Ventimiglia, Rhys Coiro, Samantha Mathis, and Mimi Rogers, and was produced on a modest $1 million budget. It proved Vince had a serious creative vision behind the camera.
Why Vince Vieluf Quit Acting
This is the question most fans ask. Why did someone with real talent and a growing career simply walk away?
The answer is deeply personal.
In 2009, Vince’s mother passed away. That loss hit him hard and made him rethink his priorities completely. Shortly after, in 2010, he decided to leave Hollywood entirely.
In his own words, he wanted to be a “more grounded person.” He moved back closer to his family and took a job at the South Austin Beer Garden in Texas. He stepped away from social media and disconnected from the industry.
He has continued writing and making music in private but has stayed out of the public eye since 2010.
Vince Vieluf Complete Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
| 1997 | An American Werewolf in Paris | Brad | Film |
| 1997 | On the Edge of Innocence | Timothy Wells | TV Movie |
| 1998 | Clay Pigeons | Deputy Barney | Film |
| 2001 | Rat Race | Blaine Cody | Film |
| 2001 | Friends | Ned Morse | TV Episode |
| 2003 | Grind | Lead Role | Film |
| 2003 | National Lampoon’s Barely Legal | Lead Role | Film |
| 2004 | Snow Wonder | Lead Role | TV Movie |
| 2005 to 2006 | Love, Inc. | Barry | TV Series |
| 2006 | Firewall | Pim | Film |
| 2006 | Epic Movie | Wolverine (parody) | Film |
| Various | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Connor Foster | TV |
| Various | CSI: Miami | Gil Callem | TV |
| 2010 | Order of Chaos | Director and Writer | Film |
What Made Vince Vieluf Stand Out
Most character actors blend into the background. Vince Vieluf never did. Several things set him apart from the crowd:
- Physical comedy: He used his body expressively in a way that very few actors can pull off naturally
- Memorable quirks: Every role he played had a signature detail that audiences remembered
- Real-world hustle: His path from bartender to Hollywood shows what true persistence looks like
- Authenticity: Fans and co-stars consistently noted his genuine and grounded personality
- Creative depth: Writing and directing Order of Chaos showed he was far more than a funny face
Vince Vieluf Net Worth
Vince Vieluf’s estimated net worth sits somewhere between $500K and $1 million, though exact figures are difficult to confirm since he left the industry over a decade ago.
His earnings came from film roles throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, television appearances on major networks, and his directorial work on Order of Chaos. Given his retreat from Hollywood, his current income likely comes from personal sources unrelated to entertainment.
FAQs About Vince Vieluf
What is Vince Vieluf best known for?
He is best known for playing Blaine Cody in the 2001 comedy Rat Race alongside Seth Green. His tongue-piercing bit became one of the most memorable gags of early 2000s comedy.
How do you pronounce Vince Vieluf?
His last name is pronounced “Vee-loff” according to the actor himself.
Why did Vince Vieluf stop acting?
Vince quit acting in 2010 after the death of his mother in 2009. He wanted to live closer to his family and lead a more grounded life away from Hollywood.
Where is Vince Vieluf now in 2026?
He is believed to be living in the Austin, Texas area. He previously worked at the South Austin Beer Garden and continues to write and make music privately.
Did Vince Vieluf direct any films?
Yes. He wrote and directed Order of Chaos (2010), starring Milo Ventimiglia, Samantha Mathis, and Mimi Rogers.
What episode of Friends was Vince Vieluf in?
He appeared in Season 7, Episode 18, playing a student named Ned Morse who pretended to be in love with Professor Ross to pass a class.
Is Vince Vieluf on social media?
No. He has intentionally disconnected from all social media since stepping away from the entertainment industry in 2010.
Final Thoughts
Vince Vieluf’s story is genuinely refreshing in a world where celebrities cling to the spotlight. He found success on his own terms, delivered performances that fans still talk about decades later, and then made the brave choice to walk away for something more meaningful.
Blaine Cody in Rat Race remains a comedic masterpiece of physical acting. His work in Grind, Firewall, Friends, and CSI shows just how versatile he really was. His decision to direct Order of Chaos proves there was always a deeper creative mind behind those wild and unforgettable performances.
In 2026, Vince Vieluf may be far from Hollywood, but his legacy is very much alive.
Read More : Who Is Richard Taubman? Christie Brinkley’s Ex-Husband, Career, Net Worth & Life in 2026