Delora Vincent is an astrologer and the mother of action star Vin Diesel. Born Delora Sherleen Sinclair, she married theater manager Irving H. Vincent in 1970 and raised four children in Greenwich Village’s Westbeth Artists Housing. Her career in astrology and psychology shaped Vin Diesel’s values, particularly his dedication to family and privacy.
Behind every Hollywood superstar stands someone who shaped their character. For Vin Diesel, that person is his mother, Delora Vincent. While her son commands the screen in blockbuster franchises, Delora has quietly built a life centered on astrology, psychology, and family.
You won’t find her chasing red carpets or giving interviews. But her influence runs deep through every role Vin Diesel plays—especially his famous dedication to family in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Who Is Delora Vincent?
Delora Sherleen Vincent (née Sinclair) is an astrologer who gave birth to twin sons on July 18, 1967, in Alameda County, California. She moved her young family to New York City, where she would meet the man who’d become her husband and her sons’ adoptive father.
At approximately 82 years old in 2025, Delora maintains a private life despite her son’s global fame. Her background includes Scottish, German, and English heritage—a detail that contrasts with the multicultural identity her son embraces.
Her Professional Path
Delora carved an unusual career path for her generation. She works as both an astrologer and a psychologist—two fields that require a deep understanding of human behavior and emotional patterns.
Astrology involves studying celestial movements to understand their influence on human affairs. Psychology focuses on the scientific study of mind and behavior. Together, these disciplines gave Delora a unique lens through which to raise her children.
Her Instagram bio identifies her as a “Psychologist & Astrologer,” reflecting the dual nature of her professional identity.
The Man Who Became Dad: Irving H. Vincent
In 1970, Irving married Delora Vincent, becoming an integral part of the extended Vincent family. Irving H. Vincent brought stability and artistic mentorship to the household.
Born November 4, 1925, in Alameda, California, Irving worked as an acting instructor and theater manager. He later taught entertainment studies at New York University, where his curriculum inspired Vin Diesel to establish the One Race Global Film Foundation.
Irving adopted Delora’s twin sons, giving them the Vincent surname. He became the only father they knew. Vin Diesel has never met his biological father, only revealing that the man was African American.
Together, Delora and Irving created two more children: Tim and Samantha Vincent. The blended family of six formed a tight unit centered on artistic expression and mutual support.
Growing Up in Greenwich Village
Irving and Delora raised Diesel and his siblings in Westbeth, a low-income artist commune in Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood.
This wasn’t just any apartment building. Westbeth Artists Housing required residents to prove both financial need and artistic talent. A review board judged potential residents’ work before approving them.
The building itself had history. Before becoming housing in 1970, it housed Bell Laboratories—where the first TV broadcast, talking movie, and binary computer were demonstrated.
Vin Diesel later told TIME that living there was “kind of a mecca for artists. What a magical place for a young artist to grow up in.”
Painters, poets, sculptors, musicians, and actors filled the halls. Everyone was creating something. This environment shaped how Vin viewed art—not as a luxury, but as essential human expression.
The Book That Changed Everything
Delora’s influence on Vin’s career goes beyond general encouragement. She made one specific move that launched his filmmaking journey.
Delora gave her son the book “Feature Films at Used Car Prices” by Rick Schmidt, which led him to make the 1995 film “Multi-Facial” for $3,000.
At the time, Vin was struggling to find acting work. He faced rejection after rejection. The book taught low-budget filmmaking techniques. It showed him he didn’t need Hollywood’s permission to make art.
He wrote, directed, produced, and starred in “Multi-Facial”—a semi-autobiographical story about a multiracial actor stuck in audition hell. The 20-minute film screened at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival.
That Cannes selection changed everything. Steven Spielberg saw the film and cast Vin in “Saving Private Ryan.” The rest is Hollywood history.
Would it have happened without Delora’s gift? We can’t know for certain. But the timing and thoughtfulness of that book suggest a mother who truly understood her son’s needs.
Delora’s Four Children
Vin Diesel (Mark Sinclair Vincent)
Born July 18, 1967, Vin became one of the world’s highest-grossing actors. He took the stage name “Diesel” while working as a bouncer at New York’s Tunnel nightclub. “Vin” came from his mother’s married surname, Vincent.
His signature role as Dominic Toretto centers on family loyalty—a value Delora instilled. The Fast & Furious franchise has grossed over $7 billion worldwide.
Paul Vincent
Vin’s fraternal twin brother chose a different path. Paul works as a sound editor, staying firmly behind the scenes. He edited sound for Vin’s debut film “Multi-Facial” and prefers to avoid public attention.
On their shared birthday, Vin posted about Paul: “I have watched you grow into such a wonderful dad and family man.”
Samantha Vincent
Delora’s daughter with Irving works as a film producer. She’s collaborated with Vin on multiple Fast & Furious films and other projects over the past decade. She represents the bridge between family and professional life in Hollywood.
Tim Vincent
The youngest child maintains the most private life. Few public details exist about Tim, reflecting the family’s overall preference for discretion.
Her Estimated Net Worth
Delora Vincent’s net worth sits between $500,000 and $1 million. This comes primarily from her work as an astrologer and psychologist—not from her son’s wealth.
She built her career independently. Her financial standing reflects decades of professional practice in specialized fields that require extensive training and client trust.
Red Carpet Moments
Before Vin found his longtime partner, Paloma Jimenez, he often brought his mother as his date to major events.
One of these occasions was in 2017, the premiere of HBO’s documentary film “Spielberg,” at which Delora dazzled in a satiny Mao jacket striped in shades of blue, gold, and jade green.
Photos from these events show a woman comfortable in her son’s world but not defined by it. She smiles warmly but doesn’t seek the spotlight for herself.
Vin regularly posts tributes to his mother on social media. On one Mother’s Day, he shared a soft-light photo with the caption: “Happy birthday to the most wonderful woman I have ever known, my mother. I love you, Mom.”
The Privacy Principle
Delora’s Instagram bio states, “Family is all that matters #married to the most amazing man#I am a mother and a grandma love my kids and grandkids, they are all special to me”.
That simple statement reveals her priorities. Family. Marriage. Grandchildren. Nothing about her famous son’s career.
In 2023, Vin shared that for her 80th birthday, he asked what she wanted. Her one-word answer: “Peace.”
This choice to remain private stands out in an era where celebrity parents often build their own brands. Delora could leverage her connection to Vin for media opportunities, book deals, or social media fame.
She chooses otherwise. This decision reflects both her personality and her values—the same values she passed to her son, who maintains unusual privacy for an A-list actor.
Lasting Influence on Vin’s Philosophy
Vin Diesel’s most famous quote—”Family is everything”—comes directly from Delora’s teachings. She emphasized three core lessons:
- The importance of hard work
- The power of imagination
- The necessity of supporting one another as a family
These principles appear throughout Vin’s life choices. He works with his siblings on films. He prioritizes time with his partner and four children. He speaks about family constantly in interviews.
The Fast & Furious franchise built its entire identity around chosen family and loyalty. Dominic Toretto’s character reflects the values Delora instilled—that family isn’t just biology, it’s commitment.
Irving Vincent proved this by adopting and raising twin boys who weren’t his biological children. He gave them his name, his time, and his guidance. That example showed Vin what real fatherhood looks like.
Why Her Story Matters
Delora Vincent represents something Hollywood rarely celebrates: the quiet force behind public success. She didn’t push her children into entertainment. She created an environment where creativity could flourish naturally.
She gave practical help when needed—like that filmmaking book. She provided emotional support during rejection and struggle. She built a stable home with Irving despite limited resources.
Her dual career as astrologer and psychologist equipped her to understand her children’s individual personalities and needs. This wasn’t generic parenting—it was tailored guidance based on real insight into human psychology.
Today, while Vin Diesel entertains millions worldwide, Delora maintains her practice and her privacy. She’s a grandmother now, extending her influence to another generation.
Her story reminds us that fame isn’t the only measure of impact. The values we pass down, the support we provide, and the environments we create often matter more than any spotlight.