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Mario Van Peebles Biography

(Director and Actor Best Known for His Films: ‘New Jack City’ and ‘USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage’)

Birthday: January 15, 1957 (Capricorn)

Born In: Mexico

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Mario Van Peebles is an American actor, director, writer and producer. He is the son of renowned filmmaker cum actor Melvin Van Peebles and German actress Maria Marx. He has displayed his directorial skills in the epic mini-series ‘Roots’, the documentary ‘Bring you’re a Game’ and the biopic ‘Baadasssss!’ in which he portrayed his father. As an actor, Van Peebles has garnered much success, most notably with the movies ‘Exterminator 2,’ ‘Jaws: The Revenge,’ ‘Delivery Boys,’ ‘New Jack City,’ and ‘Panther.’ Known for his compelling and challenging onscreen performances, he has established himself as a much popular character actor over the years. Besides acting, Van Peebles believes in supporting eco-consciousness and education and has developed many reality shows to promote these causes. He has won several accolades and honours including multiple Independent Spirit Award nominations.

Birthday: January 15, 1957 (Capricorn)

Born In: Mexico

15
Actors #2053
Directors #422
Film & Theater Personalities #3941
Actors #2053
Directors #422
Film & Theater Personalities #3941
15

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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Mario Cain Van Peebles

Age: 67 Years, 67 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Chitra Sukhu Van Peebles

father: Melvin Van Peebles

mother: Maria Marx

siblings: Max Van Peebles, Megan Van Peebles

children: Makaylo Van Peebles, Mandela Van Peebles, Marley Van Peebles, Maya Van Peebles, Morgana Van Peebles

Born Country: Mexico

Actors Directors

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Males

Ancestry: German American

More Facts

education: Columbia University

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    Where was Mario Van Peebles born?

    Mario Van Peebles was born in Mexico City, Mexico.
  • 2

    What is Mario Van Peebles known for?

    Mario Van Peebles is known for his work as a director, actor, and producer in the film industry.
  • 3

    Has Mario Van Peebles directed any movies?

    Yes, Mario Van Peebles has directed several movies, including "New Jack City" and "Posse."
  • 4

    Is Mario Van Peebles related to Melvin Van Peebles?

    Yes, Mario Van Peebles is the son of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.
  • 5

    What is the latest project Mario Van Peebles is working on?

    Mario Van Peebles is currently working on the film "Armed," in which he stars and directs.

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Columbia University
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Childhood & Early Life
Mario Van Peebles was born on January 15, 1957 in Mexico City, Mexico, to Melvin Van Peebles and Maria Marx. He has a brother named Max and a sister named Megan.
He attended Saint Thomas More School and later graduated from Columbia University with a degree in economics in 1978.
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Career
Mario Van Peebles had his first screen appearance in 1968 when he was featured in the drama series ‘One Life to Live’. He next appeared in ‘Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song’, a 1971 action thriller featuring his father Melvin Van Peebles in the lead role.
He had a role in the series ‘The Sophisticated Gents’ in 1981. In 1984, the actor appeared as the main villain in the action flick ‘Exterminator 2’. That year, Van Peebles also did the crime-drama film ‘The Cotton Club’.
In 1985, he had his first lead role in the film ‘Rappin,' where played an ex-convict named Rappin' John Hood who tries to save his neighbourhood from hoodlums. This was followed by his appearance in the crime drama ‘L.A. Law’. In 1987, the actor was featured in the movie ‘Jaws: The Revenge’.
He played the main role in the short-lived series ‘Sonny Spoon’ (1988) which also marked his directorial debut as he directed one episode of the show. Soon after, Van Peebles directed the political drama ‘Top of the Hill’ as well as a few episodes of ‘21 Jump Street’, both of which aired in 1989.
He collaborated twice with Christopher Lambert in 1994, for the films ‘Gunmen’ and ‘Highlander III: The Sorcerer’. The following year, he directed and co-starred in the film ‘Panther’ which earned nominations for a PFS Award as well as a Golden Leopard.
Van Peebles commenced the new millennium with the drama series ‘Martial Law’ and ‘Rude Awakening’. In 2001, he co-starred in the biographical sports film ‘Ali’ and received a NAACP Image Award nomination for "Outstanding Supporting Actor."
He played the lead role in the made-for-television movie ‘Crown Heights’ in 2004. In 2007, he directed a few episodes of the series ‘Damages’ and also had a recurring role in the series.
He had an acting role in ABC’s ‘All My Children’ in 2008. In 2009, the actor starred in the reality television show ‘Mario's Green House’.
In 2012, he wrote, directed, and acted in the comedy flick ‘We the Party’ which focussed on five friends and their dealings with love, money, college, bullies, and sex. In the ensuing years, he directed ‘The Last Ship’, ‘Empire’ and ‘Being Mary Jane’.
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He acted in the thriller web television series ‘Bloodline’ which aired in 2017. Also that year, he produced, created, directed and acted in the series ‘Superstition’.
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Major Works
Mario Van Peebles made his feature movie directorial debut with the 1991 African American gangster flick ‘New Jack City’. The film follows a rising drug lord and a detective who vows to stop his criminal activities by going undercover to work for his gang. The movie became the highest grossing independent project of that year and also garnered appreciation from the critics.
In 2003, Van Peebles wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the docudrama Baadasssss! The film describes the struggles of his father as he attempted to make his movie ‘Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.’ The film was a success and earned several awards and nominations. Van Peebles, who portrayed his father in the movie, won numerous Black Reel Awards in various categories.
Family & Personal Life
Mario Van Peebles was earlier married to Lisa Vitello. The couple had two kids. Currently, he is married to Chittra Sukhu with whom he has three children.
His children are Morgana, Maya, Mandela, Makayla and Marley.
Facts About Mario Van Peebles
Mario Van Peebles is not just a talented actor, but also a skilled director, producer, and writer, showcasing his multi-faceted talents in the entertainment industry.
He comes from a family with a rich history in the entertainment world, as his father, Melvin Van Peebles, is a pioneering filmmaker known for his groundbreaking work in independent cinema.
Mario Van Peebles is known for his dedication to telling stories that highlight important social issues, using his platform to address topics such as race, identity, and justice.
In addition to his work in film and television, Mario Van Peebles is also a respected author, having written a novel titled "Black, White, and in Color: A Journalist's Adventures in Race and Culture."
Mario Van Peebles is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, advocating for more representation of marginalized voices in the entertainment industry.

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