Vin Diesel is one of the ultimate action stars and the Fast and Furious franchise is arguably the greatest action series that has ever graced a silver screen. The eagerly awaited sixth instalment of the franchise gets a release her on May 17th and with this in mind, we take a look at why Vin is one of our favourite leading men.

1. His mother was an astrologer

Diesel was lucky enough to grow up in Greenwich Village New York in what you could describe as an artistic envoirnment. Never knowing his real father, he was raised by an Italian-American stepdad, Irving, an acting instructor and theatre manager, and his mother, Delora, who was an astrologer with a Masters in Psychology. He had already made his stage debut by the age of 7.

2. Dom Toretto

Sure, Diesel had been around for a while, but the Fast and Furious series put him on the map. Diesel was Dom, the fast-thinking, furious driving anti-hero of the piece... and it helped that he wore those tank tops.

3. His Facebook account.

Most celebrities have taken to Twitter to create an online fan base, but not Diesel. The actor has a very active Facebook account where he posts photos of his family and work. Occasionally, we get golden nuggets of advice too like this one "Confidence... never deny yourself of it, for it costs you nothing and leads to great things..."

4. He's a self-starter

Before Vin hit the big time, he was a firm believer in becoming a self-starter. His first project, Multi-Facial was written by Diesel, shot for $3000 and was eventually picked up by the Cannes film festival. He went on to fund another production, Strays, by raising money for the project himself.

 

5. He was first cast by Steven Spielberg

Off the back of Multi-Facial, Diesel received a phonecall from Spielberg who wanted to cast the actor in Saving Private Ryan. We're pretty sure not every actor gets their first casting phonecall from Spielberg.

6. He was the voice of the Iron Giant

Yes, we know, we couldn't believe it either. Vin provided the voice for the Iron Giant.

7. He has a fraternal twin brother

There are two Vins in the world. Well, kind of. They're not identical. But nearly...

8. He can breakdance

Yes, honestly. You are welcome.

9. He likes to take his top off.

He likes to take his top off, a lot.

Fast & Furious 6 in Cinemas May 17th