Age and Production Timeline
Actress Marisa Tomei was born on December 4, 1964. My Cousin Vinny was released in March 1992, having filmed primarily in 1991. Based on these dates, Tomei was 26 years old during filming and turned 27 toward the end of production and into the film’s release window. This places her in her mid-20s at the time of the movie’s principal photography, consistent with the era’s casting and her early-career trajectory.
Confirming Her Birthdate
Public biographies, authoritative databases, and studio press materials note Tomei’s birthday as December 4, 1964. This fixed biographical anchor allows precise age calculations for any project, including My Cousin Vinny. When production timelines are cross-checked with her birth year, the resulting age is consistent across reputable sources and studio records.
My Cousin Vinny Production Timeline
Principal photography for My Cousin Vinny took place in 1991, with the film scheduled for a 1992 theatrical release. Casting announcements and press coverage from late 1991 listed Tomei among the core ensemble. Because filming concluded in 1991 and the movie opened in early 1992, her age on set fell between 26 and 27, depending on exact production start and wrap dates.
On-Screen Age Context
Character and Performance
In the narrative, Tomei’s character Mona Lisa Vito is portrayed as a young woman in her early-to-mid 20s, aligning with Tomei’s real age at the time. The script’s depiction of a spirited, newlywed defendant’s partner dovetails with her lived age during production, allowing her performance to draw on authentic generational nuance of late-1980s and early-1990s youth culture.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1964 | Biographies, studio press kits |
| Film Release Date | March 1992 | Box office records |
| Principal Photography Period | 1991 | Production notes, trades |
| Age During Filming | 26–27 years old | Calculated from BOD and release data |
| Character Age Portrayal | Early-to-mid 20s | Script and casting descriptions |
Public Perception and Clarifications
Over time, casual discussions sometimes blur exact ages, but archived press from 1991–1992 and contemporary interviews confirm Tomei was in her mid-20s. Industry databases and legal press kits used for the film’s release also corroborate her age at production. These materials form a durable record that resists rumors or misremembering as the film remains a cultural touchstone.
Career Context Then and Now
My Cousin Vinny marked one of Tomei’s prominent early roles, arriving shortly after her breakthrough in True Colors (1991). At 26–27, she was positioned as a versatile young performer, leading to further opportunities in drama and comedy. Understanding her age during this film helps contextualize her trajectory and the era’s casting practices, which often sought performers who could credibly portray emerging adults navigating complex legal and romantic plots.
Enduring Reference Points
For ongoing reference, the calculation remains stable: December 4, 1964 birthdate; 1992 release; age at start of filming 26, nearing 27 by release. These specifics are unlikely to change and serve as a reliable baseline for trivia, retrospectives, and scholarly discussion of 1990s cinema. The film’s continued popularity ensures that queries about Tomei’s age will remain relevant and answerable with consistent data.