Who Was Gene D’Onofrio? Meet Vincent D’Onofrio’s Father and His Hidden Legacy

Last updated on: July 17, 2025

Gene D’Onofrio was the father of actor Vincent D’Onofrio. He greatly influenced his son’s passion for the arts. Gene was a creative and working-class man. He worked in design, theater, and even did some acting, working in a handful of films.

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Quick Facts About Gene D’Onofrio


Full Name	Gennaro Joseph “Gene” D’Onofrio
Birthdate	February 18, 1934
Date of Death	March 1, 2020
Age at Death	86 years old
Occupation	Interior Designer, Theater Production Assistant, Actor, Business Owner
Husband/Wife	Phyllis Broughton (m. 1951–div. 1971)
Education	Parsons School of Design
Parents	Not known
Siblings	Not known
Children	Antoinette D’Onofrio, Elizabeth D’Onofrio (Daughters), Vincent D’Onofrio (Son)
Grandchildren	Hawk D’Onofrio, Leila George D’Onofrio, Elias Gene D’Onofrio, Luka D’Onofrio
Net Worth	<$1 million

Let’s find out more about this fascinating fellow.

Early Life

Gene D’Onofrio was born on February 18, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. He was born Gennaro Joseph D’Onofrio. Gene was raised in an Italian family. Gene was interested in art and design from a young age.

He then attended the Parsons School of Design, a renowned design institution.

Marriage and Family

During his service in the U.S. Air Force, Gene was stationed in Hawaii. He met Phyllis Broughton there. They were married in 1951. They had three children together:

Vincent D'Onofrio mom Phyllis D'Onofrio and stepdad — Wife Phyllis D’Onofrio wth her present husband

Antoinette D’Onofrio
Elizabeth D’Onofrio – an actress and drama coach
Vincent D’Onofrio – a well-known actor who has appeared in films and television

Gene and Phyllis divorced in 1971, but Gene remained close to his children. Phyllis remarried later, and Vincent also had a stepfather.

Gene had four grandchildren as well:

Career

Gene began his career working as an interior designer. He enjoyed designing beautiful rooms. Subsequently, he became a theater production assistant. He assisted in constructing sets and organizing backstage operations.

Due to his work in the theater, Vincent was able to spend time surrounded by actors and stages. This made Vincent interested in acting. Gene’s influence assisted in forming the future of his son.

Gene also appeared in a few minor films:

Desire (1992) – Gavin’s father
Flodder in Amerika! (1992) – psychiatrist
Dear Angry (2003, short film) – The Stranger

Gene also founded a company known as Onofrio Dog Show Managers. It collaborated with the American Kennel Club to assist in the management of dog shows throughout America.

Co-Founding a Film Festival

Gene, Vincent, and Elizabeth co-founded the RiverRun International Film Festival in 1998. It initially took place in Brevard, North Carolina, before it relocated to Winston-Salem. The festival provides an opportunity for up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work.

This festival is an example of how the entire family embraced and loved the arts.

Legacy and Death

Gene D’Onofrio died on March 1, 2020, at 86 years old. He left a powerful legacy. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams. His passion for theater and cinema guided Vincent into the actor he is today.

Even though Gene did not become a star, his work behind the scenes mattered. He taught his kids the value of hard work, creativity, and family.