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In the entertainment world, attitude, talent and perseverance is a must! Working Actor Dennis Jay Funny, a Gemini and twin, is embodiment of these ingredients. No, he's not a comedian who changed his name to make people smile. Funny is his actual birth name and everything Dennis Jay Funny touches is serious business. Dennis and his twin were born in Tacoma, Washington where his father had recently been stationed then raised in New York, where most of his family still resides. Voted "class clown & most popular" in high school, then attending engineering powerhouse, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI.edu), his life's an adventure that seems to have no limits. In Dennis' 1st film, sports epic "Any Given Sunday", director Oliver Stone utilized '#47's' unique acting expertise and diverse skills. The New Yorker was later encored by Stone in the opening sequence of his "World Trade Center" film. The hipster waiting on the subway platform the morning of September 11th. The extensive traveler, Dennis has forged positive relationships worldwide. His friendly notoriety has inspires a following of dedicated revelers. This former Wall Streeter has dedicated his life to helping others. The only remnant of his white collar past is a trademark trail of cigar smoke left in his wake, though he claims he is cutting back.
Because of his notoriety, Warner Brothers had the New York "Any Given Sunday" premiere in Time Square with Dennis hosting; He brought 300+ friends.In '99 he told friends he was bringing his head shot for the Oliver Stone movie, "Any Given Sunday" being shot in Miami during his Superbowl trip. On crowded Ocean Drive in South Beach, he was asked for a light. He offered and after talking the gentleman mentioned he knew casting and thought he'd be great for the film. Dennis auditioned a few days later & joined the cast the 2nd day of shooting. He stayed in Miami (3) & Dallas (1) months to complete filming.This former cub scout from den 8, pack 86 in Ossining, New York began his acting preparation in 4th grade singing, acting & dancing in Roosevelt & Park elementary school productions. His 1st starring role was as a circus performer in Mrs. Finkelstein's 5th grade class student filmBorn to Stephen & Rudi in Tacoma, Washington where his dad was briefly stationed; He grew up in New York. His parents separated several years later, through the shuffle they moved ~5 times between the 1st & 8th grade. He & twin sister, DeAnna are the oldest of their siblings; 3 sisters (Donna, Tamala and Margaret Danielle) & one brother (Stephen Dale).Made writing/producing/directing debut in a commercial video for his Alexander Hamilton High communications class for a fictional cologne called, "Rock". It starred his friends Sam, John & Steve with RUN DMC's "King of Rock" as the background music. It was a class favorite & he received an "A". Attended the same High school as fellow actor, Giancarlo Esposito.He found his first job as a management trainee easy and was often bored. He rested his eyes during class after finishing an assignment early. His boss sarcastically asked if he was happy there and was he ready to pursue his dreams, show business, perform, travel and get paid to be out all night. Dennis said yes, and left the company that same day.Is featured in official trailer of Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center", shown waiting for subway with actor Jay Hernandez the morning of Sept 11th.Is featured in the unrated trailer of "The Ten" as the prison guard.