Vanessa Ferlito: On Her Own Terms

You may have seen her opposite John Leguizamo in “Undefeated” or “Nothing Like the Holidays” or perhaps you recognize her as a drug lord’s mistress from “24.” Or maybe it was her role as the streetwise detective Aiden Burn in “CSI: New York” that caught your attention. Whatever the role, Vanessa Ferlito always makes an impact. Her strong acting skills and magnetic screen presence has made her a director’s favorite, including Quentin Tarentino for whom she starred in “Deathproof.” As she says, “Quentin Tarantino is a genius. I want to do every single film with him. He better have a role for me in everything!”

Vanessa has been working steadily from the time she burst on to the scene in 2002. Since then she has appeared in a number of television projects and feature films.  Her best known work may be the role on “CSI: New York” where she lasted 2 seasons.  Although it was the number one series on television and they wanted her to continue in the role, Vanessa plays by her own rules.  She was ready to pursue further glory on the big screen.  Coincidentally, it was then that a baby came along making her reevaluate her priorities and devote time to motherhood. “I love being a mother and I can’t imagine life differently.  Motherhood changes you.” She is a devoted mom and during our photo shoot she was constantly checking to make sure her baby was fine.  Now she pays a little more attention to everything. She is a vegetarian, supporter of animal rights, an active member of PETA and is more conscious of the characters she portrays – and even the outfits she wears during photo shoots!

Since taking time off in 2007 to devote to her son, Vanessa is now back at work immersing herself in a variety of roles.  She recently appeared as ‘Donna’ in “Madea Goes to Jail” and as ‘Cassie’ alongside Meryl Streep in “Julie and Julia.”  Her most anticipated role is that of ‘Audrey’ in “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps.” In the film she joins Shia Laboeuf, and Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas who reprise their roles from the classic drama.  The film is expected to be one of 2010’s blockbusters and can very well catapult her to superstardom.

Although born in Brooklyn to an Italian family, Vanessa is often cast as Latina.  “I’m very comfortable playing a Latina.  As long as the role appeals to me and it’s a character I can relate to, I see no boundaries in my work.”

For Vanessa being sexy is effortless.  She exudes raw sexuality and is passionate about everything she does.  Men are no exception although at the moment she confesses, “I’m single.” And what does she like in a man? “I want a man who has it all together.” Simple and to the point.  We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Vanessa Ferlito está cosechando una carrera que la convertirá en una de las máximas estrellas de Hollywood. Desde sus inicios en el 2002 esta talentosa actriz ha  tenido importantes papeles en varias películas y series de televisión que muestran su talento, belleza y versatilidad.  Quizás su más reconocido papel fue el de la detective Aiden Burn en la popular serie “CSI: New York” donde permaneció por dos temporadas.  En el cine esta Italiana Americana por lo general hace papeles de Latinas.  Entre sus más conocidos papeles están el de las películas “Undefeated” y “Nothing Like the Holidays” junto a John Leguizamo. “Me siento muy confortable en el papel de una Latina.  Mientras el personaje sea interesante no veo ningún límite en mi trabajo.”

Después de tener su hijo y tomar un breve descanso en el 2007 ahora Vanessa regresa lista para nuevamente tomar las riendas de su carrera.  Sus más recientes proyectos incluyen principales papeles en “Madea Goes to Jail” y  “Julie and Julia,”  junto a Meryl Streep.  Sin embargo su papel más esperado es el de ‘Audrey’ en la película “Wall Street 2” donde coprotagonizara junto a Michael Douglas y Charlie Sheen. 

Vanessa es apasionada en todo lo que hace.  Cuándo de hombres se trata nos dice “Estoy soltera.”  Y que busca? “Alguien seguro de sí mismo que tenga los pies bien plantados en el suelo.”  Sencillo y al punto como todo en su vida.

Text: Javier Estevez

Photographed exclusively for HOMBRE by John F. Cooper

Styling: Harold Jay Melvin

Location: Bentley Hotel, NYC www.bentleyhotelnewyork.com

Special Thanks to Robyn Dugay