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Vincent M. Ward

Dayton Made: Famous People From Our City: Vincent M. Ward

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You’ve seen the face, and heard the voice. But, you may not know his name. You also may not know where he’s from. Well, the actor’s name is Vincent M. Ward. And he’s from Dayton. 

Vincent M. Ward was born on January 27, 1971 in Dayton, Ohio. Growing up,  Vincent participated in basketball, football, and baseball at Trotwood-Madison High School. Given his competitive nature, he excelled in all of these sports, but Vincent’s desire to be great meant that he would have to choose one. He chose basketball, which he still plays this very day. In his four years of high school, Vincent is the first and, so far, the only player on the varsity basketball team selected to start in each game spanning the four years of high school. The high school’s basketball team won All-City First Team, All-City GMVC First Team and the news about the team mentioned Vincent M. Ward as one of the best basketball players in Ohio.

Vincent decided it was a good time to pursue another dream. He decided to dance. He paired up with his childhood friend, Broderick “ Night” Dumas. The two of them went on to enter and win numerous dance contests. They formed a dance duo and called themselves “Night and Day” a.k.a. The Twin Towers, (since “Night” stood 6’5” and Vincent stood 6’4”). The dynamic duo was approached by many professional entertainers to perform. Day and Night signed with Dr. Ease and the Ease Town Posse, and toured with such groups as Public Enemy, MC Light, X-Clan, MC Hammer, Heavy D and The Boys and others. Eventually, Vincent decided to sign with the “Slam Syndicate” which led him to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. One evening, Vincent attended a local play. He was impressed and intrigued by the artistry and performances by the actors. He instantly knew this was what he wanted for a career. He had no training or experience, but he didn’t let that stop him. In fact, that next week, Vincent auditioned for his first play.
 Since the year 2000, he’s had over 50 roles in numerous television shows, movies, and plays. This talented actor also has co-starred Black Jesus, Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, ATLANTA, 2 Broke Girls, Psych, Middle Man, Family Ties, Whitney, Army Wives, General Hospital, Wilfred, Psych, Body Of Proof, Gary Unmarried, Dollhouse, The Game, Girlfriends, Unhitched, Head Cases, C.S.I, The Bold and the Beautiful, Robbery Homicide, Viva Laughlin, CSI Miami, Big Shots, Desperate Housewives, Days Of Our Lives, The Wire and from 2006-2008 he had a recurring role on Everybody Hates Chris.

His most notable turn was in the mega hit TV show The Walking Dead, where he played the character of “Oscar” for seven episodes.  He mades his debut appearance in the Season 3 premiere alongside Axel, Tomas, Andrew, and Big Tiny. Unlike some of the other prisoners (namely Tomas and Andrew), Oscar is brave, honorable and much nicer, along with Axel and Big Tiny. He dies in the Woodbury assault while trying to save Glenn and Maggie in the mid-season finale of Season 3. 

No stranger to the big screenVincent also has supporting rolls in Bringing down the House, Mirror Mirror, -Evil, Oceans 11, and Traffic.

 

But, you could argue that his performance in this commercial was his real star turn. 

Who’s heart didn’t melt while watching that?
 
Ward is an active actor in Hollywood, and a budding entrepreneur. Bet on him to keep making the Miami Valley proud.