Biography

Dennis Jay Funny

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Overview

Born
May 25 · Tacoma, Washington, USA
Birth name
Dennis J. Funny
Nicknames
- D.J. Funny
- Funny
- Mr. Funny
Height
6′ (1.83 m)

Biography

Perseverance, talent, and attitude are a must in the entertainment industry! These characteristics are embodied by working character Actor Dennis Jay Funny. The Gemini and twin did not change his name to make people smile. His real surname is Funny, and everything Dennis Jay Funny (aka D.J. Funny) touches is serious business.

His father, Stephen studied Civil Engineering at NYU. He began his career on the World Trade Center construction team as a project engineer. The custom dress worn by the Miss North Carolina pageant winner, who went on to compete in the Miss America competition, was designed, sewn, and fitted by his mother, Rudi.

Dennis' father had recently been stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington, when he and his twin (known as the Funny Twins) were born. They were raised in Westchester, New York. Dennis had a great time in high school. At Alexander Hamilton High School, he was elected "most popular" and "class clown" senior year and served as captain of the football and math teams.

After earning a perfect score in Algebra, a 95% in Geometry, and a 97% in Trigonometry on his New York State Regents final exams, the math standout received a scholarship to engineering powerhouse Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (rpi.edu), in Troy, New York where he studied Civil Engineering.

Director Oliver Stone utilized Shark player "#47's" acting talent and range in Dennis' debut movie, the sports epic "Any Given Sunday." Stone featured the New York character actor in the opening scene of his "World Trade Center" movie a few years later. The morning of September 11th, the hipster is seen on the subway platform.

A longstanding promoter of underground events in New York City, his amiable fame has developed a devoted following. Dennis a frequent traveler has made positive relationships all over the world.

This former Wall Streeter has dedicated his life to inspiring 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. When asked, "What's next?" In response, he says, "Who knows? Anything can happen, Life is a wild ride!"
- IMDb mini biography by: Mike Hunt

Self-verified on IMDbPro

Gender / Gender identity
Male

Trademarks

Usually wears black
Long hair
mustache

Trivia

In 1999 Dennis brought his head shot on his Miami Super Bowl trip hoping to submit them for the Oliver Stone movie, "Any Given Sunday" being shot there. On crowded Ocean Drive in South Beach a talent scout approached him for the film. Dennis auditioned a few days later & joined the cast the 2nd day of shooting. He filmed three months in Miami and one month in Dallas to complete filming. Because of his notoriety, Warner Brothers had the New York City "Any Given Sunday" premiere in Time Square with Dennis hosting including 300+ of his family and guests.
He found his first post college job as a management trainee in the Engineering department 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 real dreams. Dennis said yes, and left the company that same day. Dennis is a longtime entrepreneur & underground event promoter in New York City. Dennis splits time between New York City, LA, Hawaii and Florida and is a frequent traveler abroad.
This former Cub Scout from den 8, pack 86 in Ossining, New York began his acting preparation in Fourth grade singing, acting, dancing and playing the trumpet in Roosevelt & Park elementary school productions there. His first starring role was a circus performer in Mrs. Finkelstein's 5th grade student film.
His parents Stephen Funny & Rudi Thomas attended high school in Elmsford and Mount Vernon respectively in Westchester, New York where they met, were married and settled down. He and his twin were born in Tacoma, Washington at Joint Base Lewis McChord after his father was drafted. Soon afterwards they returned home to New York where he grew up. His parents separated years later; he moved 5 times between kindergarten and 8th grade. He & twin DeAnna are the oldest of his siblings; 3 sisters (Donna Kennie, Tamala Daniel and Dr. Margaret Danielle Funny Stephens) & one brother (Stephen Dale Funny).
Made writing/producing/directing debut in a commercial video for his Alexander Hamilton High communications class for a fictional cologne called, "Rock". It starred classmates Sam, John & Steve with RUN DMC's "King of Rock" as the background music. He received an "A".

Dennis grew up in a few different towns in Westchester County, NY. At one time he lived in Greenburgh, New York.