Valentino Morales was born on April 16, 1969 in the Washington Heights section of New York City. He was raised by his mother along with his three brothers in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic from the ages of four to ten years old when they returned to New York City.

Early in his teen years Valentino moved to upstate New York where he attended school. Upon finishing school he returned to his big city roots and was a bouncer for 12 years at some of the world's most renowned night clubs in Manhattan. His best friend, actor/director/producer Vin Diesel, was a fellow bouncer of Val's in Manhattan.

A former New York State Golden Gloves competitor in boxing, Valentino's passion for the sport led him to a rising career in show business through the pursuit of determination and dedication.
A featured and recognizable face in numerous Latino music videos. Vin Diesel cast him in his award winning short film "Multi-Facial." Following the success of "Multi-Facial" Diesel cast Morales as the self-obsessed ladies man; Tony in his Sundance hit feature film "Strays."

In 1998, after viewing Morales' performance in Strays director John Singleton cast Morales opposite Samuel L. Jackson as "The Enforcer" in the block buster film "Shaft".  He has been cast in over ten films and video games alongside his friend Vin Diesel.

Valentino is fluent in Spanish & Italian. He keeps in top physical condition with a strenuous training regime. He is an avid fan and participant of Mixed Martial Arts including Muey Thai and Jui Jitsu. Val has been a successful participant in UFC and XFC mixed martial arts matches.