If you’re a 90s kid, you likely recall Mike Vitar as Benny the Jet in The Sandlot and Luis Mendoza in Mighty Ducks.
Ever wondered where he is now and what he’s up to?
This article delves into his transition from child actor to firefighter, his life journey, and the controversies he’s faced.
Mike Vitar’s Profile Summary And Bio
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Anthony Vitar |
| Career Transition | Transitioned from child actor to firefighter |
| Acting Debut | 1990 |
| Notable Acting Roles | – Benny the Jet Rodriguez in “The Sandlot” |
| – Luis Mendoza in “Mighty Ducks” | |
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1978 |
| Age in 2023 | 45 years old |
| Spouse | Kym Allen (married in 2006) |
| Children | – Eli (born on March 12, 2007) |
| – Wesley (born on April 30, 2009) | |
| – Norah (born on January 31, 2013) | |
| Estimated Net Worth | $300,000 in 2023 |
| Career Transition Year | Transitioned to firefighter in 2002 |
| Notable Movies and TV Shows | – “Diplomatic Immunity” (1991) |
| – “The Sandlot” (1993) | |
| – “Mighty Ducks” (1994, 1996) | |
| Controversies and Legal Issues | Involved in an assault case in 2015 |
| Put on paid administrative leave by LAFD | |
| Legal proceedings led to probation and | |
| community service sentences | |
| Brother | Pablo Vitar (former actor, LAPD officer) |
| Sister | Elizabeth Vitar (low-profile) |
| Age During “The Sandlot” Filming | Portrayed Benny at the age of 14 |
Who Is Mike Vitar?
Mike Vitar is a former on-screen star who has transitioned into a career as an American firefighter.
His serendipitous entry into the world of acting occurred when a perceptive casting manager discovered him while he stood in line for a school carnival ride.
Notably, Mike had no prior acting experience before this fateful encounter.
His inaugural role materialized in the form of Arturo in the 1991 movie “Diplomatic Immunity.”
The very same year, he also made a guest appearance in an episode of the television series “Brooklyn Bridge.”
Nevertheless, his career-defining moment arrived when he portrayed Benny the Jet Rodriguez in the beloved 1993 classic “The Sandlot.”
This film, a heartwarming coming-of-age comedy centered around a group of kids bonding over baseball in their neighborhood, thrust him into the spotlight.
Mike’s remarkable performance earned him the Young Artist Award for Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Motion Picture, an honor he shared with his fellow cast members.
Following this breakthrough, Mike assumed the role of Luis Mendoza, a swift but occasionally clumsy hockey player, in the second and third installments of the “Mighty Ducks” franchise in 1994 and 1996.
His acting credits extended to include roles in the movie “Sunset Grill” and appearances in popular television shows like “NYPD Blue” and “Chicago Hope.”
In a surprising turn of events, Mike retired from acting after 1997 and embarked on a new career path as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for Gerber Ambulance in Torrance.
His dedication to public service later led him to become a firefighter for the LAFD, a role he has dutifully filled since 2002.
How Old Is Mike Vitar?
Born in Los Angeles, California, USA, on December 21, 1978, Mike Vitar is currently 45 years old as of 2023.
Who Is Mike Vitar’s Wife?
Mike Vitar’s spouse is Kym Allen, a skilled photographer, and they tied the knot in 2006.
They have three children together: Eli, their eldest son, who was born on March 12, 2007; Wesley, their second child, born on April 30, 2009; and their only daughter, Norah, who was welcomed into the world on January 31, 2013.
How Much Is Mike Vitar’s Net Worth?
As per Celebrity Net Worth, Mike Vitar’s approximate net worth is valued at $300,000 in 2023.
The bulk of his earnings is derived from his occupation as a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), a position he assumed in 2002.
Additionally, he continues to receive royalties from his previous acting endeavors.
What Movies And TV Series Has Mike Vitar Appeared In?
| Movie/TV Show | Release Year | Episode/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Diplomatic Immunity (1991) | 1991 | – |
| Sunset Grill (1993) | 1993 | – |
| The Sandlot (1993) | 1993 | – |
| D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994) | 1994 | – |
| D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996) | 1996 | – |
| Brooklyn Bridge (TV series) | – | 1 episode in 1991 |
| NYPD Blue (TV series) | – | Episode: Girl Talk (1996) |
| Chicago Hope (TV series) | – | Episode: Mother, May I? (1997) |
What Are Mike Vitar Controversies And Legal Issues?
In November 2015, the actor from “The Sandlot” became the focal point of public scrutiny after being found guilty of assaulting a young man near a Halloween gathering.
The event transpired on October 31, 2015, with Mike and his friends enjoying their off-duty time.
The prosecutor alleged that Samuel Chang was attacked by the actor, Eric Carpenter, and Thomas Molnar while he was distributing Halloween candies to children in the vicinity of his grandmother’s neighborhood in Chatsworth.
As per the legal documents, the victim sustained such a brutal beating that it resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has placed Mike on paid administrative leave while the case is ongoing.
Artur Avazian, the legal representative for Molnar, advocated for the firefighters in his statement.
They believed he posed a danger to children in the area by trying to pass out candy against the consent of the adults. These are really good people, two firefighters and my client who is successful businessman.
Carpenter confronted the possibility of a maximum seven-year prison sentence after his arrest on November 17, 2015.
He was set free upon depositing a $60,000 bail.
Vitar and Molnar potentially confronted a maximum of four years.
On December 3, 2015, the firefighters were taken into custody, but they were subsequently freed upon each posting a $30,000 bail.
However, they successfully avoided incarceration. Carpenter was instead sentenced to three years of probation and 135 days of community service.
Mike and Thomas were sentenced to three years of probation and 90 days of community service.
In 2019, Chang’s lawyer disclosed that the victim was to be awarded $7.4 million in a lawsuit settlement.
What Are Mike Vitar’s Birthday Dates?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2024 | December 21 | Saturday |
| 2025 | December 21 | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
Who Is Mike Vitar Brother?
Mike Vitar’s elder sibling was Pablo Vitar, a fellow actor.
Pablo portrayed the older Benny in a flashback sequence at Dodger Stadium in “The Sandlot,” where he successfully stole home base.
His acting career also included roles in films like “The Rookie” and “The Breaks.”
In 1996, Pablo transitioned to a new chapter of his life by joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and served as a dedicated police officer for a dozen years.
Tragically, on January 29, 2008, at the young age of 37, he lost his battle with colon cancer.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Who Is Mike Vitar Sister?
Mike Vitar has an older sister named Elizabeth Vitar.
Elizabeth, however, has maintained a low profile, keeping her personal and professional life private from the public eye.
How Old Was Mike Vitar In The Sandlot?
Mike Vitar portrayed Benny in The Sandlot at the age of 14, making him one of the older actors among the group of kids who portrayed his friends.
In addition, he stood at a height of 5 feet 8 inches, making him taller than most of the other young actors.
Conclusion
Mike Vitar, a once-prominent child actor of the 1990s known for his appearances in The Sandlot and the Mighty Ducks film series, transitioned from his acting career in 1997 to serve as a firefighter with the LAFD.
In 2015, he encountered legal troubles when he and two fellow firefighters were involved in an altercation with an individual distributing candy on Halloween.
Presently, at the age of 45, he resides in Los Angeles, where he is married to Kym Allen, a therapist, and is a parent to three children.
