Vitale graduated from Long Beach's Reed High School in 1983. He was awarded two scholarships for English journalism, one from the Los Angeles Times and the other from the Rotary Club of Long Beach. He briefly attended Long Beach City College before becoming a marine carpenter/welder. Vitale's scene was directed by the film's main director, J.J. Abrams, an unusual move as scenes for trailers are normally directed by assistant directors. Vitale is currently in rehearsals for a remake of The Night of January 16th at the Royal Theatre aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach.