Even in a digital age, some movie mysteries may never be solved. One of them is who plays the elusive Finger in The Fifth Element. A popular theory is that Vin Diesel had an uncredited role in it. Diesel hadn't starred in a full-length feature yet, although his ability to write, direct, and produce 1997's Strays showed promise. A role in a science fiction film would've been ideal to follow up his directorial debut.
In any case, the question is still unresolved. No one's identified Finger, nor have they claimed credit for the part. What's odd is there is no reason to remain anonymous. Finger, despite the crassness of his name, didn't do anything unsavory in the movie. His limited interaction with Korben (Bruce Willis) was a phone call briefly alluding to Leloo (Milla Jovovich) proverbially falling into his lap. The "fare," as Korben so aptly named her.
Another popular guess is the eponymous Tone Loc lent his voice to the character. Loc dipped his toes into numerous genres, including voicing several animated ones. As an actor who works in that field, Loc could've very well been picked to play Finger. He'd already contributed to projects in studios all across Hollywood. Who's to say Loc didn't walk onto the Sony lot one day for a separate project and wind up recording a few lines for The Fifth Element? Of course, that theory, much like the Vin Diesel one, is still unproven.
The sad thing about Finger is that his part is so brief and yet so meaningful. Audiences tend to forget that The Fifth Element is a love story between Korben Dallas and Leeloo. The star-crossed lovers find each other in less-than-stellar circumstances, quickly forming a connection regardless of the situation. We don't see this until Korben speaks positively about the strange alien woman falling into his cab. Most people would let loose, complain about the incident, and make a huge tirade, except Korben sees the bright side almost immediately. He's also indifferent to the consequence of losing the last point on his license, which again speaks to the strong nature of what he feels. Any person so affected by something they didn't ask for would be reasonably upset, but not Korben.
Without Finger and his snarky questions, the audience never understands what Korben wants, emphasizing his significance to the plot. Anyone can become a hero in the moment—to do the right thing—but Korben is upfront about wanting to do more for Leeloo because of his feelings for her.
Hopefully, one day, the actor responsible for giving Finger life opens up. They played a small, albeit important part in a piece of pop culture history, which warrants credit be given where it's deserved.
The Fifth Element is currently streaming for free on Pluto TV.