Vimentin, a type III intermediate filament (IF) protein, is well-recognized for its role at the intersection of structural biology and cellular dynamics, influencing various pathways that determine cell fate and function. While these functions have been extensively characterized, there is still limited understanding of vimentin's broader impact beyond its traditional cytoskeletal roles in regulating a spectrum of cellular processes. This review explores the novel and unconventional roles of vimentin, with a focus on its extracellular functions, membrane receptor properties, and regulatory influence on gene expression and cellular metabolism.