Aaron O'Connell | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1986-04-08)April 8, 1986 (age 39) Dayton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Education | Cathedral High School |
| Alma mater | Purdue University (BS) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, model |
| Years active | 2006 – present |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 |
Aaron John O'Connell (born April 8, 1986) is an American model and actor known for his portrayal of Wyatt Cryer in the prime time television dramaThe Haves and the Have Nots, which aired on theOprah Winfrey Network.
O'Connell is the only son of Mark O'Connell, a former player for theCincinnati Bengals, and Kathryn Deeble O'Connell. He has three sisters, Amy, Abby and Anna.[1][2] He graduated fromCathedral High School inIndianapolis in 2004; he played football, basketball and baseball. As a child, his maternal grandfather Wayne taught him how to play the piano.[1] In 2008, O'Connell graduated fromPurdue University'sCollege of Health and Human Sciences, where he received a bachelor's degree in health and fitness.[3]
In 2006, O'Connell signed toFord Models while still in college. He has been featured in publications, includingGQ,Vanity Fair,Vogue,Vogue Paris,Arena Homme +,VMAN. O'Connell has also represented brands, includingAbercrombie & Fitch,Hanes,Lucky Brand Jeans,Ralph Lauren,Champion andJockey.[2][4]
Starting his career at the Actors Studio inChicago, O'Connell permanently relocated toLos Angeles so he could continue modeling, and start acting. O'Connell started acting classes. He eventually booked several commercials, including aLiquid-Plumr commercial where he caught the eye of filmmakerTyler Perry.[4] O'Connell initially thought it was a joke when he was contacted by Perry's production company about auditioning for a role in a new television series. Perry contacted O'Connell himself and asked him to audition overSkype. Perry then traveled to Los Angeles to meet with O'Connell about the role of Wyatt onThe Haves and the Have Nots.[2] O'Connell was the first of the ensemble to be cast.[4]
In 2015, he starred in the seasonal comedy forHallmark Channel12 Gifts of Christmas as Marc Rehnquist, a company executive who hires a personal shopper and discovers the true spirit of Christmas is not money,[5] and also played a leading part inA Prince for Christmas. In 2017, he starred in Hallmark Channel'sWith Love, Christmas, as Donovan Goodwin, withEmilie Ullerup as his co-star.[6]
O'Connell became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, modelNatalie Pack, on September 4, 2017.[7] The couple were married on July 21, 2018, atLake Como inItaly.[8][9] Their son was born in August 2022.[10]
In 2013, he gained hisprivate pilot's license, and flies aCirrus SR22.[6]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | LAID: Life as It's Dealt | Jogger | Film |
| 2013-2021 | The Haves and the Have Nots | Wyatt Cryer | Main; 88 Episodes |
| 2014 | The Tyler Perry Show | Himself | Guest; 1 Episode |
| 2015 | 12 Gifts of Christmas | Marc Rehnquist | Television Film |
| 2015 | A Prince for Christmas | Todd | Television Film |
| 2015, 2017 | Home & Family | Himself | Guest; 2 Episodes |
| 2016 | The Real | Himself | Guest; 1 Episode |
| 2016 | My Christmas Love | Scott | Television Film |
| 2017 | With Love, Christmas | Donovan Goodwin | Television Film |
| 2018 | Lethal Weapon | Derek | Guest; 1 Episode |
| 2018 | Black Water | Ellis | Film |
| 2018 | This Is Our Christmas | Nathan Winslow | Film |
| 2018 | Runnin' from my Roots | Gavin Whitfield | Film |
| 2021 | Blending Christmas | Liam | Lifetime Film |
| 2022 | Love Accidentally | Jason | Television Film |
| 2023 | Made for Each Other | Clay | Television film |
| 2023 | Heels | Young Tom Spade | 2 episodes |
| 2024 | Junebug | Alex | Television film |
| 2025 | Finding Joy | Colton | Film |