Quinton Aaron
Quinton Aaron is an American actor recognized for his prominent role as Michael Oher in the critically acclaimed film "The Blind Side" (2009). Born on August 15, 1984, in the Bronx, New York, Aaron faced bullying during his childhood due to his appearance but found solace in the performing arts, participating in church plays and joining a choir. He later moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he continued to nurture his acting ambitions while supporting his family through various jobs.
Aaron's career gained traction after his debut in the comedy "Be Kind Rewind" (2008) and subsequent appearances in television series like "Law & Order." His breakthrough role in "The Blind Side" not only showcased his talent but also led to accolades, including a Teen Choice Award nomination for best breakout actor. Despite personal challenges, including the loss of his mother before the film's release, Aaron has remained active in the entertainment industry, starring in various films and television shows.
In addition to acting, he founded the Quinton Aaron Foundation to raise awareness about bullying and childhood obesity, reflecting his commitment to community engagement. As of 2023, he continues to pursue acting while also exploring music, having released his first single and embarking on a performance tour.
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Subject Terms
Quinton Aaron
Actor
- Born: August 15, 1984
- Place of Birth: New York, New York
Contribution: Quinton Aaron is an actor best known for his roles in Be Kind Rewind (2008), The Blind Side (2009), and various television appearances.
Background
Quinton Aaron was born on August 15, 1984, in the Bronx borough of New York City. His mother, Laura Ann Aaron, was a writer, playwright, and poet who published the short-story collection Leave Me Alone in 2008. In elementary school, Aaron was bullied for having glasses and being smaller than other kids. He showed an interest in singing and acting at a young age; when he was nine years old, he joined the choir of his Baptist church. Aaron made his acting debut with a role in the church’s Christmas play.
Wanting to raise Aaron and his younger brother, Jarred, in a better environment, Aaron’s mother moved her family to Augusta, Georgia, when Aaron was twelve years old. They lived with Aaron’s grandparents as he attended Glenn Hills High School, and his mother ensured that he and his brother were raised with strong Christian beliefs.
Aaron’s mother suffered from sleep apnea and severe heart problems. When she could no longer work, Aaron moved back to New York to live with his aunt. He got a custodial job and sent money to his mother and brother in Augusta.
Career
Aaron was active in community and church theater productions before landing his first television role, playing a bodyguard in two episodes of the police drama Law & Order in 2007. He again appeared as a bodyguard in the television movie Play or Be Played (2008). Being nearly seven feet tall and several hundreds pounds, Aaron became worried that his size would limit him as an actor. On the side, he worked as an actual security guard and custodian.
Aaron made his feature-film debut with a small role in the comedy Be Kind Rewind (2008). His character is credited in the film as “the Lion King guy.” Aaron then appeared in the short films Cred (2009) and Mr. Brooklyn (2009). He also had a small role in the drama Fighting (2009), alongside actor Channing Tatum. After filming wrapped, Aaron began working as Tatum’s security guard.
One day, Aaron’s mother came across an online casting call for a film based on the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, by Michael Lewis. She signed Aaron up to audition for the role of Michael Oher, a real-life professional football player who was raised in foster homes and formerly homeless.
In 2007 Aaron was flown to Los Angeles, California, for the final round of auditions. It was his first time on a plane. Thinking he did not do well, he gave director John Lee Hancock his card on the way out and said to call him if he needed any security work done. But Hancock was impressed with Aaron and ultimately gave him the role. To prepare, Aaron had to go through intensive football training; the physical exertion, combined with workouts and a healthy diet, caused him to lose about a hundred pounds.
The Blind Side, released on November 20, 2009, focuses on the relationship between Aaron’s character and his foster mother Leigh Anne Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock. The film received mainly positive reviews, and Bullock won the 2010 Academy Award for best actress. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for best picture, and Aaron himself was nominated for best breakout male actor at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards. Unfortunately, Aaron’s mother, who had signed him up for the audition in the first place, did not live to see the film’s release, as she died in September 2008 due to a heart attack.
Aaron next returned to television with a role in a 2010 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He made appearances on several television shows over the next few years, including Mercy in 2010 and One Tree Hill in 2011. In 2012, he starred in the music video for Australian musician Julia Stone’s single “Justine.” He also tried his hand at comedy in the straight-to-video release Paranormal Movie (2013), a spoof of the popular Paranormal Activity series of horror films.
After landing a role in the dramatic fantasy film Left Behind (2014), starring Nicolas Cage, he went on to appear in such films as My Favorite Five (2015), a romantic comedy; Mothers and Daughters (2016), a drama; and Rock, Paper, Scissors (2017), a horror-thriller. Also in 2016, he both starred in and served as an executive producer for the film Halfway, in which he played a convict who has just been released from prison and has to adjust to living in a rural town in Wisconsin. Between 2018 and 2019, he continued to appear in a variety of films, including Worthless (2018), Aurora's Law (2018), and Elfette Saves Christmas (2019).
From 2018 through 2020, Aaron played Vick Wilson in seven episodes of the American television series Gods of Medicine. He also appeared in a string of movies, most notably Blue Lightning, a 2023 film in which he had a main role as Chef Adam. Aaron's acting career continued with a string of project set for release in 2025 and beyond.
In 2023, Aaron made some public comments on issues related to legal action initiated by the real Michael Oher, whom Aaron portrayed in The Blind Side. Oher sued the Tuohy family, the family that fostered him, over the money that they made over the book and movie portraying his life story. Aaron expressed sympathy and noted that he did not know Oher's side of the story during filming. He also spoke in support of his costar Sandra Bullock after the lawsuit prompted people to call for her to return the Oscar she won for portraying Leigh Ann Tuohy, noting she was playing a role and had nothing to do with the controversy.
Also in 2023, Aaron released his first music single, "Lead with Love," and began a two-week tour of East Coast cities to perform.
Impact
Aaron came from humble beginnings to star in an Academy Award–winning film. While remaining active as an actor, he has also dedicated himself to community work. In October 2012, he founded the Quinton Aaron Foundation, a charity organization that raises awareness of bullying and childhood obesity. Aaron toured the United States in 2013, visiting schools nationwide in order to help promote the foundation.
Personal Life
Aaron lives in Los Angeles.
Bibliography
Aaron, Quinton. “Blinded by Bullying: An Interview with Actor Quinton Aaron.” Interview by Jerry Nunn. ChicagoPride.com. GoPride, 25 July 2013. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.
Aaron, Quinton. I Am Quinton Aaron,www.iamquintonaaron.com/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
Aaron, Quinton. “Quinton Aaron Exclusive: ‘I’m Living My Dream Life!’” Interview by Meriam Bouarrouj. Examiner.com. Clarity Digital Group, 8 Feb. 2011. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.
Aaron, Quinton. “Quinton Aaron, Star of The Blind Side, Talks about Anti-Bullying Tour.” Interview by Giancarlo Gomez. TheCelebrityCafe.com. TheCelebrityCafe.com, 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.
Aaron, Quinton. “10 Moments That Changed the Life of The Blind Side Star Quinton Aaron.” Interview by Issie Lapowsky. NY Daily News. NYDailyNews.com, 27 Nov. 2009. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.
Sragow, Michael. “Giant-Size Role for Quinton Aaron.” Baltimore Sun. Tribune, 20 Nov. 2009. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.
Synnot, Siobhan. “Rising Star Quinton Aaron: I Was About to Be Made Homeless When I Landed Role in Hit Film The Blind Side.” Daily Record. MGN, 24 Mar. 2010. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.
Wang, Jessica and Shania Russell. "The Blind Side Star Quinton Aaron Defends Sandra Bullock Amid 'heartbreaking' Tuohy Family Legal Battle." Entertainment Weekly, 16 Aug. 2023, ew.com/movies/blind-side-star-quinton-aaron-defends-sandra-bullock-is-shocked-by-allegations-against-the-tuohy-family/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.