Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Nelson.
Hi Aaron, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a kid growing up, there was always something in me that drove me to act. Every time I watched an amazing actor on a TV show or a movie, I was always intrigued by how their performances affected me. By the way, they made me laugh, cry, and think. I remember at the age of six, I was sitting in the living room with my grandmother watching The Karate Kid and I asked my grandmother how can I be a part of that? How could I do what these people are doing inside this “box” (the TV)? Everything that I watched on TV seemed real and I wondered how do I get to be on TV and have people watch me? When I was in elementary school, I was a part of an ensemble for a Christmas play.
After the play, my drama teacher told me that she saw something special in me and that she wouldn’t be surprised if she ever saw me in a movie on the big screen or on a television show. I can’t really remember the name of that Christmas play, but when I got on stage, I felt the connection with the audience, that joy I felt for the first time, I never wanted to end. I wanted that feeling to stay with me forever. That was the day I decided I wanted to be an actor. I loved performing in front of people. I loved portraying different characters. I loved creating and being deeply involved in another life, world, thoughts, and emotions of a character. At times it’s just good to be totally away from your own life, to just tap into a life of your character. I continued my acting path by doing school plays and local theater performances. I developed a deeper desire (for it).
So, I began writing my own plays. Once I got into high school, I was involved in classical plays, took drama classes, read, and studied Shakespeare at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida. During my time in high school, I was involved in sports. I ran track, I played basketball and football and I was really good at it. I ended up getting an athletic scholarship. I played football and basketball in college, which later led me into playing professionally. I played minor league basketball. It was more like a developmental league to get me ready to play in the big leagues, but at the time I was getting ready for a tryout for a major team in a major league, I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). I had two major knee surgeries and went through over a year of physical therapy.
While undergoing physical therapy in Rhode Island, where I am originally from, I ran into an NFL scout who offered me an opportunity to try out for the New England Patriots. The recovery process was tough. The pain and the long hours of attempting to rebuild my ability to be as good as I was before the injury were weighing on me. I decided to turn the opportunity down and ultimately decided to leave sports behind. I knew I had another calling that always made me feel like that is what I meant to do and be. I got back into acting. I started by joining a local improv class. During the improv class, I began getting that feeling back when I performed on stage back in high school, which I had missed so much. It’s been years since I’ve laughed and felt that alive! I felt back at home, where I belong. I joined other clubs with my classmates. I saw postings for auditions for locally made films, watched my classmates book roles and said to myself it’s time to audition and see what happens. I waited to see something I thought I was suitable for a character that I could relate, connect with. The opportunities were limited.
So, I decided to just go for the very next one that is at least close to what I think I can portray. It was an open call. I came in, signed in and sat there, waiting for my name to be called. I get into the audition room and the Casting Director assistant asked me for my resume and a headshot. At that time, I had neither… I told them that I will bring it in or email it if they just let me audition right now. They did. I had my contact info on the sign-in sheet. I didn’t think this audition will lead to anything. They called me. I booked the role! I later worked on putting a resume together and getting headshots done the next day. I found acting classes and a talent agency and in the next couple of weeks, I was a student of the arts and a signed talent. I also joined intense improv classes, worked on sketch and stand-up comedy to broaden my craft. Many, many classes, workshops, local student films, commercials, auditions and rejections later, I booked my first role in a project that you could recognize by its name. Today, I have a few of those under my belt, along with an agency and a manager that work very hard to get me the auditions for that next big thing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth at all. I’ve gone through many rejections but I learned how to handle them by realizing that they are many reasons why you don’t get the role you audition for. I also began to realize that it’s all business and doing your best in every audition you do is the only control you have.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a television, film, and stage actor. I am best known for my role as Gavin Williams on Hallmark Channel’s movie, “Christmas In Homestead”. My other acting credits include roles on the hit television shows CW’s Dynasty; Fox’s Star; Marvel’s The Gifted; and The Karate Kid Saga: Cobra Kai. I also appeared on Netflix’s Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, alongside Dolly Parton. While working professionally, I continue to work on my craft and acting methods religiously and has been studying across the United States and across the country (United Kingdom). I also study and perform improvisation from American Stage Theater, sketch comedy from The Groundlings, and have also done a little stand-up comedy. In March of this year, 2021, I will appear in Paramount’s comedy film, Coming to 2 America, alongside Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, which I was proud of. What sets me apart from others is my hard work and the dedication I put into the work on my craft.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to continue to work hard, test myself even more, and learn more in this industry. I am looking forward to the auditions that I will take, the rejections in which I see them as just opportunities of knowing what needs to be worked on in my craft and the exposure of my work and creativity to Casting Directors. Not any changes but just being more aggressive following my business mission as a working actor and working towards that next recurring role in a TV show and leading role in a movie.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aaronquicknelson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronquicknelson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronQuickNelson
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAM_QUICK
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKo_F5PfNNR9VF0H13DWXaw
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5052472/
Image Credits:
Michael Justice Photography (Hollywood Headshots)
