A.J. Saudin
Canadian actor (born 1992) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Canadian actor (born 1992) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Faisal A.J. Saudin (born May 14, 1992), known professionally as A.J. Saudin or Saudin,[1] is a Canadian actor, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his role as Connor DeLaurier in the long-running teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.
A.J. Saudin | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Faisal A.J. Saudin May 14, 1992 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Other names | Saudin |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Relatives | Shadia Simmons (Sister) Sabrina Saudin (Sister) |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Mississauga, Ontario |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Labels | Independent |
Before finding success on Degrassi, Saudin worked as a child in print work and commercials before landing his first film role as a seven-year-old, working alongside Natalie Cole in Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story (2000).[2]
He also starred in supporting roles on various TV series, including Da Kink in my Hair (2007–2009). He also hosted several episodes of Open Your Ears, a music-centered show that aired on Canada's YTV channel.[3]
Saudin landed his first lead role in the film Aruba (2006), directed by Oscar-nominated director Hubert Davis.[4][5] The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2006,[6][7] and then screened at several festivals, including the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival,[8] the 2006 Palm Springs International ShortFest,[9] the 2007 Seattle International Film Festival,[10] and the 2008 Kansas City Jubilee Film Festival.[11]
Saudin starred on the hit Canadian TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation for 7 years (2008–2015), playing Connor DeLaurier, a teenager with Asperger syndrome.[12] Saudin exited in the show in 2015 to begin focusing on his music career.[13]
He made an appearance in Drake's 2018 music video for the single I'm Upset. The music video featured a variety of past Degrassi cast members.[14]
Saudin left Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2015 to begin focusing on his music career, releasing his first single "Sunset" in October 2016.[13][15] On the social media platform, Twitter, Saudin confirmed he had quit acting permanently to begin working on music.[16]
Saudin released his debut EP, "Before I Met You" on April 21, 2017. The EP featured artists YeAli and Night Lovell.[17]
On August 25, 2017, Saudin released his second EP titled "A Midsummer's Daydream" on all music streaming platforms. The project contains four tracks, and was executive produced by himself, Emjay and dF.
On September 1, 2017, he made his live performance debut at the iconic Mod Club Theatre in Toronto, Ontario to a sold out crowd.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Aruba | Milan-Lead | Short film |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story | Robbie | TV movie |
| 2002 | Street Time | Lewis | |
| 2003 | Comfort and Joy | Derek Phillips | TV movie |
| 2005 | Kojak | Otis Raines / Otis Redding | 2 episodes |
| 2007 | Friends and Heroes | Sollie | 8 episodes |
| 2007–2009 | Da Kink in My Hair | Chris | 5 episodes |
| 2008 | Degrassi in India | Self | TV documentary |
| 2008–2015 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Connor DeLaurier | Main role; 200 episodes |
| 2010 | Degrassi in India | Self | TV documentary |
| Vacation with Derek | Oscar | TV movie | |
| 2014 | Apple Mortgage Cake | Marcus Logan | TV Movie |
| Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B | Rashad Haughton (Older) |
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Actor 14 and Over | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Nominated | [18] | |
| 2011 | Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actor | Nominated | [19] | |||
| 2012 | Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actor 17 to 21 | Won | Tied with Brock Ciarlelli | [20] |
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