A.J. Saudin
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 | 2000–2015 |
Musical career | |
Origin | Mississauga, Ontario |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | |
Instruments | Vocals |
Years active | 2016–present |
Labels | Independent |
Website | http://saudin.ca/ |
Acting career
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 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 6 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]
Music career
Saudin left Degrassi: The New Generation in 2015 to begin focusing on his music career, releasing his first single "Sunset" in October 2016.[13][14] On the social media platform, Twitter, Saudin confirmed he had quit acting permanently to begin working on music.[15] Saudin released his debut EP, "Before I Met You" on April 21, 2017.[16]
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, Saudin made his live performance debut at the iconic Mod Club Theatre in Toronto, Ontario to a sold out crowd.
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2000 | The Natalie Cole Story | Robbie | |
2002 | Street Time | Lewis | |
2003 | Comfort and Joy | Derek Phillips | |
2005 | Kojak | Otis Raines / Otis Redding | |
2006 | Aruba | Milan-Lead | |
2007 | Friends and Heroes | Sollie | |
2007-2009 | Da Kink in My Hair | Chris | |
2008-2015 | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Connor DeLaurier | |
2010 | Vacation with Derek | Oscar | |
2014 | Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B | Rashad Haughton | |
Discography
EPs
- Before I Met You (2017)
- A Midsummer's Daydream (2017)
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References
- "Saudin: What comes easy won't last, what lasts won't come easy - The Come Up Show". The Come Up Show. 2017-08-30. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
- "A.J. Saudin Net Worth • Net Worth List". Idol Net Worth. Retrieved 2020-01-22.
- "AJ Saudin". CTV. September 1, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-02.
- "About a boy". Factiva. 2006-01-23. Retrieved 5 September 2009.
- "Aruba". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- "Six Canadian short films at Sundance". CBC News. December 6, 2005. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- "Aruba". The Sundance Channel. Archived from the original on 2008-09-07. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- Walker, Susan (September 8, 2006). "Shorts on show". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- "Aruba". Palm Springs International Film Society. Archived from the original on 2010-08-02. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- "Aruba". Seattle International Film Festival. Archived from the original on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- "Aruba screening". Kansas City Jubilee Film Festival. Archived from the original on April 7, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
- Zeidman, Matthew B. (February 28, 2009). "'Degrassi' Tackles Asperger Syndrome". Hollywood Today. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2009.
- "AJ Saudin Releases New Song "The Road"". Kary's Degrassi Blog. 2017-02-14. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
- "'Degrassi' Star A.J. Saudin Is All Grown Up And Giving Us Total Drake Vibes". HuffPost Canada. 2017-02-16. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
- Saudin (12 February 2017). "Just FYI, I've always loved making music. I didn't just start because "I'm a failed actor". FYI, I quit acting after degrassi". @AJSaudin. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
- "Listen to Saudin's Debut EP 'Before I Met You'". PigeonsandPlanes. Retrieved 2017-09-12.