40 Facts About Aaron Pierre

Early Life and Background

Aaron Pierre's journey from a council estate in London to Hollywood is nothing short of inspiring. His roots have played a significant role in shaping his career and character.

1. Aaron Pierre was born in West Croydon, London, a place he holds dear.
2. He grew up in a council estate, which influenced his worldview.
3. His father is an actor, teacher, and life coach.
4. His mother has worked as a project manager among other roles.

Athletic Beginnings

Before acting, Pierre had a promising future in athletics. His dedication to sports laid the groundwork for his discipline in acting.

5. Pierre was deeply involved in track and field.
6. He idolized Olympic gold medalist sprinter Maurice Greene.
7. He participated in the 60-meter, 100-meter, and 4×100 meter relay events.

Education and Early Acting

Pierre's formal education in acting began at a prestigious institution, setting the stage for his future success.

8. He graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
9. His first acting experience was as the narrator in a secondary school production of 'Moby Dick.'
10. His professional stage debut was as Cassio in 'Othello' at the Globe Theatre.

Breakthrough with Barry Jenkins

A chance encounter with director Barry Jenkins changed Pierre's career trajectory, leading to significant roles.

11. Director Barry Jenkins discovered Pierre after his performance in 'Othello.'
12. Jenkins reached out to Pierre via Twitter, leading to a pivotal role.
13. Pierre landed the role of Caesar in Jenkins' 'The Underground Railroad.'

The Underground Railroad

Pierre's role in 'The Underground Railroad' was a turning point, earning him critical acclaim.

14. He played Caesar, an enslaved character, in the series.
15. The series received seven Primetime Emmy nominations.
16. Pierre's performance was praised for its authenticity and truthfulness.

Expanding Career

Following his success in 'The Underground Railroad,' Pierre took on diverse roles in film and television.

17. He has worked with notable directors like M. Night Shyamalan and Jeremy Saulnier.
18. In Shyamalan's 'Old,' Pierre played a rapper and wrote a song for the film.
19. He has upcoming projects with Netflix and Amazon.

Role in 'Rebel Ridge'

Pierre's role in 'Rebel Ridge' showcased his ability to handle intense, action-packed scenes.

20. He played Terry Richmond, a former Marine, in 'Rebel Ridge.'
21. The film premiered on Netflix and received positive reviews.
22. The story draws inspiration from real-life incidents of civil asset forfeiture.

Voice Role in 'Mufasa: The Lion King'

Pierre's upcoming role in 'Mufasa: The Lion King' is a significant milestone in his career.

23. He will lend his voice to Mufasa in Barry Jenkins' 'Mufasa: The Lion King.'
24. This role marks a significant milestone in his career.

Influence of West Croydon

Pierre's hometown has had a lasting impact on his life and career.

25. He considers West Croydon his favorite place in the world.
26. The community and upbringing there have significantly influenced who he is today.

Family and Values

Despite his rising fame, Pierre remains grounded by his family values.

27. He identifies as a son, brother, and friend before he is an actor.
28. His family values play an essential role in his life.

Acting Techniques

Pierre employs various techniques to bring authenticity to his roles.

29. For 'Rebel Ridge,' he used mental trickery to maintain his character's calm demeanor.
30. He aimed to keep Terry Richmond's coolness feeling natural.

Collaborations and Inspirations

Working with talented directors and actors has shaped Pierre's career.

31. Working with Jeremy Saulnier on 'Rebel Ridge' was a unique experience.
32. Barry Jenkins emphasized the need for truthfulness in performance.
33. On his first day on set with Jenkins, Pierre was encouraged to find the truth quickly.

Upcoming Projects

Pierre continues to take on challenging and diverse roles, showcasing his versatility.

34. He shot a three-hander opposite Saoirse Ronan in 'Foe' for Amazon Studios.
35. He will be seen next as one of the leads in Clement Virgo’s 'Brother.'

Physical Presence

Pierre's height and athletic build have been assets in various roles.

36. He stands at 6’3” (1.91 m), making him a physically imposing presence on screen.

Awards and Recognition

Pierre's talent has been recognized with several awards and nominations.

37. He was nominated for the 2018 Ian Charleson Award for his role in 'Othello.'
38. He has won one award and received four nominations throughout his career.

Notable Roles

Pierre is known for his roles in various films and television shows.

39. He is known for his roles in 'The Underground Railroad,' 'Old,' and 'Rebel Ridge.'
40. His performances in these projects have garnered significant attention and praise.

Aaron Pierre's Bright Future

Aaron Pierre's journey from a council estate in West Croydon to Hollywood's spotlight is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in track and field, he transitioned seamlessly into acting, thanks to his education at LAMDA and early roles in theater. His standout performances in "The Underground Railroad," "Old," and "Rebel Ridge" have cemented his reputation as a versatile actor. Collaborations with directors like Barry Jenkins and M. Night Shyamalan highlight his growing influence in the industry. Upcoming projects, including voicing Mufasa in "Mufasa: The Lion King" and roles in "Brother" and "Foe," promise to further elevate his career. Grounded by family values and a strong sense of intentionality, Pierre continues to captivate audiences with his authenticity and talent. Keep an eye on Aaron Pierre—his star is only set to shine brighter.