Born in Dayton, Ohio, Aaron John O’Connell grew up with his sisters, Amy, Abby and Anna. While studying health, fitness and nutrition at Purdue University, O’Connell was signed with Ford Models in Chicago. His quick success moved him to New York City where he worked with magazines such as GQ, Vanity Fair, and the German and French publications of Vogue. He also worked with the designer Carolina Herrera, and on such iconic clothing lines as Hanes, Lucky Brand Jeans, Jockey, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
After booking a few successful national commercials, O’Connell caught the eye of writer, producer and director Tyler Perry and in 2013, he was cast in Perry’s first television drama,“The Haves and the Have Nots.” His portrayal of Wyatt Cryer in the series garnered him much attention and he has appeared in more than 86 episodes.
In 2014, O’Connell was offered his first supporting role in the TV movie “A Prince for Christmas” alongside Viva Bianca, which led to a starring role in the 2015 Hallmark Channel original movie “12 Gifts of Christmas.” Most recently, he wrapped production on two upcoming feature films, “Take Two for Faith” and the action thriller, “Black Water,” alongside Dolph Lundgren and Jean- Claude Van Damme.
When O’Connell gets a break from the entertainment business, he loves to fly. In 2013, he earned his private pilot’s license and the following year became an instrument-rated pilot. While he enjoys flying his Cirrus SR22 recreationally, he also flies for the nonprofit charitable organization, Pilots N Paws, which ferries dogs from kill shelters to their new families. He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to work on his craft.
