A.J. Saudin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
A.J. Saudin
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Born |
Faisal A.J. Saudin
May 14, 1992 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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Other names | Saudin |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 2000–present |
Relatives | Shadia Simmons (Sister) Sabrina Saudin (Sister) |
Musical career | |
Origin | Mississauga, Ontario |
Genres |
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Occupation(s) |
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Instruments | Vocals |
Years active | 2016–present |
Labels | Independent |
Faisal A.J. Saudin (born May 14, 1992), known as A.J. Saudin or Saudin, is a Canadian actor, singer, and songwriter. He is famous for playing Connor DeLaurier in the popular teen TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation.
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A.J. Saudin's Acting Journey
Before Degrassi, A.J. Saudin started acting as a child. He appeared in print ads and commercials. His first movie role was at age seven. He acted with Natalie Cole in Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story (2000).
Early TV Roles and Hosting
Saudin also had supporting roles in TV series. One of these was Da Kink in my Hair (2007–2009). He also hosted some episodes of Open Your Ears. This was a music show on Canada's YTV channel.
Starring in the Film Aruba
Saudin got his first main role in the film Aruba (2006). This movie was directed by Hubert Davis. Hubert Davis is a director who was nominated for an Oscar. Aruba was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2006. It also played at other festivals. These included the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2006 Palm Springs International ShortFest.
Becoming Famous on Degrassi
Saudin starred on the hit Canadian TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation. He was on the show for seven years (2008–2015). He played Connor DeLaurier. Connor was a teenager with Asperger syndrome. Saudin left the show in 2015. He wanted to focus on his music career.
In 2018, he appeared in Drake's music video for I'm Upset. Many past Degrassi cast members were in the video.
A.J. Saudin's Music Career
A.J. Saudin left Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2015. He decided to focus on making music. He released his first song, "Sunset," in October 2016. Saudin shared on Twitter that he had stopped acting for good. He wanted to work on his music full-time.
Releasing EPs
Saudin released his first EP, "Before I Met You", on April 21, 2017. An EP is like a mini-album. Other artists like YeAli and Night Lovell were featured on this EP.
On August 25, 2017, Saudin released his second EP. It was called "A Midsummer's Daydream". This project had four songs. Saudin, Emjay, and dF were the main producers for it.
Live Performances
On September 1, 2017, he performed live for the first time. This happened at the famous Mod Club Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. The show was completely sold out.
Music Releases
EPs
- Before I Met You (2017)
- A Midsummer's Daydream (2017)
Acting Roles
Movies
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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2006 | Aruba | Milan-Lead | Short film |
Television Shows
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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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) |
Music Videos
Year | Title | Artist | Notes |
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2018 | I'm Upset | Drake |
Awards and Nominations
A.J. Saudin has been recognized for his acting. He has won and been nominated for awards.
Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Notes | Ref. |
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2010 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Actor 14 and Over | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Nominated | ||
2011 | Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actor | Nominated | ||||
2012 | Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actor 17 to 21 | Won | Tied with Brock Ciarlelli |