Aaron Paul Then and Now
Aaron Paul Then
Aaron Paul Sturtevant, known professionally as Aaron Paul, was born on August 27, 1979, in Emmett, Idaho, to Darla and Robert Sturtevant.
His father, Robert, is a Baptist minister, reflecting a deeply rooted religious background in Paul’s upbringing.
As the youngest of four children, Paul entered the world a month premature, arriving in his parents’ bathroom—a dramatic start to a life that would later become equally notable in the world of acting.
After graduating from Centennial High School in Boise, Idaho, in 1997, Paul took a bold step toward his dreams by moving to Los Angeles.
With only $6,000 in savings, he faced the daunting challenge of establishing himself in a highly competitive industry.
To support himself, he worked as a movie theater usher at Universal Studios in Hollywood.
This job not only provided financial stability but also kept him in close proximity to the film industry.
In a testament to his early determination, Paul made a memorable appearance as a contestant on the game show “The Price Is Right” in January 2000.
This brief stint on television was one of his first forays into the entertainment industry, highlighting his commitment to pursuing an acting career despite the challenges he faced.
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Aaron Paul Acting Career
Aaron Paul’s early career began to take shape after his notable runner-up finish in the 1996 International Modeling and Talent Association competition in Los Angeles.
This achievement led to him signing with a manager, opening doors to various opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Paul initially made his mark by appearing in music videos for bands like Korn and Everlast, and his presence in television commercials for brands such as Juicy Fruit, Corn Pops, and Vanilla Coke helped establish his name in the public eye.
Paul’s acting career took off with a series of film roles in the early 2000s.
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He appeared in movies like “Whatever It Takes” (2000), “Help! I’m a Fish!” (2001), and “K-PAX” (2001), showcasing his versatility across different genres.
His filmography continued to grow with roles in “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder” (2002), “Bad Girls From Valley High” (2005), and “Mission: Impossible III” (2006).
Paul also made notable appearances in “The Last House on the Left” (2009), adding to his diverse portfolio.
In addition to his film work, Paul garnered experience through numerous guest-starring roles on television shows.
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His credits include appearances on popular series such as “The Guardian,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “ER,” and “Veronica Mars,” among others.
These roles allowed him to build a robust acting resume and gain valuable industry experience.
However, it was Paul’s roles on the HBO show “Big Love” and the AMC series “Breaking Bad” that truly solidified his acting career.
On “Big Love,” Paul played Scott Quittman in fourteen episodes, which helped him gain wider recognition.
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His portrayal of Jesse Pinkman on “Breaking Bad,” alongside Bryan Cranston, catapulted him to stardom.
The role of Jesse Pinkman was a defining moment in Paul’s career, earning him critical acclaim and several awards.
His performance on “Breaking Bad” earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2010, 2012, and 2014), as well as other accolades including the Critics’ Choice Television Award and the Saturn Award.
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Following “Breaking Bad,” Aaron Paul continued to expand his acting career with diverse projects.
He starred in “Smashed” (2012), which was selected for the Sundance Film Festival, and joined the cast of Hulu’s “The Path” (2016) and Apple TV+’s “Truth Be Told” (2018).
Paul also appeared in the third season of HBO’s science-fiction series “Westworld.”
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His voice acting work includes roles in “Tron: Uprising” (2012-2013) and Netflix’s “BoJack Horseman” (2014-2020), as well as a narration for a Mazda commercial.
More recently, Paul starred in “Dual” (2022) and participated in an episode of “Black Mirror” (2023), showcasing his continued relevance and versatility in the industry.
He also made a guest appearance alongside Bryan Cranston in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2023), further reflecting his enduring impact on television.
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Aaron Paul Movies
- Whatever It Takes (2000)
- Help! I’m a Fish (2001)
- K-PAX (2001)
- National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002)
- Bad Girls From Valley High (2005)
- Choking Man (2006)
- Mission: Impossible III (2006)
- The Last House on the Left (2009)
- Smashed (2012)
- Need for Speed (2014)
- Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
- Triple 9 (2016)
- El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019)
- Dual (2022)
Aaron Paul’s Wife and Children
Aaron Paul has been married to Lauren Parsekian since 2013. The couple’s romance began when they met at the Coachella Festival in California, and their relationship quickly blossomed. They got engaged in January 2012 during a romantic trip to Paris.
Their marriage has been marked by significant milestones, including the birth of their daughter, Story Annabelle, in 2018, and their son, Ryden Caspian, in April 2022.
Parsekian is known for her philanthropic work, particularly through her non-profit organization, the Kind Campaign, which advocates against bullying.
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Aaron Paul supported the campaign significantly in 2013 by helping raise $1.8 million through a fundraising contest that offered winners a special screening of the final episode of “Breaking Bad” at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
A noteworthy acknowledgment of Paul’s impact came in October 2019 when Idaho Governor Butch Otter declared October 1st “Aaron Paul Sturtevant Day” in a ceremony held at the Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho.
This honor recognized Paul’s contributions to entertainment and his connection to his home state.
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In addition to his acting career, Aaron Paul has ventured into the business world. In 2019, he and his former “Breaking Bad” co-star Bryan Cranston launched their own line of mezcal called Dos Hombres.
This venture reflects Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit and his continued collaboration with Cranston.
In November 2022, Aaron Paul legally dropped the surname “Sturtevant” from his full name, choosing to be known simply as Aaron Paul.
This change marks a personal decision to simplify his public persona while continuing to build on his established career and achievements.
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Aaron Paul Now
As of 2024, Aaron Paul is 44 years old and continues to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry as both an actor and producer.
He remains best known for his groundbreaking role as Jesse Pinkman in the AMC series “Breaking Bad.”
This portrayal earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2014, and the Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor.
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His performance on the show has left a lasting legacy, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
Currently, Aaron Paul is involved in several notable projects. He stars in the sci-fi thriller “Dual,” which features Karen Gillan and was filmed entirely in Tampere, Finland.
This film explores thought-provoking themes within the science fiction genre and showcases Paul’s continued commitment to engaging and diverse roles.
Additionally, in 2023, Paul appeared in a prominent role in the third episode of the sixth season of “Black Mirror,” titled “Beyond the Sea.”
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This episode, part of the acclaimed anthology series, allowed Paul to further demonstrate his range and adaptability as an actor.
Paul’s career trajectory reflects his ongoing success and evolution in the industry, as he continues to take on challenging roles and contribute to impactful projects.
His ability to transition between different genres and mediums underscores his dynamic presence in contemporary entertainment.
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Aaron Paul’s Net Worth
Aaron Paul, an accomplished American actor, producer, and director, has achieved a notable net worth of $25 million, reflecting his success and impact in the entertainment industry through his acclaimed roles and creative endeavors.
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