Aldis Hodge Bio
Aldis Alexander Basil Hodge (born September 20, 1986) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Alec Hardison in the TNT series Leverage, MC Ren in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton, Levi Jackson in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, Noah in the WGN America series Underground, and Alex Cross in the Prime Video series Cross. He portrays Hawkman in the DC Studios film Black Adam and John Stewart / Green Lantern in the animated film Green Lantern: Beware My Power.
Early Life and Background
Aldis Hodge was born on September 20, 1986, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Both of his parents, Aldis Basil Hodge and Yolette Evangeline Richardson, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His mother hails from Florida, while his father is originally from Saint Thomas. Hodge has an older brother, Edwin Hodge, who is also an actor. Growing up, Hodge was exposed to music and played both the clarinet and the violin as a child, and he continues to play the violin today.
Hodge attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he honed his artistic skills. In addition to acting, he has a passion for design and has ventured into watchmaking, writing, and painting. His artistic endeavors reflect a diverse range of interests beyond his acting career.
Path to Hollywood
Aldis Hodge began his career in the entertainment industry at a young age, starting in 1993. He gained early recognition for his role as Alec Hardison in the TNT series Leverage, which premiered in 2007. This role not only showcased his acting talent but also earned him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Television in 2009.
Throughout his early career, Hodge took on various roles that helped him build a strong foundation in the industry. His performances in projects such as the biopic Straight Outta Compton and the film Hidden Figures further solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of taking on diverse characters.
Aldis Hodge Career
Early Career (1993–2007)
Hodge’s early career included various television appearances and roles that set the stage for his breakout performance in Leverage. His work in this series was pivotal, as it introduced him to a wider audience and allowed him to showcase his skills as an actor. During this time, he also developed his craft through various acting opportunities, including guest roles in other television shows.
Breakthrough (2007–Present)
The role of Alec Hardison in Leverage marked a significant turning point in Aldis Hodge’s career. The series ran for five seasons and became a fan favorite, contributing to Hodge’s growing popularity in Hollywood. Following this success, he appeared in the critically acclaimed film Straight Outta Compton, where he portrayed MC Ren, further establishing his presence in the film industry.
In 2016, Hodge starred as Levi Jackson in the film Hidden Figures, which highlighted the contributions of African American women to NASA during the Space Race. This role showcased his ability to tackle serious and impactful subjects. More recently, he has taken on the role of Hawkman in the DC Studios film Black Adam, which was released in 2022. Additionally, he is set to play Alex Cross in the Amazon Prime Video series Cross, based on the popular James Patterson novels.
Notable Works and Milestones
Aldis Hodge’s signature works include his performances in Leverage, Straight Outta Compton, and Hidden Figures. His portrayal of Hawkman in Black Adam has also been a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and appeal as an actor.
Aldis Hodge Award Nominations
Aldis Hodge has received recognition for his performances, including a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Television for his role in Leverage. His contributions to the film and television industry have garnered him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Aldis Hodge Awards Won
While specific awards won by Aldis Hodge are not detailed, his performances have been widely praised, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Aldis Hodge Family
Aldis Hodge is the son of Aldis Basil Hodge and Yolette Evangeline Richardson. He has one older brother, Edwin Hodge, who is also an actor. Hodge has one child, although details about the child are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Aldis Hodge’s personal life are kept relatively private. He has expressed a passion for various artistic endeavors outside of acting, including watchmaking and painting. Hodge has also spoken about the importance of diversity in the watchmaking industry, reflecting his commitment to advocating for representation in all areas of his life.
