I first featured model turned actor Aaron O'Connell back in 2009 as Model of the Day. As a model, Aaron was working with some of the industries most well known photographers. His images, especially his frontal from Bruce Weber (HERE:) which had the net (well a segment of the net...) in a tizzy when it was first scanned and uploaded.
No all models are able to make a smooth transition to acting, but O'Connell seems to be bucking that trend. First cast by Tyler Perry as Wyatt in TV series The Have and the Have Nots, O'Connell has also been making a name for himself on Hallmark including this seasons holiday flick, With Love, Christmas. I liked With Love, Christmas much more than I expected, mostly due to Aaron's performance.
O'Connell plays Donovan Goodwin, an uptight curmudgeon, with no Christmas spirit at all. His main focus is his job as an ad executive, and keeps as busy as he can so he doesn't have time for anything festive or fun. But... thanks to his works secret Santa, and the fully spirited and adorable Melanie, (Emilie Ullerup) Donovan shares why he isn't a bit Christmas fan. But... as with all Christmas movies, by the end Melanie, and the spirit, has won him over.
As successful as Aaron was as a model, he really belongs in front of a camera that catches him in movement, his sexy walk just the beginning. With his matinee idol looks, Aaron, I think his days on Hallmark may be numbered. Next up, Aaron hits the big screen along with Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme in the action film Black Water, due for release next year.
Aaron by Joseph Bleu
Aaron by Mariano Vivanco
