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A.J. Saudin
Saudin (36876642376).jpg
Born
Faisal A.J. Saudin

(1992-05-14) May 14, 1992 (age 32)
Other names Saudin
Occupation Actor
Years active 2000–present
Relatives Shadia Simmons (Sister) Sabrina Saudin (Sister)
Musical career
Origin Mississauga, Ontario
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2016–present
Labels Independent

Faisal A.J. Saudin (born May 14, 1992), known professionally as A.J. Saudin or Saudin, is a Canadian actor, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his role as Connor DeLaurier in the long-running teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Acting career

Before finding success on Degrassi, Saudin worked as a child in print work and commercials before landing his first film role as a seven-year-old, working alongside Natalie Cole in The Natalie Cole Story (2000).

He also starred in supporting roles on various TV series, including Da Kink in my Hair (2007–2009). He also hosted several episodes of Open Your Ears, a music-centered show that aired on Canada's YTV channel.

Saudin landed his first lead role in the film Aruba (2006), directed by Oscar-nominated director Hubert Davis. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2006, and then screened at several festivals, including the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, the 2006 Palm Springs International ShortFest, the 2007 Seattle International Film Festival, and the 2008 Kansas City Jubilee Film Festival.

Saudin starred on the hit Canadian TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation for 6 years (2008–2015), playing Connor DeLaurier, a teenager with Asperger syndrome. Saudin exited in the show in 2015 to begin focusing on his music career.

He made an appearance in Drake's 2018 music video for the single I'm Upset. The music video featured a variety of past Degrassi cast members.

Music career

Saudin left Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2015 to begin focusing on his music career, releasing his first single "Sunset" in October 2016. On the social media platform, Twitter, Saudin confirmed he had quit acting permanently to begin working on music.

Saudin released his debut EP, "Before I Met You" on April 21, 2017. The EP featured artists YeAli and Night Lovell.

On August 25, 2017, Saudin released his second EP titled "A Midsummer's Daydream" on all music streaming platforms. The project contains four tracks, and was executive produced by himself, Emjay and dF.

On September 1, 2017, he made his live performance debut at the iconic Mod Club Theatre in Toronto, Ontario to a sold out crowd.

Discography

EPs

  • Before I Met You (2017)
  • A Midsummer's Daydream (2017)

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2006 Aruba Milan-Lead Short film

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2000 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
2018 I'm Upset Drake

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Notes Ref.
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
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