‏Aaron O'Connell‏

Aaron John O'Connell was born in Dayton, Ohio. He grew up together with his sisters, Amy, Abby and Anna. Their parents, Mark Alan O'Connell, former Cincinnati Bengal, and Kathryn O'Connell, met during college in Ohio. His grandfather, Wayne, was a pianist who taught Aaron at a very young age to play the piano, as he has been known to play piano and guitar in his roles as an actor. Aaron grew up playing football, basketball, and baseball. He has English and Irish ancestry.

He graduated Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2004. While studying Health, Fitness, and Nutrition at Purdue University, Aaron was signed with Ford Models in Chicago, Illinois. His quick success moved him to New York City where he worked with "GQ," "Vanity Fair," Carolina Herrera, German "Vogue," French "Vogue," Hanes, Lucky Brand Jeans, Abercrombie & Fitch and Jockey. After Aaron booked a few successful national commercials, he caught the eye of writer, producer and director Tyler Perry. He was then cast in the first television drama ever created by Tyler Perry, The Haves and The Have Nots (2013).

Due to the growing popularity of OWN's first scripted drama series, Aaron garnered much attention as his role of "Wyatt Cryer" on The Haves and The Have Nots. In 2014 he was offered his first supporting role in the film Prince For Christmas alongside actress Viva Bianca. After his standout performance in the film, Aaron was offered the starring role in 12 Gifts of Christmas (2015) the following year.

When Aaron gets a break from the entertainment business, he loves to fly. In 2013, he earned his private pilot's license, and later became an instrument-rated pilot in 2014. While he enjoys flying his Cirrus SR22 for recreation, he also fly's for the charity "Pilots 'N Paws" ferrying dogs from kill shelters to their new families.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to work on his craft.