Who is Connor Paolo?
Connor Paolo is an American actor, probably still best known to the world as Eric van der Woodsen in the TV series “Gossip Girl” (2007-2012), then as Declan Porter in the TV series “Revenge” (2011-2015), and as Martin in the film “The Stakelander” (2016), among other characters that he has portrayed since launching his career.
What is Connor Paolo Doing Now?
Connor is still active, and is working on several projects, including the film “Distancing Socially”, in which he will star next to Sarah Levy and Alan Tudyk.
He’s also been shooting for the films “Vital” and “Fire Island”, both of which are in post-production and waiting for a premiere date, and the action-thriller film “Ambus”, which is now in pre-production and will star Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Aaron Eckhart next to Connor.
Connor Paolo Bio: Age, Childhood, and Education
Connor Paolo was born on 11 July 1990 under the Cancer zodiac sign, in New York City, USA, to Julia Mendelsohn, who is a classical pianist and vocal coach, and Colin Paolo who is a screenwriter and author.
Raised as Jewish, Connor went to Professional Performing Arts School, where he was in the same class with Sarah Hyland, Taylor Momsen, and Paul Iacono. After this, he attended acting classes at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, but also went to Appel Farm Arts and Music Center Summer Arts Camp located in Elmer, New Jersey for several summers. Connor enrolled at New York University, but he dropped out after only one semester.
Career Beginnings
Connor’s career started in the early 2000s, with a minor role in the critically acclaimed TV procedural crime-drama series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2002), and continued with the role of Young Sean in Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award-winning mystery crime-drama film “Mystic River”, starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon.
In 2004, he was Travis O’Connell in the daytime soap opera “One Life to Live”, and also portrayed Young Alexander in the historical biopic about one of the greatest military leaders, Alexander the Great, entitled “Alexander”, with Colin Farrell playing the titular character.
Rise to Fame
Connor made huge steps forward in the second half of the 2000s – his first major role was as Steven McLoughlin in the thriller-drama film “World Trade Center” (2006), directed by Oliver Stone and starring Nicolas Cage, Michael Pena and Maria Bello, earning him a Young Artist Award nomination in the category for Best Performance in a Feature Film- Supporting Young Actor.
The following year changed his life for good. Young Connor was selected for the part of the recurring character Eric van der Woodsen, the brother of lead character Serena van der Woodsen played by Blake Lively, in the TV series “Gossip Girl” (2007-2012), appearing in 52 episodes of the critically acclaimed romantic drama series until season four, and guest-starring in season six episode 10, entitled “New York, I Love You XOXO”. He left the show to join the new long-term project, the TV mystery thriller-drama series “Revenge” (2011-2013), starring Madeleine Stowe, Emily VanCamp, and Gabriel Mann. His character was killed off at the end of the second season, though Connor’s popularity increased greatly thanks to the success of the series.
While on the sets of these two series, Connor worked on several other projects. He appeared in the award-winning romantic crime-drama film “Snow Angels”, with Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell and Michael Angarano in the lead roles, while in 2008 he starred in the film “Favorite Son”, alongside Pablo Schreiber and Kellie Overbey. In 2009 he was Damon in the sports comedy film “The Winning Season”, which starred Sam Rockwell, Emma Roberts and Rob Corddry, while Jim Strouse wrote and directed the film.
The following year, Connor made another prominent appearance, as Martin in the sci-fi horror film “Stake Land”, co-starring Nick Damici and Kelly McGillis.
Hiatus and Continued Success
From 2013 to 2016, Connor took an hiatus from acting, returning in the role of Kobe in the horror-thriller film “Friend Request”, co-starring alongside Alycia Debnam-Carey and William Moseley, and also reprised the role of Martin in the sequel of the horror film “The Stakelander”. The following year, Connor appeared in the adventure comedy-drama film “Flock of Four”, and also portrayed Jason in the TV comedy series “Business Doing Pleasure”. His next role was as Ethan in the TV sci-fi series “Electric Dreams” in 2018, while in 2020 he was Isaac Morgan in the TV medical-drama series “The Resident”.
On-Stage Career
In addition to his extensive work on screen, Connor has also made a few appearances on stage. Some of the most prominent appearances include the Broadway production of the hit musical “The Full Monty”, an off-Broadway production of “Richard III”, and portraying Bottom in the play “Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
Personal Life, Dating, Girlfriend
Connor shot to fame by portraying a gay character in the “Gossip Girl”. This sparked rumors of his sexuality, and his secretive nature only contributed to those rumors. However, he removed the mystery by stating: ‘I’m an actor, and it’s a part. Being gay is nothing but another way to live your life. It’s just who he is’.
Since then, he has been seen with several celebrities, including actress Alice Kremelberg, who is best known to the world as Nicole Eckelcamp in the TV series “Orange Is the New Black” (2018-2019). The two dated from 2007 until 2011, and then he started a romantic relationship with actress Adelaide Kane, whom he dated until 2013. He was also in a relationship with Janet Bailey, and since early 2021 has been dating actress Grace Van Dien.
Net Worth
As of mid- 2021, Connor Paolo’s net worth has been estimated to be around $3 million, earned through his successful career as an actor, during which he has appeared in more than 30 film and TV titles, all of which have added to his wealth.
Appearance and Vital Statistics
This prominent actor has brown eyes and dark brown hair. He stands at a height of 5ft 7ins (1.7m), while he weighs approximately 145lbs (66kgs), and his vital statistics are 37-29-13.
Hobbies, Interests, and Trivia
Despite his busy schedule, Connor has found some time for hobbies, and loves spending his free time playing soccer and football. He is quite active outdoors and enjoys riding a bicycle and skateboard.
Furthermore, Connor has honed other talents in addition to acting, including music, and is now an avid guitar player.
He has used his popularity and influence to express the importance of various social movements, including the Black Lives Matter movement, and has helped those arrested during the BLM protests.
He’s an animal lover and has a pet dog, but hasn’t shared its name.
