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 Livin' for Love: 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 7 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 YearTitleRoleNotes2006ArubaMilan-LeadShort film
Television Year Title Role Notes 2000 Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story Robbie TV movie 2002 Street Time Lewis 2003 Comfort and Joy Derek Phillips TV movie 2005 Kojak Otis Raines / Otis Redding2 episodes 2007 Friends and Heroes Sollie8 episodes 2007–2009 Da Kink in My Hair Chris5 episodes2008Degrassi in IndiaSelfTV documentary 2008–2015 Degrassi: The Next Generation Connor DeLaurierMain role; 200 episodes2010Degrassi in IndiaSelfTV documentary Vacation with Derek OscarTV movie2014Apple Mortgage CakeMarcus LoganTV Movie Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B Rashad Haughton (Older)
Music videos YearTitleArtistNotes2018I'm UpsetDrake
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResultNotesRef.2010Young Artist AwardsBest Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Actor 14 and OverDegrassi: The Next Generation2011Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actor2012Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actor 17 to 21Tied with Brock Ciarlelli
References
External links