Aaron Clifton Moten, born on February 28, 1989, in Austin, Texas, is an American actor renowned for his versatile performances across stage, television, and film. His journey from a passionate young actor to a recognized name in Hollywood is marked by a series of compelling roles that showcase his depth and range.
Early Life and Education
Moten’s foray into acting began at the age of 12 during his time at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, where he took on the lead role in Jim Leonard’s play The Diviners. This early experience ignited his passion for the craft, leading him to actively participate in his school’s theater program. Pursuing his burgeoning interest, he later attended the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Stage Performances
Following his graduation, Moten immersed himself in the New York theater scene. In 2011, he portrayed Claudio in a production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the Two River Theater. The following year, he appeared in a Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire, taking on the role of the Young Collector. However, it was his performance as Avery in Annie Baker’s The Flick in 2013 that garnered significant acclaim, earning him a nomination for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play.
Transition to Television
Moten’s transition to television was marked by a series of diverse roles that highlighted his adaptability as an actor. In 2014, he made guest appearances on popular series such as NCIS and The Mysteries of Laura. Between 2015 and 2016, he took on the role of Erik Winkelstrauss in Mozart in the Jungle, followed by a portrayal of Petey in the critically acclaimed miniseries The Night Of in 2016.
Breakthrough with ‘Disjointed’
Moten’s breakthrough came with the Netflix sitcom Disjointed (2017–2018), where he played Travis Feldman, a business school graduate and the son of Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, portrayed by Kathy Bates. The series, centered around a marijuana dispensary, allowed Moten to showcase his comedic timing and establish a strong screen presence.
Exploring Science Fiction in ‘Next’
In 2020, Moten ventured into the science fiction genre with the Fox series Next, playing the role of Ben, an FBI employee. The show delved into themes of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with Moten’s character being integral to the unfolding narrative.
Film Endeavors
Parallel to his television career, Moten has built an impressive filmography. He made his film debut in 2014 with a supporting role in Chris Rock’s Top Five. In 2015, he appeared in Ricki and the Flash as Troy. His portrayal of Lewis in the 2016 film The Transfiguration further demonstrated his ability to tackle complex characters. In 2022, he starred alongside Mark Wahlberg in Father Stu, playing the character Ham, and took on the role of Knowls in the historical action film Emancipation.
Recent Projects and ‘Fallout’
In 2024, Moten took on a prominent role in Amazon Prime Video’s post-apocalyptic series Fallout, portraying Maximus, a former Brotherhood of Steel squire. The series, based on the popular video game franchise, has been lauded for its compelling narrative and character development, with Moten’s performance receiving particular praise.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional endeavors, Moten resides in Iceland with his wife, Icelandic dancer Lilja Rúriksdóttir, whom he met during his time at Juilliard. The couple moved to Iceland shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, embracing a life that balances artistic pursuits with personal fulfillment.
Conclusion
Aaron Moten’s career trajectory reflects a dedication to his craft and a willingness to explore diverse roles across various mediums. From his early days on the stage to his recent ventures in television and film, Moten continues to captivate audiences with performances that are both nuanced and compelling. As he takes on more challenging roles, his contributions to the entertainment industry are poised to leave a lasting impact.