Aldis Hodge
An actor of formidable physical and intellectual presence who builds watches and historical figures with equal precision and depth.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American actor·Birthday: September 20·Millennials
Biography
Aldis Hodge didn't just arrive in Hollywood; he engineered his way there with a combination of muscle, mind, and meticulous craft. Growing up with his brother Edwin, he started as a child actor but consciously evolved into a leading man defined by his commanding gravitas. His breakout role as the tech-wizard Alec Hardison on 'Leverage' revealed a charming, brainy charisma, but it was his transformative turn as MC Ren in 'Straight Outta Compton' that signaled his dramatic range. He brings a grounded, powerful humanity to historical figures, whether as the resilient Levi Jackson in 'Hidden Figures' or the formidable Jim Brown in 'One Night in Miami.' Off-screen, Hodge is a self-taught horologist who designs and builds high-end watches, a discipline that mirrors the patience and detail he applies to his acting.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Aldis was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Aldis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Aldis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed real-life icons Jim Brown in 'One Night in Miami' and Levi Jackson in 'Hidden Figures,' earning critical praise for his nuanced performances.
- Starred as the charismatic tech genius Alec Hardison across all five seasons of the hit series 'Leverage' and its sequel, 'Leverage: Redemption.'
- Landed the role of Hawkman in the DC film 'Black Adam,' bringing a classic superhero to life with a new physical intensity.
- Voiced John Stewart, the Green Lantern, in the animated film 'Green Lantern: Beware My Power.'
Did You Know?
He is a self-taught watchmaker and designs luxury timepieces under his own brand.
He and his brother, actor Edwin Hodge, lived in a dojo for several years during their childhood while their mother trained in martial arts.
He painted the portrait of his 'One Night in Miami' character, Jim Brown, that appears in the film.
He turned down a scholarship to the ArtCenter College of Design to pursue acting.
“I build watches because it teaches me patience, and acting teaches me about people. Both require you to look closely at what makes something tick.”
