Connor Paolo
An actor who transitioned seamlessly from a haunting child presence in Oliver Stone films to a defining figure in the glossy world of teen television drama.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American actor·Birthday: July 11·Millennials
Biography
Connor Paolo's career began in the intense, cinematic world of Oliver Stone, making his film debut as the young Alexander the Great in 'Alexander' and later appearing in the harrowing post-9/11 drama 'World Trade Center.' These early roles showcased a preternatural seriousness that he would later temper for television. He became a familiar face to a generation of viewers through his role as Eric van der Woodsen on 'Gossip Girl,' navigating the Upper East Side's scandals with a grounded sensitivity that made his character a touchstone. He further explored darker family dynamics on the thriller series 'Revenge.' Paolo's path represents a specific early-2000s archetype: the serious child actor who successfully pivoted to become a staple of addictive, watercooler television.
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.
Connor was born in 1990, 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 Connor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Connor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a central role as Eric van der Woodsen across six seasons of the hit CW series 'Gossip Girl.'
- Starred as Declan Porter in the ABC drama series 'Revenge' for its first two seasons.
- Appeared in two major Oliver Stone films, 'Alexander' (2004) and 'World Trade Center' (2006), as a child actor.
- Performed on stage in an Off-Broadway production of 'The Burnt Part Boys' in 2010.
Did You Know?
He attended the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City.
Paolo is an avid photographer and has had his work exhibited.
He played young Alexander the Great opposite Colin Farrell's adult version in Stone's film.
He is a trained stage actor and performed in Shakespeare in the Park productions in New York.
“The work is in finding the truth of the person you're playing.”
