Aldis Hodge Bio
Aldis Alexander Basil Hodge (born September 20, 1986) is an American actor whose career spans television, film, and voice work. He is best known for playing Alec Hardison in the TNT series Leverage, MC Ren in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton, Levi Jackson in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, Noah in the WGN America series Underground, and Alex Cross in the Prime Video series Cross. He portrays Hawkman in the DC Studios film Black Adam and John Stewart, also known as Green Lantern, in the animated film Green Lantern: Beware My Power.
Beyond acting, Aldis Hodge is a self-taught watchmaker, painter, and writer who designs his own line of luxury timepieces. He has built a reputation as a thoughtful creative with interests that reach well beyond the screen.
Early Life and Background
Aldis Alexander Basil Hodge was born on September 20, 1986, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Both of his parents, Aldis Basil Hodge and Yolette Evangeline Richardson, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His mother is from Florida, while his father is originally from Saint Thomas. The family background gave Aldis Hodge a strong sense of discipline and a wide cultural perspective that would later shape his creative outlook.
Aldis Hodge grew up in a household that valued the arts. As a child, he played both the clarinet and the violin, and he continues to play the violin as an adult. His older brother is actor Edwin Hodge, and the two brothers have remained connected through their shared work in entertainment. Being surrounded by creative family members helped Aldis Hodge discover his passion for performance at a young age.
He later attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he studied visual arts. This training influenced his later work as a painter and watch designer, and it gave him a sharp eye for detail that he has carried into his acting career.
Path to Acting
Aldis Hodge began his professional acting career in 1993, appearing in television projects while still a child. His early exposure to the entertainment industry came through his family, including the guidance of his older brother, Edwin Hodge, who also pursued acting. These early experiences allowed Aldis Hodge to learn the craft from a young age and to develop a steady on-screen presence.
Over the years, Aldis Hodge built his résumé with guest roles and supporting parts before landing larger opportunities. His classical training on string instruments and his fine arts education gave him a unique creative foundation, and his disciplined upbringing helped him navigate the demands of a career in Hollywood. By the time he reached his early twenties, he was ready to take on more prominent roles.
His transition to leading man status came through television, where his charm, intelligence, and versatility stood out. This path eventually led him to one of his most defining roles and opened the door to major film projects.
Aldis Hodge Career
Early Career (1993–2007)
Aldis Hodge started acting in 1993 and spent more than a decade building his career with early television appearances and supporting film roles. These formative years allowed him to develop his craft and earn recognition within the industry. His dedication during this period laid the groundwork for the major opportunities that followed.
In 2007, Aldis Hodge was cast as Alec Hardison in the TNT series Leverage, a role that would become one of his most recognized performances. The part showcased his sharp wit and natural charisma, and it introduced him to a wide audience.
Breakthrough (2008–2020)
Following his casting in Leverage, Aldis Hodge earned a 2009 Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Television for his work as Alec Hardison. The recognition confirmed his growing reputation as a talented television performer. In 2014, it was announced that he had been cast in Randall Miller’s Midnight Rider, a biopic of Gregg Allman, further expanding his range as an actor.
In 2015, Aldis Hodge played MC Ren in the critically acclaimed biopic Straight Outta Compton, which brought him wider attention on the big screen. He followed that with a role as Levi Jackson in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, a major historical drama that resonated strongly with audiences. He also starred as Noah in the WGN America series Underground, a role that demonstrated his ability to anchor a dramatic period piece.
In 2019, Aldis Hodge began his role as Decourcy Ward in the Showtime series City on a Hill alongside Kevin Bacon. In 2020, it was confirmed that he would play Carter Hall, also known as Hawkman, in the DCEU film Black Adam, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Dwayne Johnson. He also portrayed Jim Brown in the 2020 film One Night in Miami…, adding another memorable performance to his filmography.
Notable Works and Milestones
Aldis Hodge’s signature role remains Alec Hardison in Leverage, the performance that earned him his first major award nomination and made him a fan favorite. His work in Hidden Figures, Straight Outta Compton, Underground, and Black Adam has cemented his place as a versatile leading man in Hollywood. He has also voiced John Stewart, also known as Green Lantern, in the animated film Green Lantern: Beware My Power, further demonstrating his range across formats.
Aldis Hodge Award Nominations
Aldis Hodge has received recognition for his work in both television and film. In 2009, he earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Television for his role as Alec Hardison in the TNT series Leverage. This nomination highlighted his early impact in the science fiction and genre television community.
Aldis Hodge Awards Won
Based on the verified information available, no award wins have been confirmed for Aldis Hodge at this time. His recognized work to date centers on his nomination for the Saturn Award, which marked an important early milestone in his career.
Aldis Hodge Family
Aldis Hodge is the son of Aldis Basil Hodge and Yolette Evangeline Richardson, both of whom served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His mother is from Florida, and his father is originally from Saint Thomas, giving Aldis Hodge a rich and diverse family heritage. His older brother, Edwin Hodge, is also an actor, and the two share a strong connection through their work in entertainment. He is also connected to actress Skye P. Marshall, who is his sister-in-law.
Personal Life
In addition to acting, Aldis Hodge is a self-taught horologist and watchmaker who has designed his own brand of luxury watches called A. Hodge Atelier. He has spoken publicly about the need for greater diversity within the watchmaking industry. He is also a writer and a painter, and in 2018, he collaborated with painter Harmonia Rosales on a series of works collectively titled Through the Looking Glass, which was exhibited in Los Angeles from January 10 to 14. Aldis Hodge is known to have one child.
