Aldis Hodge is the kind of actor whose face you know, even if you didn’t always know his name. But now, with decades in the game and a résumé stacked with critically acclaimed performances, that name is impossible to ignore.

Born on September 20, 1986, in North Carolina and raised in New Jersey, Hodge grew up in a household defined by discipline. Both of his parents were U.S. Marines, and that upbringing helped shape the quiet intensity he brings to his roles. He and his brother, fellow actor Edwin Hodge, started working young—modeling, voice acting, and showing up in commercials.

By the time Aldis was a teen, he'd already landed small but memorable roles in projects like Die Hard with a Vengeance, Big Momma’s House, and on TV shows including Boston Public and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But it would take years—and a lot of behind-the-scenes hustle—before Hollywood gave him the spotlight.

‘Leverage’ and Breaking the Mold

Hodge’s big break came in 2008 with Leverage, a TNT series that ran for five seasons. As Alec Hardison, the sarcastic, tech-savvy hacker with a conscience, Hodge balanced humor with heart, crafting a fan-favorite character who stood out in a lineup of con artists and vigilantes. It was a showcase of his natural charisma and comic timing, but it also revealed his gift for making even the nerdiest of roles feel cool.

After Leverage, Hodge made a conscious pivot toward deeper, more emotionally driven roles. In Underground (WGN, 2016–2017), he played Noah, a fierce and resourceful runaway slave determined to lead others to freedom. The performance was haunting, passionate, and proved he was ready for more serious, socially charged material.

Stepping into History—and the Spotlight

Over the next several years, Hodge stacked up an impressive roster of projects that spanned genres but stayed consistent in quality. He played MC Ren in Straight Outta Compton, took on the role of Levi Jackson in the Oscar-nominated Hidden Figures, and starred as the wrongly incarcerated Brian Banks in the under-the-radar biopic Brian Banks.

Then came One Night in Miami (2020), Regina King’s directorial debut. Hodge portrayed NFL legend Jim Brown, holding his own opposite actors playing icons like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. The film wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a statement: Aldis Hodge wasn’t just a supporting player anymore. He was leading-man material.

Superheroes, Watches, and World-Building

In 2022, Hodge stepped into blockbuster territory as Hawkman in DC’s Black Adam. His commanding physical presence, layered performance, and chemistry with Dwayne Johnson gave the film one of its emotional cores. It was more than a superhero flex—it was proof he could anchor tentpole franchises.

Offscreen, Hodge is something of a Renaissance man. He’s a trained horologist (yes, a literal watchmaker) and has designed watches for luxury brands and celebrities. He’s also a visual artist, violinist, and entrepreneur. Everything he touches is rooted in precision and excellence.

Enter ‘Cross’: A New Chapter

In 2024, Hodge took on what may become his signature role: Alex Cross, the brilliant forensic psychologist and detective in Amazon Prime’s Cross, based on the bestselling books by James Patterson.

Taking over a character previously played by Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry, Hodge delivers a fresh, complex take. His version of Cross is calculating but empathetic, haunted by past trauma yet relentless in his pursuit of justice. The series adds nuance and grit, diving deep into the criminal mind while showcasing Cross’s internal struggles—marriage, fatherhood, grief, and his battle with the darkness within himself.

Hodge is executive producing the series too, stepping further into a leadership role behind the scenes. Cross is already drawing comparisons to prestige crime dramas like Mindhunter and True Detective, with Hodge receiving praise for grounding the show in emotional truth.

A Star Who Builds His Own Lane

Aldis Hodge is not the loudest celebrity on your timeline. He’s not doing it for the ‘gram or chasing headlines. But what he is doing is building a body of work that speaks volumes. Whether he’s hacking systems, flying as a superhero, or unraveling the psyche of a killer, his performances carry weight.

With Cross, Hodge enters a new phase—one where he’s no longer the underrated actor in the corner but the one calling the shots. He’s always been one to watch. Now he’s the one leading the charge.