Avan Jogia, Canadian actor
Avan Tudor Jogia (born on February 9, 1992, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) is a highly versatile Canadian artist, recognized for his multifaceted career as an actor, writer, director, activist, and musician. His early roles quickly brought him recognition, paving the way for a diverse and impactful career across various mediums.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Jogia first garnered critical attention for his compelling portrayal of Danny Araujo in the 2006 television film, A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story. This biographical drama depicted the real-life story of Gwen Araujo, a transgender teenager, making Jogia's early role a significant one that foreshadowed his later commitment to social advocacy. Following his relocation to the United States in his late teens, Jogia steadily secured a variety of television roles, including a recurring part as Ben Stark in the science fiction series Caprica (2009–2010), a prequel to the critically acclaimed Battlestar Galactica.
His career truly achieved mainstream recognition with his breakthrough role as Beck Oliver in the popular Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious (2010–2013). This role cemented his status as a teen idol and showcased his comedic timing. Building on this success, Jogia further demonstrated his dramatic range and versatility in subsequent prominent roles:
- Danny Desai in Twisted (2013): A mystery-drama series where he played the lead, a teenager accused of murdering his aunt, which allowed him to delve into more complex, darker themes.
- King Tutankhamun in Tut (2015): A historical miniseries that saw him embody the iconic Egyptian pharaoh, showcasing his ability to lead a major dramatic production and command a powerful, historical role.
- Roman Mercer in Ghost Wars (2017–2018): A paranormal action series where he starred as a psychic medium, navigating a town overrun by supernatural forces, highlighting his versatility in genre television.
- Ulysses Zane in Now Apocalypse (2019): A surreal comedy series created by Gregg Araki, which explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the absurdities of modern life, further expanding his comedic and dramatic repertoire.
Diverse Film and Television Ventures
Beyond his breakthrough television roles, Avan Jogia has amassed an extensive list of credits in both television and cinema, demonstrating his broad appeal and artistic ambition. His filmography includes:
- Spectacular! (2009): A Nickelodeon musical film where he showcased his singing and dancing abilities.
- Finding Hope Now (2010): A drama film.
- Rags (2012): Another musical television film for Nickelodeon.
- Ten Thousand Saints (2015): An independent drama set in the 1980s New York City punk scene, featuring a strong ensemble cast.
- I Am Michael (2015): An independent biographical drama exploring controversial themes of identity and faith, where Jogia played a supporting yet impactful role alongside James Franco.
- Zombieland: Double Tap (2019): A major studio comedy-horror sequel where he joined the established cast, showcasing his ability to thrive in popular franchises.
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021): He starred as the iconic video game character Leon S. Kennedy in this cinematic adaptation of the popular horror franchise.
In 2011, Jogia also ventured into directing, making his directorial debut with the short film Alex, further expanding his creative contributions to the entertainment industry.
Beyond Acting: Activism, Writing, and Music
Avan Jogia's influence extends well beyond his acting career, encompassing significant work as an activist, writer, and musician, showcasing his commitment to social change and diverse artistic expression.
In 2011, he co-founded Straight But Not Narrow (SBNN), an online public service organization dedicated to shaping the viewpoints of teenagers and adults on matters pertaining to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community. SBNN aims to create a more accepting and understanding environment by engaging heterosexual youth as allies and fostering dialogue around LGBT issues.
Demonstrating his literary prowess, Jogia published his first book, Mixed Feelings, in 2019. This acclaimed work is a collection of short stories and poems that deeply explores themes of multiracial identity, heritage, and the complexities of belonging. The book offered a personal and insightful look into his experiences as a biracial individual.
Complementing his literary pursuits, Jogia is also a talented musician. He and his brother, Ketan Jogia, form the musical duo Saint Ivory. In a unique cross-media endeavor, Saint Ivory released an album, also titled Mixed Feelings, designed to be a musical companion to Avan's book. This album further delves into the thematic elements of the book through sound, creating a holistic artistic experience that explores identity and human connection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avan Jogia
- Who is Avan Jogia?
- Avan Jogia is a Canadian actor, writer, director, activist, and musician known for his diverse roles in television and film, as well as his advocacy work and artistic projects.
- What are some of Avan Jogia's most notable acting roles?
- His most recognized roles include Beck Oliver in Nickelodeon's Victorious, Danny Desai in Twisted, King Tutankhamun in Tut, and Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.
- What is Straight But Not Narrow?
- Straight But Not Narrow is an online organization co-founded by Avan Jogia in 2011, dedicated to encouraging young straight individuals to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, promoting acceptance and understanding.
- Has Avan Jogia written a book?
- Yes, Avan Jogia published his first book, Mixed Feelings, in 2019. It is a collection of short stories and poems exploring multiracial identity.
- What band is Avan Jogia in?
- Avan Jogia is part of the band Saint Ivory with his brother Ketan. They released an album, also titled Mixed Feelings, which complements his book of the same name.