Most famous for his role as Kip Dynamite in the indie hit Napoleon Dynamite, Aaron Ruell has carved out a unique space in Hollywood—not just as an actor, but as a creative force behind the camera. And honestly, it’s hard to talk about Aaron Ruell without mentioning how iconic his portrayal of Kip became. That performance, complete with a mustache and internet romance storyline, earned him a Teen Choice Award nomination and launched his career into the spotlight.
But there’s more to Aaron Ruell than meets the eye. Growing up in the small town of Clovis, California, Ruell developed a deep passion for visual storytelling early on. His love for the camera started young, and over time, he evolved into a skilled director, cinematographer, and even an accomplished photographer. His photographic work—often blending actors, outrageous costumes, and imaginative sets—has been showcased in multiple exhibitions. In fact, a monograph collecting his striking images was published by Nazraeli Press, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted artist.
After the success of Napoleon Dynamite, Aaron Ruell didn’t rest on his laurels. He took on roles in projects like the comedy Think Tank and starred in the 2007 drama On The Road With Judas, where he played the lead—a clear sign that his acting range extended well beyond Kip. Still, over the years, Ruell gradually shifted his focus toward filmmaking. It’s fair to say that while audiences first fell for Aaron Ruell as an actor, they’ve come to respect him even more as a filmmaker.
His short films, such as Mary and Everything’s Gone Green, both premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the same year—an impressive feat that highlighted his growing influence in independent cinema. Working with the Los Angeles-based production company Biscuit Filmworks, Aaron Ruell has also directed numerous commercials and industrial films, showcasing his versatility across genres and formats.
In a nostalgic yet exciting turn, Ruell recently returned to one of his most beloved roles: reprising Kip Dynamite in the animated television series adaptation of Napoleon Dynamite. Reuniting with the original cast, this move brought Aaron Ruell full circle—back to the character that introduced him to the world, while still allowing him to grow as an artist. Whether in front of or behind the lens, Aaron Ruell continues to make his mark, one frame at a time.
When it comes to Aaron Ruell’s film career, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—his role in Napoleon Dynamite (2004), which remains his highest rated movie by far. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film over the years, making it a cult classic and a defining moment in Aaron Ruell’s acting journey. On the other hand, not every project has received the same level of acclaim. For instance, On the Road With Judas (2007) ended up being Aaron Ruell’s lowest rated film to date. While Aaron Ruell brought his usual dedication to the role, the movie just didn’t resonate as strongly with viewers or critics. Still, Aaron Ruell’s contribution to indie cinema, especially through films like Napoleon Dynamite, continues to leave a lasting impression.