Bonnie Aarons, born in Maryland on September 9, 1960, has certainly made a name for herself in the world of film—especially within the horror genre. Now, when people think of truly chilling performances, Bonnie Aarons often comes to mind, thanks to her unforgettable role as the demonic nun. But long before she became a household name in horror circles, Bonnie Aarons was already carving out her path in the entertainment industry during the 1990s.
Early in her career, Bonnie Aarons appeared in several music videos, one notable example being “Round Here” by The Counting Crows back in 1993. It wasn’t just music that caught her interest—she also took on small yet impactful roles in major films. For instance, fans might recognize Bonnie Aarons as the haunting bum in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive (2001), or perhaps as the elegant baroness in both The Princess Diaries (2001) and its sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). These roles, though brief, showcased her unique screen presence and versatility.
But it was in 2016, when Bonnie Aarons stepped into the role of Valak—the terrifying demon disguised as a nun in The Conjuring 2—that everything changed. At a time when so many horror effects relied heavily on CGI and elaborate prosthetics, Bonnie Aarons’ transformation was achieved almost entirely through makeup. And honestly, the result was bone-chilling. Her striking facial features, combined with an eerie stillness and intensity, brought the character to life in a way that deeply unsettled audiences.
It’s no surprise then that Bonnie Aarons’ portrayal left such a lasting impression—it was powerful enough to spawn its own spin-off. The Nun (2018) not only gave Bonnie Aarons top billing but also went on to become the highest-grossing film in the entire Conjuring Universe. Talk about a breakthrough! Then, years later, in 2023, fans were once again treated to Bonnie Aarons’ chilling performance in The Nun II, proving that this particular villain still has plenty of fright left to give.
So whether you love to be scared or just appreciate a truly committed performance, there’s no denying the impact Bonnie Aarons has had. From her early appearances to becoming one of horror’s most iconic figures, Bonnie Aarons continues to leave a mark—one haunting frame at a time.
So, when it comes to Bonnie Aarons’s filmography, there’s definitely a standout in terms of critical reception. Bonnie Aarons really made an impression with Jakob’s Wife (2021), which ended up being her highest rated movie by far. The performance showcased Bonnie Aarons in a powerful, transformative role that critics and audiences alike responded to positively. On the flip side, going back a bit, Bonnie Aarons was also part of I Know Who Killed Me (2007), which unfortunately landed as her lowest rated film. While Bonnie Aarons brought depth to her character, the movie itself received mixed to negative reviews overall. Still, it’s interesting to see the range in Bonnie Aarons’s career—from intense horror to more polarizing thrillers. Bonnie Aarons continues to be a compelling presence on screen, no matter the project.