Celebrity Info
Best-known for his standout performances in popular rich-kid TV dramas like Gossip Girl (The CW, 2007–2012) and Revenge (ABC, 2011–2015), Connor Paolo has steadily built a reputation as a versatile and compelling actor across both television and film. Over the years, Connor Paolo has shown impressive range, stepping into intense roles that often explore the darker side of youth and identity. For instance, he delivered a haunting performance in the indie drama Favorite Son (2008), where Connor Paolo portrayed Ross, a deeply troubled teenager whose destructive behavior tears at the fabric of his family. Around the same time, he appeared in the post-apocalyptic vampire thriller Stake Land (2010), with Connor Paolo playing Martin, a young survivor navigating a world overrun by bloodthirsty creatures and moral decay.
Born in New York City in 1990 to a mother who was a musician and a father who worked as a writer, Connor Paolo was exposed to the arts from an early age. He honed his craft through training at several prestigious institutions, including the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) in his hometown and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. His on-screen debut came in 2002 when, as a young actor, Connor Paolo took on the chilling role of a pre-teen murderer and rapist in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC, 1999–). It was a bold start, but one that signaled his willingness to tackle difficult material.
From there, Connor Paolo continued to build momentum. He appeared in major films such as Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated Mystic River (2003), where he played the younger version of Sean Penn’s character, and Oliver Stone’s epic Alexander (2004), portraying the younger self of Colin Farrell’s title role. These early roles helped establish Connor Paolo as a go-to actor for nuanced, emotionally layered portrayals of youth. Later, he enjoyed a 16-episode arc on the long-running soap One Life to Live (ABC, 1968–2012), playing Travis O’Connell, a chatroom friend of the character Starr.
A significant turning point came when Connor Paolo reunited with director Oliver Stone for the powerful 9⁄11 drama World Trade Center (2006), where he played Steven McLoughlin, the son of Nicolas Cage’s character. The emotional weight of the role showcased his ability to convey quiet strength amid tragedy. Then, in 2007, Connor Paolo landed what would become one of his most recognizable roles—Eric van der Woodsen, Serena’s sensitive and introspective younger brother, on the hit series Gossip Girl. This recurring role brought him wider recognition and cemented his place in pop culture during the late 2000s.
Not long after, Connor Paolo transitioned back to film, taking on complex characters in independent projects. In Snow Angels (2007), based on Stewart O’Nan’s novel, he played Warren Hardesky, a pot-smoking high schooler caught in a web of personal and communal unraveling. He followed this with roles in The Winning Season (2009), where Connor Paolo portrayed Damon, a high school jock, and a guest spot on the medical drama Mercy (NBC, 2009–2010) as a pipe bomb terrorist—a brief but memorable performance.
Venturing further into genre work, Connor Paolo embraced horror with roles in Camp Hell (2010) as Jack, a rebellious student at a punitive religious camp, and again in Stake Land (2010), where his portrayal of Martin added depth to the bleak, survivalist narrative. In 2011, he joined the cast of Revenge as Declan Porter, the well-meaning but emotionally volatile younger brother of Jack Porter and occasional love interest to Charlotte Grayson. His performance added a layer of youthful vulnerability to the show’s intricate web of deceit and retribution.
After departing Revenge at the end of its second season, Connor Paolo returned to the big screen with a string of diverse roles. He played the titular character in Tyler Shields’ gritty crime drama Outlaw (2015), once again named Connor—a subtle nod to the actor himself. That same year, he starred as Mick Springfield, an anarchic college student, in the political thriller Like Lambs, and took on the role of Kobe in the cyber horror film Friend Request (2015), which explored the dangers of digital obsession.
Throughout his career, Connor Paolo has consistently chosen roles that challenge both him and his audience. Whether playing disturbed teens, survivors in dystopian worlds, or emotionally conflicted siblings in high-stakes dramas, Connor Paolo brings a raw authenticity to every performance. And while he may be best known for his time on Gossip Girl and Revenge, it’s his dedication to complex storytelling and character depth that continues to define Connor Paolo’s evolving journey in Hollywood.
When it comes to Connor Paolo’s career highlights, one name that consistently stands out is Séance (2024)—widely regarded as Connor Paolo’s highest rated film to date. Critics and audiences alike have praised the movie for its atmospheric tension and compelling storytelling, making it a standout moment in Connor Paolo’s filmography. On the other end of the spectrum, Alexander (2004) tends to receive much more mixed reactions, often cited as Connor Paolo’s lowest rated project so far. While the film had grand ambitions, it didn’t quite resonate the same way with viewers, leaving Connor Paolo’s role in it less celebrated. Overall, when you look at the range of Connor Paolo’s work, it’s clear that his performances span a variety of genres and critical receptions—but it’s Séance (2024) that truly shines in his portfolio.
United States
