Aldis Hodge
Aldis Hodge (born September 20, 1986) is a versatile American actor, designer, and creative entrepreneur. This article explores his early life, acting journey, passions beyond screen, influence, and memorable reflections.
Introduction
Aldis Alexander Basil Hodge is an American actor whose body of work spans film, television, voice, and creative design. Beyond acting, he is also a painter, writer, and self-taught horologist (watchmaker). His career reflects a rare combination: artistic ambition grounded in craft, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to telling stories with depth and integrity.
Early Life and Family
Aldis Hodge was born on September 20, 1986, in Onslow County / Jacksonville, North Carolina. Aldis Basil Hodge and Yolette Evangeline Richardson—were servicemembers in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He has an older brother, Edwin Hodge, also an actor.
As a child, Aldis learned musical instruments: he played the clarinet and violin.
His upbringing in a disciplined, mobile, and artistic environment shaped both the work ethic and creative restlessness he would carry into adulthood.
Education and Creative Pursuits
While acting remained a core focus, Aldis also explored education in the arts and design. He attended the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.
Alongside acting, Hodge nurtured interests in painting, design, and horology (watchmaking). A. Hodge Atelier. Harmonia Rosales on a series titled Through the Looking Glass, exhibited in Los Angeles.
Hodge has spoken and written about the lack of diversity in horology (watchmaking) and his desire to open doors in that field.
Acting Career & Achievements
Rise in Television
Aldis began acting at an early age (he had uncredited or minor roles in his youth) and gradually built television credits.
One of the roles that brought him significant recognition was Alec Hardison on the TNT series Leverage (2008–2012).
He returned to that role later in Leverage: Redemption.
He also starred as Noah in the series Underground (2016–2017), which dealt with runaway slaves and the Underground Railroad.
From 2019 onward, he starred in the Showtime series City on a Hill as Decourcy Ward.
In 2024, Hodge took on the lead role of Alex Cross in the Prime Video series Cross, based on the character by James Patterson.
Film & Cinematic Work
Hodge’s film credits are diverse and include:
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Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) — early small role.
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Straight Outta Compton (2015): he played MC Ren.
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Hidden Figures (2016): he portrayed Levi Jackson.
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One Night in Miami... (2020): played Jim Brown.
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Black Adam (2022): he portrays Carter Hall / Hawkman in the DC Extended Universe.
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Voice roles: Green Lantern: Beware My Power (as John Stewart / Green Lantern) and others.
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Other films: The Invisible Man, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Clemency, Marmalade, Parallel (which he also co-wrote / produced) among others.
Hodge’s film choices often intersect with socially resonant stories—racial history, identity, moral dilemmas—and roles that demand nuance.
Recognition & Awards
He’s earned nominations and wins across film and television awards (e.g. Saturn Awards, ensemble awards, critics awards) for both supporting and lead roles.
In 2025, People published a profile exploring how being a father influenced his approach to roles (notably Cross) and transformed his perspective on life.
Personality, Passions & Values
Aldis Hodge is often described as deeply thoughtful, multi-disciplinary, curious, and disciplined. His creative life is not limited to acting; he actively pursues visual art, design, writing, and watchmaking.
He has spoken of the importance of representation in fields beyond entertainment—such as horology—and his desire to break barriers in those spaces.
On Black Adam, he integrated his passion for watches and design: he helped design a custom timepiece for his Hawkman character, incorporating symbolic elements.
Regarding fatherhood, Hodge has shared that his daughter—born prematurely and spending time in neonatal care—has profoundly changed his priorities and deepened his emotional range.
He seems to carry a tension often: the demands of a public career, the need for creative authenticity, and the desire to maintain integrity in multiple domains.
Memorable Thoughts & Reflections
While Aldis Hodge does not have as many widely circulated “quotes” as literary figures, a few stand out in interviews and profiles:
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On auditioning for Black Adam / Hawkman role, he once said he “re-taped… 300 times” to get it right — a sign of his perfectionism and drive.
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Regarding his approach to design and visual identity: he considers fashion and tailoring as a language, emphasizing detail, intentionality, and narrative.
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On fatherhood: in a People profile, he described how being a parent has shifted how he views roles: “What I get to reflect is a bit more earnest, honest and intimate … I know what this really means to me.”
These statements hint at his philosophy: that mastery is iterative, that identity is layered, and that life experience should inform art.
Legacy & Influence
Aldis Hodge represents a new kind of actor-creator — one who seeks to expand his domain rather than be confined by it.
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Cross-disciplinary creativity: By engaging in design, art, and watchmaking, he models that an artist needn’t be siloed.
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Representation in unexpected fields: His advocacy for diversity in horology brings visibility to spaces rarely associated with Black artisans.
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Character depth & nuance: His role choices often resist stereotypes; they ask audiences to engage with moral complexity.
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Mentorship & example: Younger actors and creators can look to him for how to balance commercial success, creative integrity, and personal exploration.
His visibility in major franchises (Black Adam) and lead roles (Cross) may expand his influence further in mainstream pop culture, but the depth of his reputation will likely rest on the quality and thoughtfulness he brings to each project.
Conclusion
Aldis Hodge is more than an actor — he is a multifaceted creative thinker, bridging performance with design, craft, and cultural ambition. From his early years balancing music and performance, to roles that demand emotional truth, to a passion for watches and visual art, he charts a path less traveled. As he steps into more high-profile roles and explores deeper creative fields, his legacy may lie not merely in star wattage but in the integrity, innovation, and boundary-breaking he brings to all his endeavors.