| Coonor Paolo | |
|---|---|
| |
| Character | Declan Porter |
| Season(s) | 1 - 2 |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1990 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| IMDb profile | |
Connor Paolo (born July 11, 1990) is an American actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Eric van der Woodsen on The CW series Gossip Girl, and his earlier work in two Oliver Stone films, World Trade Center and Alexander.
Life and Education[]
Paolo was born in New York City, New York; his mother is a musician, and his father is a writer. Paolo attended the Professional Performing Arts School alongside Andrea Bowen, Paul Iacono and Taylor Momsen. He took acting classes at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
For several summers, Paolo attended Appel Farm Arts and Music Center Summer Arts Camp located in Elmer, New Jersey. He attended New York University for one semester in Fall 2008.
Career[]
He played a preteen murderer-rapist in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He made his motion picture debut in Clint Eastwood's Oscar-nominated Mystic River, playing Young Sean. In 2004, Paolo was on One Life to Live as Travis O'Connell, a recurring character. Paolo also made a return appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, playing a disturbed teenager based on the real case of Justin Berry. Other films include World Trade Center for Oliver Stone in 2006; Snow Angels, directed by David Gordon Green; and Favorite Son, his first leading role.
Paolo has a background in theatre, and commercials. He has appeared on the Broadway stage in the hit musical The Full Monty and off-Broadway in the New York public theater production of Shakespeare's Richard III. He played Bottom in an abridged production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream.
From 2007 to 2011, Paolo has had a supporting role as Eric van der Woodsen on The CW series Gossip Girl, where he played the brother of lead Blake Lively's character. His last appearance was in the fourth season.
In 2009, he starred in the vampire apocalypse film Stake Land directed by Jim Mickle.
In April 2011, Connor was chosen by ABC to join the full casting of their upcoming thriller drama series titled Revenge starring Emily VanCamp. In August 2011, Paolo stated that he will be taking on the new series Revenge full time and his character Eric van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl will go off to college and stay there.[4]
Filmography[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | Law & Order Special Victims Unit | Zachary Connor/Teddy Winnock | 2 episode |
| 2003 | Mystic River | Young Sean Devine | |
| 2004 | One Life to Live | Travis O'Connell | |
| Alexander | Young Alexander | ||
| 2006 | Bully | Tom | |
| World Trade Center' | Steven McLoughlin | ||
| Favorite Son | Ross | ||
| 2007 | Snow Angel | Warren Hardesky | |
| 2007-2011 | Gossip Girl | Eric van der Woodsen | Recurring Role |
| 2009 | The Winning Season | Damon | |
| 2010 | Stake Land | Martin | |
| Camp Hell | Jack | ||
| Mercy | Everett Cone | 1 episode | |
| 2011 | Ten Year | Ricky/Rick | |
| 2011-2012 | Revenge | Declan Porter | Tv series, Main Cast |