Aaron John O’Connell | As Pastor Gavin

Aaron John O’Connell was born in Dayton, Ohio. He grew up with his sisters Amy, Abby and Anna. While studying health, fitness, and nutrition at Purdue University, Aaron was signed with Ford Models in Chicago, Illinois. His quick success moved him to New York City where he worked with GQ, Vanity Fair, Carolina Herrera, Vogue Germany, Vogue France, Hanes, Lucky Brand Jeans, Abercrombie & Fitch and Jockey.

After successfully booking a few national commercials, he caught the eye of writer, producer and director Tyler Perry. He was cast in the first television drama ever created by Tyler Perry, “The Haves and The Have Nots” (2013). Aaron garnered much attention for his role of “Wyatt Cryer,” subsequently appearing in over 86 episodes.

Aaron was offered his first supporting role in the film A Prince For Christmas, starring alongside actress Viva Bianca. After his standout performance in the film, Aaron was offered the starring role in 12 Gifts of Christmas (2015) the following year, as well as a lead role in the film, Take Two for Faith (2017). His upcoming film Black Water, slated for release this year, is an action thriller in which Aaron stars alongside Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

When Aaron gets a break from the entertainment business, he loves to fly planes. In 2013, he earned his private pilot’s license, and later became an instrument-rated pilot in 2014. While he enjoys flying his Cirrus SR22 recreationally, he also flies for the charity “Pilots ’N Paws,” ferrying dogs from kill shelters to their new families. He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to work on his craft.