Early Life and Education

Aaron Paul Sturtevant was born on August 27, 1979, in Emmett, Idaho, to Darla and Robert Sturtevant. His father, Robert, is a retired Baptist minister. From a young age, Paul showed an interest in performing, participating in church plays during his childhood. His passion for acting deepened when he joined his school's theater program in eighth grade. He graduated from Centennial High School in Boise, Idaho, in 1998.

Determined to pursue an acting career, Paul saved $6,000 before graduation and soon after relocated to Los Angeles with his mother, driving in his 1982 Toyota Corolla.

Career Breakthrough and Acting Success

Aaron Paul's entry into the entertainment industry began when he placed as a runner-up in the International Modeling and Talent Association competition. This exposure helped him sign with a talent agent. During his early years in Hollywood, Paul supported himself by working as an usher at the Universal Studios Movie Theater while auditioning for roles. He appeared in commercials and was featured in the music videos for Korn’s “Thoughtless” and Everlast’s “White Trash Beautiful.”

Paul's first significant television role came in 2007 when he was cast on HBO's drama Big Love. He played Scott Quitman, the supportive partner of Amanda Seyfried’s character, Sarah Hendrickson. However, it was his groundbreaking role as Jesse Pinkman on AMC’s Breaking Bad, which premiered in 2008, that propelled him to fame. Initially, the character was meant to be written off in the first season, but Paul’s compelling performance convinced the show’s creator, Vince Gilligan, to retain him throughout the series. His portrayal earned him multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.