Aidan Alexander Movies and TV Shows: Why He Walked Away From Acting

Aidan Alexander Movies and TV Shows: Why He Walked Away From Acting

Honestly, if you were on the internet circa 2015, you probably remember Aidan Alexander as that witty, green-eyed kid from Boise who moved to LA and suddenly seemed to be everywhere. He had the "it" factor that casting directors drool over. But then things got a little quiet on the IMDB front.

People always ask about the Aidan Alexander movies and tv shows they might have missed, or why he isn't starring in the next big Netflix rom-com. It’s a weird trajectory. Most actors would kill for the start he had. He was booking roles opposite Hollywood legends while most of us were still trying to figure out how to use a toaster.

He didn't just stumble into this. Aidan started acting when he was five. Five! By the time he was a teenager, he was already navigating the strange, often shallow waters of Los Angeles.

The Breakout: Red Wing and The Borgias

Most people don't realize his first professional gig was actually a heavy hitter. He was cast in The Borgias on Showtime. We’re talking Jeremy Irons, high-production historical drama, the works. He played Joffre Borgia. It’s a hell of a way to start a resume.

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Then came Red Wing in 2013. This is the one fans usually point to as his "big" film debut. He played a character named Johnny. What’s wild is that he was acting alongside Bill Paxton and Luke Perry. Perry actually played his dad in the movie.

Aidan has joked in interviews about how he struggled with the Southern accent for that role. Apparently, Luke Perry spent a lot of time trying to help him nail it. Imagine having a teen idol icon coaching your dialect at 13. Pretty surreal.

The Viral Years and A Cowgirl’s Story

Around 2016 and 2017, the line between "influencer" and "actor" started to blur for him. He had a massive social media following, which helped land him roles that felt very "of the moment."

Take A Cowgirl's Story (2017). He played Trevor, the sensitive love interest to Bailee Madison’s character. It was a classic family-friendly flick that leaned into his "internet boyfriend" persona. He also starred in the Brat series Baby Doll Records, which was basically the peak of that era's digital content boom.

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Vikes: The Movie Nobody Talked About

One of his most interesting projects is a quirky indie called Vikes. He played the lead, Thorvald.

The plot is actually pretty relevant even now. His character tries to change his high school’s mascot because it’s offensive to the Scandinavian community—mostly just to impress a girl played by Sydney Sweeney.

Yeah, that Sydney Sweeney.

Before she was a household name in Euphoria or The White Lotus, she was doing indie comedies with Aidan Alexander. The movie has this very Election or Juno vibe. It’s probably the most "real" acting we saw from him during his peak years in front of the camera.

Why the Shift to Music?

So, where are the new Aidan Alexander movies and tv shows? Short answer: they don't really exist right now.

Around 2018, Aidan started getting really vocal about his frustration with Hollywood. He’s talked about the vanity, the "social climbing," and the pressure to be a certain type of person. He even wrote a song called "The Hills" that basically drags the whole LA scene.

He sort of checked out of the traditional acting lane to focus on music. He’s released tracks like "Melancholia" and "The End of the World."

He’s admitted he’s a perfectionist. He once went two years without releasing anything because he was terrified it wasn't good enough. During that time, he didn't just grow as an artist—he literally grew three inches. He went from being the "short kid" in early roles to being 6'1".

Key Filmography Highlights

  • Red Wing (2013): His first major film role as Johnny.
  • The Borgias (2011): TV debut as Joffre Borgia.
  • Vikes (2017): Lead role as Thorvald.
  • A Cowgirl's Story (2017): Played Trevor.
  • Tell Me Lies (2022): A more recent appearance that surprised fans.

What Most People Get Wrong

There’s this misconception that Aidan Alexander "failed" at acting or got "canceled." Neither is true.

He just grew up.

Most child or teen actors hit a wall where they have to decide if they actually like the industry or if they just liked the attention. Aidan seems to have chosen the art over the industry. He’s been very open about his identity and his desire to make "moody electro-pop" rather than being stuck in the "teen heartthrob" box.

The industry is different now. In 2026, we’re seeing more actors take long breaks to find their actual voice. Aidan was just ahead of the curve.

What to Watch Next

If you’re looking to catch up on his work, start with Vikes. It’s available on most streaming platforms like Vudu or Amazon Prime. It shows a range that his social media posts usually hide.

After that, check out his music videos. While they aren't traditional "movies," they’re heavily stylized and show that he still has that cinematic eye. He’s mentioned that Meryl Streep is his ultimate career goal, so don't be surprised if he eventually returns to the screen for a "prestige" role rather than a blockbuster.

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For now, the best way to follow his "performances" is through his discography. He’s treating his music career with the same intensity he once brought to a Showtime set.

If you want to track his transition from Boise kid to LA musician, watch his older interviews alongside his "The Hills" music video. The contrast tells the whole story.