Aaron Ruell
Aaron Ruell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Derek Aaron Ruell |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Spouse | Julia Ruell (?-Present) |
Derek"KIP" Ruell (born June 23, 1976) is an American actor who was born in Fresno, California, but grew up in Clovis, California. He is most noted for his performance as Kipland Ronald Dynamite (or Kip) in the indie movie Napoleon Dynamite.
Career
Actor
Ruell is best known for playing the role of Kip Dynamite in the movie Napoleon Dynamite. In 2007, he starred in On the Road With Judas, which premiered in the Dramatic Competition section of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Ruell played a successful New York businessman who led a double life as a computer thief.
Director
Ruell is an accomplished commercial director and photographer. As a director he is represented by Biscuit Filmworks in Los Angeles. He was recently declared one of the most promising new directors in the world of advertising by Shoot magazine, as well as, "one of the emerging directors to know now" by Creativity. He has directed commercials for clients that range from T-Mobile to Nintendo and Coke to Burger King.
He was the only filmmaker to have two films, Everything's Gone Green and Mary, which he wrote and directed, premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.
Photographer
As a photographer he shot the promotional photography for Napoleon Dynamite, and designed the opening title sequence to the film. His photography has been seen in nearly every major publication and a book of his photography titled, "Some Photos," published by Nazraeli Press was released in February '08. He was recently awarded "Best Advertising" for his work with Citibank and "Best Website" in the 2007 PDN Annual. His work has been shown in galleries in Milan, Buenos Aires and in the United States.
Ruell studied film at Brigham Young University.[1]
Personal life
Ruell is married. His wife is the woman who played Uncle Rico's girlfriend in Napoleon Dynamite.
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
| 2005 | Napoleon Dynamite | Kipland Ronald "Kip" Dynamite | |
| 2006 | The Problem with Percival | Social Worker | Short film |
| Think Tank | |||
| 2007 | On the Road with Judas | Judas | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2005 | Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! | Suupa | Voice Role Episode: Brothers in Arms |
Awards and nominations
- 2005: Nominated, "Choice Movie Rockstar Moment" - Napoleon Dynamite