Aaron 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 comedy, "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 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 December. He was recently awarded "Best Advertising" for his work with Citibank and "Best Website" in the 2007 PDN Annual.

Ruell studied film at Brigham Young University.

Personal life

Ruell is married to Julia Ruell. She appeared briefly in Napoleon Dynamite as Uncle Rico's girlfriend. She works in the film industry also, as an editor.

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 & Nominations

Teen Choice Awards

• 2005: Nominated, "Choice Movie Rockstar Moment" - Napoleon Dynamite

References

External links

• Aaron Ruell at the Internet Movie Database
• Aaron Ruell's photography site
• Aaron Ruell's commercials
• Aaron Ruell's Book