Avan Jogia is a Canadian actor, author, and director, best known for his notable role as Beck Oliver in the popular Nickelodeon series Victorious. Born Avan Tudor Jogia on February 9, 1992, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, he has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry while also advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and exploring his passion for writing.
Jogia's journey in acting began at a young age. He first gained recognition for his portrayal of Danny Araujo in the television film A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story (2006), which laid the groundwork for his future career. After relocating to the United States in his late teens, he secured various roles in television series, including a part in Caprica (2009–2010). However, it was his role in Victorious from 2010 to 2013 that skyrocketed his fame, as he became a fan favorite for his charming performance.
Following the success of Victorious, Jogia took on a variety of roles that showcased his versatility as an actor. He starred as Danny Desai in the mystery-drama series Twisted (2013), played the historical figure Tutankhamun in the miniseries Tut (2015), and portrayed Roman Mercer in the paranormal action series Ghost Wars (2017–2018). His film credits include appearances in Spectacular! (2009), Finding Hope Now (2010), Rags (2012), Ten Thousand Saints (2015), I Am Michael (2015), and Zombieland: Double Tap (2019). In 2021, he took on the iconic role of Leon S. Kennedy in the film Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.
In addition to his acting career, Jogia made his directorial debut in 2011 with the short film Alex. He is also known for his commitment to social causes, co-founding the LGBT online organization Straight But Not Narrow in 2011, which aims to foster understanding and support for the LGBTQ+ community among teenagers and adults alike. His literary pursuits include the publication of his first book, "Mixed Feelings," in 2019, a collection of short stories and poems exploring multiracial identity, for which he hand-painted all the illustrations. His second book of poetry, “Autopsy (of an Ex-Teen Heartthrob),” is set to be released on February 11, 2025.
Through his artistic endeavors, Jogia continues to express his creativity beyond acting. Along with his brother Ketan, he formed the band Saint Ivory, which released an album titled "Mixed Feelings" to complement his book. Avan is a multi-talented musician, proficient in guitar, piano, and accordion, in addition to his singing abilities.
As he progresses in his career, Avan Jogia remains a prominent figure in the entertainment landscape, known for his dynamic performances, artistic versatility, and commitment to advocacy. His journey reflects a blend of creativity, social consciousness, and a dedication to exploring the complexities of identity through various artistic mediums.