Knights, Camera, Action: Aaron Stanford's rise from Mason-Gross to Marvel Cinematic Universe

Aaron Stanford, born in the small town of Westford, Massachusetts, didn't know where his penchant for acting would take him. After struggling to find motivation in his academic pursuits, he initially saw acting as just an outlet. Growing up in a tight-knit community, he participated in school and community theater productions, but only discovered near the end of high school that acting could be pursued as a serious career.

When it finally came time to choose a college, Rutgers stood out as one of the few real considerations. The University's proximity to New York City — a place he longed to experience — would play a major factor in his eventual enrollment at the school.

Since graduating, Stanford's acting has been a whirlwind, highlighted by stints in the "X-Men" franchise, including a recent appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster, "Deadpool & Wolverine." In an interview with The Daily Targum, Stanford unmasked and reminisced over his journey from New Brunswick to Hollywood.

In addition to his passion for acting, Stanford's move to Rutgers was driven by a deep-rooted love for storytelling. His love for stories, nurtured by his parents, who were avid readers, led him to the stage as a way to escape into different worlds and explore new identities.

"Lewis Carroll, 'Alice in Wonderland,' 'The Wizard of Oz' — all that stuff just transported me and I absolutely loved it," he said.

His parents would unconditionally support him as he took up the mantle of acting — their only sticking point was that he would have to go to college.

He auditioned for the Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he would go on to study under Barbara Marchant, the former associate chair of the Department of Theater at Mason Gross, head of the BFA/MFA acting program and director and co-founder of the Rutgers Conservatory Training Program at Shakespeare's Globe in London, England.

She would serve as a pivotal figure in his development as an actor. Reflecting on his time at Rutgers, Stanford spoke highly of the comprehensive training he received. 

"It was all consuming … you ate, breathed and slept acting," he said. 

The program at Mason Gross was demanding, but it provided an atmosphere that allowed students like Stanford to take risks and grow as artists. He noted how the program evolved over the years, particularly under Marchant's leadership, transforming from a "feeder program" for the master's degree into a robust BFA program. This environment, Stanford emphasized, was crucial in allowing him to hone his craft.

One of the most significant experiences for Stanford at Rutgers was his performance in "'Master Harold'...and the Boys" at the Jameson Studio Theater on Douglass campus. He played Hallie, a character with a South African accent, which was emotionally intense and challenging, but rewarding, nonetheless. This experience, among others, helped build his confidence and solidified his belief that he belonged in the acting world.

"There (were) a lot of challenges," he said. "And it was something that I was afraid of, and it ended up pushing me to places that really, really helped me grow in ways that were important."

After graduating from Rutgers, Stanford quickly made a name for himself in the industry. His breakthrough came in the independent film "Tadpole," where he played the lead role, a private school student, opposite Sigourney Weaver.

Despite this early achievement, Stanford candidly discussed the challenges of breaking into the industry but emphasized the importance of perseverance. Even if an actor doesn't land an audition, it serves as a learning experience or a chance for growth.

"There's a lot of gatekeepers and a lot of people in the way," he said. "It's really hard to get your foot in the door … and once it's cracked, you have more opportunities … The real trick of it is just getting that first person to take a risk and take a chance on you."

The success of "Tadpole" opened doors to further opportunities, including his role as the villain Pyro in "X2: X-Men United," which introduced him to a global audience. Stanford noted that the experience was daunting, particularly in transitioning from off-Broadway theater and an independent film to a big-budget movie set. 

Stanford's role as Pyro didn't just stop with "X2" — he would later reprise the role in "X-Men: The Last Stand" and most recently, "Deadpool & Wolverine." While his initial experience in the superhero genre was overshadowed by nerves, his now 20-year career provided some much-needed insight and introspection.

"It's been great because I can relax and enjoy it a bit more at this point," Stanford said of his return to the Marvel franchise.

As Stanford's career continues to evolve and reach new heights, he acknowledges the importance of his early career in building a solid foundation. Although his journey began in quiet Rutgers classrooms, he believes that other aspiring actors will find their own meaningful paths to the bright lights of Hollywood.

Stanford stresses the value of exploration and trying new experiences for actors searching for their identity and a way into the industry. Whether it comes from an independent film or a micro-budget YouTube short, everyone has their own way of breaking that first door down. The key is to cherish the journey just as much as the eventual destination.

"Everyone has a different road. And the business has changed so much," he said. "There's always something else extending out in front of you … (You) get so caught up and concerned with the future and where you're going that you don't allow yourself to appreciate it."