Paras Patel, an American actor of Indian descent, developed a passion for acting from a young age. Before his major role in The Chosen, he had minor appearances in other films and TV series, debuting in the 2011 TV movie Teen Spirit.

Profile Summary

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Full Name: Paras Patel
Date of Birth: July 8, 1986 (Age: 38 as of 2024)
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Place of Birth: Florida, United States
Current Residence: Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Indian
Religion: Hindu
Height: 5'9" (176 cm)
Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)
Relationship Status: Single
Profession: Actor
Instagram: @itsmeparas
Facebook: @Paras Patel

Early Life and Education

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Born and raised in a small beach town in Central Florida, Paras completed a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Real Estate from the University of Florida. While he was interested in acting from the eighth grade, he initially pursued yearbook club activities instead of theater. His interest in the performing arts continued into college, though his parents preferred he pursue a more traditional path.

Paras recalled his childhood creativity during an interview with Voyage LA Magazine, sharing how he and his brother would create short skits with a camcorder, pretending they had a TV show. From playing imaginative characters to turning book reports into plays, his love for performance was always evident.

Transition to Acting

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After graduating, Paras moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue his interest in acting, especially as the economy was unfavorable for finance jobs at the time. He initially started doing background work in shows like The Vampire Diaries while saving to pay for acting classes and professional headshots. His commitment to acting led him to Los Angeles, where he faced the typical struggles of the industry, spending over a year without work. He eventually secured roles that helped him build his career, and his big break came with The Chosen.

Career and Breakthrough with The Chosen

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The Chosen brought Paras widespread recognition, where he plays Matthew, a complex character with traits on the autism spectrum. He has spoken extensively about the profound impact this role has had on him. Paras shared that filming biblical scenes with a strong cast and crew brings a unique energy to the set. He feels privileged to play Matthew, explaining how the role helped him connect with audiences worldwide.

Despite his financial background, Paras humorously remarked that it didn’t influence his casting for the role of Matthew, a tax collector with a good grasp of numbers.

Personal Life

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Paras values his privacy and hasn’t shared details about his personal relationships, though he confirmed in an interview in August 2022 that he isn’t married.

Other Work and Skills

Apart from acting, Paras has worked as an assistant film director and script supervisor on the short film Unrelated (2015). He is also fluent in Portuguese and enjoys outdoor activities like swimming and hiking.

Selected Filmography

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Some notable films and TV series featuring Paras Patel include:

The Chosen (2019-2024)
The Shift (2023)
Jesus Revolution (2023)
For The People (2018-2019)
K.C. Undercover (2015)
Nashville (2013-2015)

Quick Facts

Paras holds a degree in finance.
He was a reserved child but found confidence in performing.
Despite challenges, his family has always been supportive of his career.
Moving to LA initially posed challenges due to the distance from family and friends.
Paras Patel's journey from finance to a celebrated role in The Chosen showcases his dedication and adaptability, proving that passion and perseverance can reshape careers and lives.