Tristan Wilds, a talented individual, was born in Staten Island, New York. At the age of 15, in 2005, he made his television debut as AJ in the mini-series Miracle Boys. Following this, he ventured into the world of theater, working with Phylicia Rashad and the Roundabout Theater Company in the workshops Wool and Stockholm Brooklyn, where he played the role of Bryce for the Cherry Lane Theater.
In 2006, Tristan's career took a significant turn when he was cast as Michael Lee in HBO's critically acclaimed series The Wire. The same year, he made his big-screen debut, starring opposite Ryan Gosling in the indie film Half Nelson, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Since making his TV and screen debuts, Tristan has been a busy young man. In 2007, he was cast opposite Roger Guenveur Smith, playing the role of Adrian in the film Indelible, which is currently in post-production. He also appeared in an episode of Cold Case and Law & Order. Tristan's next project was the animated series Blokhedz, where he voiced the main character Blak, based on the independent graphic novel by Mark and Mike Davis. He then returned to the set of The Wire to film its fifth and final season.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Tristan quickly landed another role, this time in the screen adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's novel, The Secret Life of Bees, where he played the role of Zachary Taylor alongside Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifa, and Alicia Keys. The film was released in theaters in October 2008.
In 2008, Tristan made the move to a new television series, landing the role of Dixon Wilson on the contemporary spin-off teen drama 90210. After wrapping up the first season, he took on the role of Ray Gunn Gannon in the George Lucas film Red Tails.
Tristan's talents extend beyond the screen, as he has appeared in several magazines, discussing his career and plans for the future. He was featured in the 2008 Hollywood Issue of Essence magazine as one of Hollywood's rising stars. He has also appeared in music videos, including Ghetto Mindstate by rap artist Li'l Flip featuring Lyfe Jennings, where he was introduced as Jay Z's nephew, and Teenage Love Affair by Alicia Keys. Tristan was also a model for Rocawear's 2008 "I Will Not Lose" campaign.
Not content to simply act and model, Tristan is also a talented singer and songwriter, currently working on his music. When he is not on a television or movie set, he can be found hard at work in a recording studio, honing his craft and preparing for his next big project.
