While things weren’t realistically portrayed as much as he would have hoped, Michael Oher was nonetheless extremely moved by Quinton Aaron’s amazing delivery in the film. You might find it hard to believe that this was Aaron’s first lead role and that he had only tried his hand at acting with a few minor roles prior to The Blind Side.
At the time that he was cast for the film, Aaron was working as a security guard, which seems like a fitting role for somebody of his size and stature. The then 23-year-old had little hopes of landing the role when he auditioned. On his way out, he gave his business card to director John lee Hancock and offered to provide his services as a security guard on the set during the shoots. At the time, Aaron was living in a tough neighborhood in the Bronx with his brother and mother. It took a year until Quinton received notice that he got the part, during which he was on the cusp of being evicted. During that year, Quinton’s mother had died and he wasn’t able to pay for rent. Quinton was later able to draw inspiration from his own experience to help relate to his onscreen character.
A Few Years Apart
Most fans of the film and those who were devoted football fans can understand how Quinton Aaron might pass as the football star Michael Oher. They have a similar build and height. However, one minor difference separates the two.
Quinton Aaron is a bit older than Michael Oher. He was born in 1984, while Michael Oher was born in 1986. The age difference is pretty insignificant and Quinton Aaron proved himself to be one fine Michael Oher.
Having Famous Friends
While Michael Oher wasn’t a huge fan of the film, he didn’t have any negative feelings toward the actors and actresses who portrayed his story. Actually, one star of the film still has quite the presence in his life; Sandra Bullock herself.
Sandra Bullock developed a relationship with Michael Oher, as well as with the entire Tuohy family. She continues to follow Michael Oher’s progress as an athlete and roots for him whenever she gets the chance. She can be spotted at many Super Bowl games, alongside the family, hoping to see him win.
The Concerns Of Oher Himself
To this day, Michael Oher does not like the film. It’s not only because of how the film depicted him as a person and as a football player. But, it’s also because of how people continue to view him today.
Oher feels sorry that most people don’t see him as the person he wants them to see; as a serious athlete who put in a lot of work and effort to get to this place that he previously thought was impossible. To his disappointment, he feels that most people see him now as a player that had a movie made about him and not as the talented athlete he is.
His Time at School
Michael Oher’s acceptance to Briarcrest Christian School was another part of the film that was tweaked in order to arouse a greater emotional reaction from the audience. While this may have drawn movie watchers even closer to the film, it did just the opposite for Oher who grew more frustrated at the overly-embellished film plot.
In the movie, teachers are hesitant to let Oher into Briarcrest, but change their mind when they notice how he opens up to them. Oher’s coach also advocates on behalf of Oher and helps convince authorities in his favor by delivering a convincing and emotional speech. However, in reality, Michael Oher didn’t get into the school this easily thanks to his nearly non-existent academic record as of 2002. While his coach did advocate for his acceptance, the principal at Briarcrest insisted that he participate in a home school program for a few months and complete some pretty challenging assignments before the school accepted him. How else was the film different than reality?