Isaac Powell

Isaac Cole Powell was born on December 30, 1994, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He developed an interest in acting in middle school, participating in the Community Theatre of Greensboro. He then attended Philip J. Weaver Academy, a performing arts high school, and later a boarding program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), from which he graduated in May 2017 with an acting degree. His early career included roles in regional theater productions, such as Nikos in “Legally Blonde” at the Barn Dinner Theatres, and ensemble roles in “Newsies” and “Mamma Mia!” with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. He also originated the title role in “Nikola Tesla Drops the Beat” at the Adirondack Theatre Festival.

Powell’s Broadway debut came in 2017 when he played Daniel in the revival of “Once on This Island” at the Circle in the Square Theatre, a role he recorded on the cast album. Critics noted his performance in the song “Some Girls” for its sensitivity and poignancy. Following this, he took on the significant role of Tony in the 2020 Broadway revival of “West Side Story” at the Broadway Theatre, a production that had its run shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His career expanded into film and television, with a notable role as Rhys in the 2021 film adaptation of “Dear Evan Hansen.”

His television work includes diverse projects such as “American Horror Story,” where he played Theo Graves in “NYC” (2022) and Troy Lord in “Double Feature” (2021). He also appeared in “Modern Love” (2021) and “The Franchise” (2024). Beyond acting, Powell has engaged in modeling, working with agencies like New Pandemics and featuring in publications such as “W Magazine.” In 2024, he starred as Jay Gatsby in the world premiere of Florence Welch’s musical “Gatsby: An American Myth” at the American Repertory Theatre, showcasing his continued presence in both theatrical and on-screen productions.