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Isaac Powell
Born (1994-12-30) December 30, 1994 (age 30)
Education University of North Carolina School of the Arts (BFA)
Occupation
  • Actor
  • singer
Years active 2015–present
Partner(s) Wesley Taylor (2017–2021)

Isaac Cole Powell (born December 30, 1994) is an American actor and singer. He is known for his roles in Broadway musicals. Isaac played Daniel in the 2017 Broadway show Once on This Island. He also starred as Tony in the 2019 Broadway show West Side Story.

Isaac Powell's Early Life and Training

Isaac Powell grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was the youngest of three children. His father, Will Powell, was a three-time world CrossFit champion. Isaac started acting in middle school. He joined the Community Theatre of Greensboro.

He went to Philip J. Weaver Academy, a high school for performing arts. Later, he transferred to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). He graduated from UNCSA in May 2017 with a degree in acting.

Starting His Acting Career

While still in college, Isaac began acting professionally. He played Nikos in the musical Legally Blonde. This was at the Barn Dinner Theatres.

After graduating in 2017, he performed in other musicals. These included Newsies and Mamma Mia!. He performed with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. He also created the main role in Nikola Tesla Drops the Beat. This show was at the Adirondack Theatre Festival.

Isaac Powell's Broadway Roles

Isaac Powell became well-known for his work on Broadway. He has starred in several popular musicals.

Once on This Island

Isaac played Daniel in the 2017 Broadway revival of Once on This Island. The show started previews in November 2017. It officially opened in December of that year. Critics praised his performance. The New York Times called his solo song, "Some Girls," "quietly sensitive." Another review said he was "charismatic and silvery-voiced." He recorded his role on the show's cast album.

West Side Story

Isaac took on the role of Tony in the 2020 Broadway revival of West Side Story. This production was directed by Ivo van Hove. It began previews in December 2019. The show officially opened in February 2020 at the Broadway Theatre. However, it closed early in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Notable Performances

In November 2020, Isaac was cast in the film Dear Evan Hansen. He played a new character named Rhys, a high school jock.

In August 2021, Isaac was part of a special concert. It was for the musical Wicked and aired on PBS. He performed alongside many famous artists.

In the summer of 2024, Isaac starred as Jay Gatsby. This was in the new musical Gatsby: An American Myth. The show had its first performance at the American Repertory Theatre.

Isaac Powell's Personal Life

Isaac Powell is open about his life. He met Broadway actor Wesley Taylor in 2016. They started a relationship in 2017 and were engaged in May 2019. Their relationship ended in 2021.

Theatre Performances

Year Title Role Theatre Director(s)
2017 Nikola Tesla Drops The Beat Nikola Tesla Adirondack Theatre Festival Marshall Pailet
Newsies Ensemble Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera
(at the Benedum Center)
Richard J. Hinds
Mamma Mia! Barry Ivan
2017–19 Once on This Island Daniel Beauxhomme Circle in the Square Theatre Michael Arden
2019–20 West Side Story Tony Broadway Theatre Ivo van Hove
2024 Gatsby: An American Myth Jay Gatsby American Repertory Theatre Rachel Chavkin

Film and Television Roles

Isaac Powell has also appeared in several films and TV shows.

Film Roles

Year Title Role Notes
2015 Just a Body Pastor Dave Short film
2019 XaveMePlease Xavier Short film
2021 Dear Evan Hansen Rhys
2022 Susie Searches Ray Garcia
2023 Cat Person Clay
2023 Past Lives Guy
2023 Our Son Solo
TBA The Moment Filming

Television Roles

Year Title Role Notes
2018 Broadway.com #LiveatFive Himself 1 episode
2018 Murphy Brown Jack Episode: "A Lifetime of Achievement"
2018–2019 Indoor Boys Logan 6 episodes
2021 Modern Love Vince Episode: "A Life Plan for Two, Followed by One"
2021 American Horror Story: Double Feature Troy Lord 4 episodes
2022 American Horror Story: NYC Theo Graves 7 episodes
2024 The Franchise Bryson Main role

Awards and Nominations

Isaac Powell has been recognized for his talent.

Year Awards Category Nominated work Result
2019 Grammy Awards Best Musical Theater Album Once on This Island Nominated
2020 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance West Side Story Nominated
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