Isaac Powell has star power that can’t be taught. Whether she’s belting it out on Broadway, stealing scenes on TV, or smoldering for the camera in a Palomo Spain coat, Powell maintains an elusive blend of classic movie star looks and undeniable charm. More than just a performer, the 29-year-old North Carolina native is becoming Hollywood’s new leading man with the talent and the face to back it up.
Training, talent, and a face made for the spotlight
Powell grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, and longed for independence, which he found on stage. He trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where his professors quickly discovered that he had more than just good genes. During and after school, he began racking up credits, starring in Legally Blonde, Newsies, Mamma Mia!, and Nikola Tesla Drops the Beat. His voice, presence, and undeniable charisma made him stand out.
Broadway quickly attracted attention. In the 2017 revival of Once on This Island, he performed a heartfelt solo that was praised by critics as “quietly delicate” and “the most moving moment of the revival.” His silvery vocals, combined with natural charm, attracted attention not only in theater, but also in the fashion world. Palomo Spain and NIHL featured him on the runways of New York Fashion Week, and publications such as W and Hello Mr. featured him prominently.
“I basically shot for every gay publication,” Powell says with a laugh of his fortuitous career as a model, not only because he’s photogenic, but because he has a presence. His camera work led to a contract with New Pandemics and expanded his recognition beyond the stage.
From Broadway Tony to Hollywood’s next big thing
In 2019, he landed the role of Tony in Ivo van Hove’s West Side Story revival. His performance confirmed what casting directors had already been whispering: Powell could direct anything. Hollywood quickly caught up. In 2020, he made his feature film debut in Universal’s film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen, playing Rhys, a character newly created for the film.
Television followed, with Powell starring in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story: Double Feature and American Horror Story: NYC, bringing intensity, vulnerability, and heat to every scene. He is currently flexing his comedic talents on HBO’s The Franchise, playing Bryson, an assistant who manages the chaos of a disastrous superhero production.
Jay Gatsby, Florence Welch, and the Next Act
This summer, Powell played one of literature’s most gentle and emotionally complex roles: Jay Gatsby. Gatsby: An American Myth, adapted into a musical by Florence Welch, spotlighted Powell and perfectly blended his singing ability, stage presence, and beautiful, mysterious aura. Welch focused on the show’s emotional depth, and Powell became its central character.
After playing Gatsby, filming The Franchise, and returning to Gatsby, he finally took a breather, traveled Europe, hiked and swam, and took a break from the busyness of the industry.
beyond beauty
Mr. Powell has always been candid about his journey. He came out at age 16 and later entered into a long-term relationship with Broadway actor Wesley Taylor. The two got engaged in 2019 and broke up in 2021, but Powell has remained open about his experience carving out a space in mainstream entertainment as a gay performer.
He is currently preparing for what he hopes will be his next step, a real starring role in a movie.
“I’m ready to star in a movie,” he says. At this point, Hollywood might be ready for him, too.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
