Michael Iskander | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupation(s) | Actor Musician |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Notable work | House of David |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
|
Michael Iskander is an Egyptian-born American actor and musician, [1] best known for his portrayal of King David in the Amazon Prime Video series House of David (2025) and his Broadway debut in the Tony Awards winning musical Kimberly Akimbo .
Iskander was born in Egypt and raised in a faith-centered household. He was baptized into the Coptic Orthodox Church and spent much of his childhood involved in church life. [2] At the age of nine, he immigrated to the United States, where he began learning English and adjusted to his new environment through music and performance. [3] His interest in the performing arts emerged during his sophomore year of high school, when a friend encouraged him to audition for the choir. This experience led him to discover a passion for acting and singing, eventually participating in school musicals. [4]
Iskander gained early recognition in 2019 for his performance as Usnavi in a high school production of In the Heights, which earned him the Spirit of the M.A.C.Y. Award for Best Actor and a Special Recognition Award at the Jimmy Awards the same year.
He made his Broadway debut in 2022, portraying Aaron Puckett in Kimberly Akimbo , a production that went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2023. [5] [6]
In 2025, Iskander transitioned to screen acting with his debut role as King David in the Prime Video series House of David , [7] [8] which follows the biblical figure’s rise from shepherd to monarch. He starred alongside Ali Suliman and Ayelet Zurer. [9] His portrayal received attention for its emotional depth and sincerity, with several commentators noting a personal connection to the character’s spiritual arc. [10] [5]
In addition to acting, Iskander is also a singer-songwriter. He released the single "I Know" in 2021 and contributed to the Kimberly Akimbo original Broadway cast recording. [3] His collaboration with Gabby Barrett, "Lead Me To The Water," [11] was featured on the album House of David: Season One (Music Inspired by the Prime Video Original Series). [12] [13] [14]
Iskander grew up as a Coptic Orthodox Christian and has stated that portraying David in House of David contributed to a deeper understanding of biblical narratives and strengthened his personal faith. [2] [15] He noted that the role helped him see scriptural figures as multifaceted and relatable, offering a more nuanced spiritual perspective. [15] On August 21st, 2025, he announced he was received into the Catholic Church. [16]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–present | House of David | David | Main role |
| Year | Title | Role | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Kimberly Akimbo | Aaron Puckett | Atlantic Theater Company | Off-Broadway |
| 2022–24 | Booth Theatre | Broadway |
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2021 | I Know |
| 2025 | Lead Me To The Water remix ft.(Gabby Barrett) |
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Spirit of the MACY Awards | Best Actor | Won | [17] [18] |
| Jimmy Awards | Special Recognition Award | Won |