Michael Iskander

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.^[3] 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.^[4] 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.^[5]

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.^[1][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.^[1][10]

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.^[4] 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.^[3][15] He noted that the role helped him see scriptural figures as multifaceted and relatable, offering a more nuanced spiritual perspective.^[15]

He converted to Catholicism and announced his conversion in an Instagram post on August 22, 2025.^[16]