Michael Iskander
Michael Iskander is an Egyptian-born American actor and musician, best known for his portrayal of King David in the Amazon Prime Video series House of David and his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo.
Early life and education
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. 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. 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.Career
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.
In 2025, Iskander transitioned to screen acting with his debut role as King David in the Prime Video series House of David, which follows the biblical figure’s rise from shepherd to monarch. He starred alongside Ali Suliman and Ayelet Zurer. His portrayal received attention for its emotional depth and sincerity, with several commentators noting a personal connection to the character’s spiritual arc.
In addition to acting, Iskander is also a singer-songwriter. He released the single "I Know" in 2021 and contributed to the [Kimberly Akimbo (musical)|Kimberly Akimbo] original Broadway cast recording. His collaboration with Gabby Barrett, "Lead Me To The Water," was featured on the album House of David: Season One .
Personal life
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. He noted that the role helped him see scriptural figures as multifaceted and relatable, offering a more nuanced spiritual perspective.He converted to Catholicism and announced his conversion in an Instagram post on August 22, 2025.