Introduction
Isaiah Stannard is more than just a talented young actor — he is part of a new wave of Hollywood voices reshaping the way gender, identity, and authenticity are portrayed on screen. Best known for his role as Ben Marks on NBC’s Good Girls, Stannard’s career journey reflects both his artistic dedication and his commitment to genuine representation of trans characters.
This article takes a fresh perspective, exploring not just his roles, but how his real-life experiences have influenced the authenticity of his work, the broader impact he’s had on audiences, and the future of LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah Stannard was born on October 1, 2004, in Manhattan, New York City. Growing up in a diverse, vibrant cultural hub, he developed an early interest in performance.
From a young age, he immersed himself in acting, attending the Professional Performing Arts School, where he also trained in voice and dance. His early performances included school productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where he played the lead role — a sign of his comfort in the spotlight even before his professional debut.
Career Beginnings: Voice Acting and Short Films
Before appearing on major TV series, Stannard began his career in voice work and dubbing. His first credited role was the English voiceover for the young Carl Sagan in the Croatian short film Star Stuff: A Story of Carl Sagan (2015).
He continued to gain experience with roles in:
- Brad’s Status (2017) – minor role as “Tween One”
- Party Dress – short film where he played Harper Klein
- 5 Teenagers Walk Into a Bar (2019) – role of Sam
These smaller projects gave him the versatility to work across genres and formats before landing his breakout television role.
Breakthrough Role: Good Girls
Casting and Character Development
In 2018, Stannard was cast as Sadie Marks in NBC’s Good Girls. Initially, the role was written for a cisgender male character named Ben, the son of Mae Whitman’s character Annie. However, casting was opened to actors of all genders, leading to Stannard securing the role at just 16 years old.
During the early stages of filming, Stannard came out as transgender in real life. This prompted an open conversation between him and executive producer Jenna Bans on how to evolve Sadie’s character into Ben Marks, reflecting his gender identity.
Memorable Coming-Out Scene
One of the most notable episodes was Ben’s heartfelt coming-out moment:
Annie says, “Yay, it’s a boy,” after her new baby’s birth. Ben responds, “Mom? So am I.”
This scene mirrored Stannard’s own real-life conversation with his mother at age 12, making it an especially authentic performance.
Advocacy Through Storytelling
Authentic Representation
Working alongside GLAAD to ensure accuracy and sensitivity, Good Girls showcased a trans storyline that wasn’t overly dramatized or tokenized. Stannard has emphasized the importance of portraying trans youth who are accepted by their families, providing positive representation that contrasts with the often traumatic narratives seen in media.
Views on Hollywood and Inclusion
In interviews, Stannard has credited shows like Pose and Euphoria for helping increase positive trans visibility. While optimistic about Hollywood’s progress, he stresses that there is still “a long way to go” in terms of representation and industry inclusion.
Other Notable Work: Genera+ion
In 2021, Stannard appeared in HBO Max’s Genera+ion, playing Evan in one episode. Though a smaller role, it expanded his reach into new audiences and streaming platforms.
Personal Life and Identity
Isaiah Stannard is openly transgender, using he/him pronouns. He came out as gay at 11 years old and as trans at 12, crediting his mother for her unconditional support.
Beyond acting, Stannard is passionate about queer literature, citing Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz as a book that helped him explore his own identity.
Inspirations and Queer Heroes
Stannard has named Harry Styles as one of his queer heroes, admiring his fluid approach to style and self-expression. If given the chance, Stannard says he’d ask Styles about how he developed his personal aesthetic.
Impact on Young Audiences
Why His Roles Matter
Positive media representation of transgender youth can have measurable benefits:
| Impact Area | Benefit | Example from Stannard’s Work |
| Self-Acceptance | Inspires trans youth to embrace identity | Ben’s storyline in Good Girls |
| Family Education | Models supportive parenting | Annie’s acceptance of Ben |
| Media Shift | Encourages nuanced portrayals | Avoiding stereotypes in Ben’s arc |
By portraying a character whose transition is treated as natural and accepted, Stannard has helped shift the narrative around trans characters from one of struggle to one of normalcy and belonging.
Lessons for the Entertainment Industry
From Stannard’s career so far, several takeaways emerge for Hollywood:
- Open Casting Calls – Allowing actors of all genders to audition increases authentic representation opportunities.
- Collaborate with Advocacy Groups – Partnering with organizations like GLAAD helps ensure accuracy and avoid harmful stereotypes.
- Show Acceptance, Not Just Conflict – While conflict can be part of storytelling, showing love and support is equally important for balanced representation.
Future Prospects
At just 20 years old, Stannard’s career is still in its early stages. With his growing platform, he has the potential to:
- Take on more diverse roles beyond trans characters, showing his full acting range
- Influence industry hiring practices to be more inclusive of queer talent
- Use his voice to mentor younger LGBTQ+ actors navigating the industry
Conclusion
Isaiah Stannard is more than a promising young actor — he’s part of a cultural shift toward more inclusive, authentic storytelling. His portrayal of Ben Marks in Good Girls stands as an example of how personal truth and professional craft can merge to create performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
By embracing his identity and advocating for trans visibility, Stannard is helping to pave the way for the next generation of LGBTQ+ actors to tell their stories — in their own voices, and on their own terms.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Isaiah Stannard?
Isaiah Stannard is an American actor best known for his role as Ben Marks in NBC’s Good Girls. He is openly transgender and an advocate for authentic LGBTQ+ representation in media.
Q2: When was Isaiah Stannard born?
Isaiah Stannard was born on October 1, 2004, in Manhattan, New York City.
Q3: What was Isaiah Stannard’s first acting role?
His first credited role was providing the English voice for the young Carl Sagan in the short film Star Stuff: A Story of Carl Sagan (2015).
Q4: What other shows or films has Isaiah Stannard appeared in?
In addition to Good Girls, he has appeared in Brad’s Status, Party Dress, and Genera+ion.
Q5: How did Isaiah Stannard’s real life influence his role in Good Girls?
Stannard came out as transgender during early filming, leading producers to adapt his character’s storyline to reflect his identity authentically.
Q6: What causes does Isaiah Stannard support?
He advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusive casting, and authentic storytelling in Hollywood.
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