Isaiah Stannard is one of the most important young actors of his generation, not only because of his talent, but because of what his presence represents on screen. Best known for his role as Ben Marks on the NBC series Good Girls, Stannard has become a visible symbol of authentic transgender representation in mainstream television—without ever being reduced to a stereotype.
Born on October 1, 2004, in New York City, Isaiah grew up surrounded by creativity and performance. From an early age, he trained in acting, voice, and dance, laying the foundation for a career that would later intersect powerfully with cultural change.
Early Life and Training
Isaiah attended the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, where he studied voice and movement alongside traditional academics. Even before television fame, he showed strong stage presence, including playing the lead role in a school production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
This formal training helped him transition smoothly into film and television, beginning with a role in the 2017 movie Brad’s Status before landing the part that would define his early career.
Breakthrough Role on Good Girls
Isaiah’s breakthrough came with the NBC crime-comedy drama Good Girls, where he portrayed Ben Marks, the child of Annie (played by Mae Whitman). What makes this role historically significant is that the character was not originally written as transgender.
After Isaiah auditioned, the writers chose to reshape the character to reflect his real-life identity. Over the course of the series, viewers watched Ben’s journey—from being closeted to confidently living as a trans boy—unfold with nuance, warmth, and realism. The show avoided sensationalism and instead focused on everyday experiences: school life, friendships, family dynamics, and self-discovery.
This approach made Ben Marks one of the most respected trans characters on network television.
Personal Journey and Family Support
Off screen, Isaiah has spoken openly about his own journey. He came out as transgender around the age of 12, after initially coming out as gay a year earlier. Central to this experience was the unwavering support of his mother, Kristin Johansen, and her partner, Warren Marsh.
In interviews, Isaiah has emphasized how important it was that his transition happened on his own timeline, without pressure. His family encouraged exploration, happiness, and self-expression rather than rigid definitions of gender.
Redefining Masculinity
One of the most powerful aspects of Isaiah Stannard’s public voice is how he talks about masculinity. He has explained that early in his transition, he felt pressure to conform to narrow, “repressive” ideas of what a man should be. Over time, he let go of those expectations.
Today, Isaiah openly embraces a version of masculinity that allows for painted nails, expressive fashion, and emotional openness—without questioning his identity as a man. This message has resonated strongly with both trans and cis audiences, particularly young people navigating gender norms.
Pride, Queer Identity, and Role Models
Isaiah has also been featured in Pride campaigns and interviews celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility. During E! News’ The New Faces of Pride, he spoke about the importance of community and representation, especially for queer youth who feel isolated.
When asked about his queer hero, Isaiah named Harry Styles—not because of labels, but because of his fearless self-expression and refusal to be boxed into traditional gender expectations. For Isaiah, visibility is not about fitting into categories, but about freedom.
Impact and Legacy
Although still early in his career, Isaiah Stannard has already left a lasting impact on television culture. His role on Good Girls demonstrated that trans stories can be told quietly, honestly, and without trauma being the sole focus. His off-screen advocacy has helped broaden conversations around gender, masculinity, and self-acceptance.
More than an actor, Isaiah represents a generational shift—one where authenticity matters more than conformity, and where visibility is paired with dignity.
Looking Ahead
As Isaiah Stannard continues to grow as an artist, audiences and critics alike are watching closely. Whether on screen or through interviews, his voice remains thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human.
In an industry still learning how to tell inclusive stories well, Isaiah Stannard stands as proof that representation works best when it is lived, not performed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Isaiah Stannard is an American actor best known for playing Ben Marks on the NBC television series Good Girls. He is also known for being a visible transgender actor in mainstream media.
Isaiah Stannard was born on October 1, 2004. As of 2026, he is 21 years old.
He played Ben Marks, the child of Annie Marks. The character transitioned during the series and became one of the most positively received transgender characters on network television.
Yes, Isaiah Stannard is a transgender man and uses he/him pronouns. He has spoken openly about his transition and the importance of living authentically.
No. The character was initially written as cisgender, but after Isaiah was cast, the writers chose to make Ben transgender to reflect his real-life identity.
Isaiah has credited his mother, Kristin Johansen, and her partner with giving him strong emotional support throughout his coming out and transition.
Isaiah believes masculinity should not be restrictive. He has spoken about rejecting “repressive” gender norms and embracing self-expression while still being confident in his identity as a man.
Isaiah has named Harry Styles as his queer hero, praising his confidence, expressive fashion, and refusal to be limited by traditional gender expectations.
He has helped normalize trans representation on mainstream television by portraying a trans character with depth, realism, and dignity, influencing how future stories may be written.
Conclusion
Isaiah Stannard has emerged as a meaningful and lasting voice in modern television, not simply because of his acting ability, but because of the authenticity he brings to every role and interview. Through Good Girls, he helped reshape how transgender characters can be portrayed on mainstream TV—quietly, respectfully, and without relying on stereotypes or constant conflict. Off screen, his openness about identity, masculinity, and self-expression has inspired many young people to feel comfortable being themselves.
As his career continues to develop, Isaiah Stannard stands as an example of how talent, honesty, and representation can come together to create real cultural impact.
