Who Is Isaiah Stannard Dating? the Truth Behind the Good Girls Star's Relationship Status
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Stannard was born on October 1, 2004, in New York City. Raised in an environment steeped in the performing arts, he attended the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) in Manhattan, honing his vocal chops and dramatic timing. His mother, Kristin Johansen, is an accomplished singer and actress, while his father, Eric Stannard, works as a senior software engineer. This dual background provided both the artistic encouragement and practical balance necessary to handle professional auditions at an early age.
His career began with stage productions and voiceover work, including voicing child Carl Fredricksen in the 2017 dub of Star Stuff: The Story of Carl Sagan. His national breakthrough arrived the following year when showrunner Jenna Bans cast him opposite Christina Hendricks in Good Girls.
Originally written as Sadie Marks, the daughter of Hendricks' character Beth Marks, the role took a historic turn in Season 2. Stannard came out as a transgender boy in his personal life. Rather than recasting or sidelining the actor, Bans and the writers worked in consultation with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations like GLAAD to mirror Stannard's journey on screen. Sadie came out as Ben Marks, marking a seminal milestone for authentic transgender youth representation on mainstream broadcast television.
| Career Phase | Key Projects & Milestones | Public Profile & Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years (2015, 2017) | Short films (*Party Dress*), voice work (*Star Stuff*), Manhattan youth theater | Student actor; private home life with parents Kristin Johansen and Eric Stannard |
| Breakthrough Era (2018, 2021) | NBC's *Good Girls* (4 seasons, 50 episodes) portraying Ben Marks | National television recognition; public transition; spotlight on LGBTQ+ advocacy |
| Independent Transition (2022, 2026) | Indie shorts, voiceover projects, higher performing arts training | Low-profile lifestyle; strict boundary between craft and personal dating choices |
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
