Isaiah John, a rising talent in the world of television and film, was relatively unknown before landing a breakout role that would change his career trajectory. Born in Atlanta, GA in 1995, Isaiah John began his acting journey with small but meaningful appearances across various projects. His screen debut came in 2013 when he played a summer camp kid in the young adult adaptation “Standing Up.” From there, Isaiah John continued to build his resume, taking on roles such as a partygoer in the MTV teen drama “Finding Carter” (2014–15), an Amity citizen in the dystopian sequel “Insurgent” (2015), part of the “Divergent” series, and a brief appearance as an unnamed teen in the prime-time soap “Saints and Sinners” (Bounce TV, 2016–).
In 2016, Isaiah John appeared as a gang member in the long-awaited sequel “Barbershop: The Next Cut,” showcasing early signs of the intensity he’d later bring to more central roles. That same year, he starred alongside his real-life sister Racquel in the TV movie “Downsized,” where they portrayed fraternal twins—a touching blend of personal and professional collaboration. But it was later in 2017 when Isaiah John truly stepped into the spotlight.
Casting directors for FX’s critically acclaimed period drama “Snowfall” (2017–) saw something special in Isaiah John and chose him to play Leon Simmons, a hot-headed juvenile delinquent and longtime friend of protagonist Franklin Saint. The series, which dives deep into the early days of the Los Angeles crack epidemic in the 1980s, gave Isaiah John the perfect platform to display his range and emotional depth. As Leon, Isaiah John brought a raw, unpredictable energy that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Thanks to his compelling performance, Isaiah John has since become a familiar and respected name in the industry. From humble beginnings to a leading role in one of FX’s most talked-about series, Isaiah John’s journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity. And as “Snowfall” continues to unfold its gripping narrative, Isaiah John remains a central figure, proving time and again why he was the right choice for Leon Simmons.
So, when it comes to Isaiah John’s filmography, there’s one title that really stands out—All Day and a Night (2020). Interestingly enough, Isaiah John’s highest rated movie is All Day and a Night (2020), which also happens to be his lowest rated film. Yeah, you heard that right—it’s both the peak and the low point in terms of ratings. It’s kind of unique, really. For Isaiah John, this 2020 release seems to be a bit of a mixed bag among critics and audiences alike. Still, it remains a significant project in Isaiah John’s career, marking a notable moment despite the contrasting reviews. So whether people love it or aren’t quite sure about it, All Day and a Night (2020) definitely left its mark. And honestly, for Isaiah John, that kind of polarizing response might just mean the work resonated in powerful ways.