David Awoyode
Michael Iskander, the 23-year-old actor best known for playing King David in the hit Prime Video series House of David, revealed on Aug. 21 that he has officially joined the Catholic Church.
“Today is a very special day, that looking back has been a long time in the making. Today I joined the Catholic faith,” Iskander wrote in an Instagram post. “I’ve felt a calling to this Church for a long time, and as time went on, this calling became louder and louder.”
He added that his conversion is not the conclusion of a journey but “the beginning of the journey,” asking his followers for prayers as he grows in faith.
A Dream Role That Almost Slipped Away
Iskander has often shared that portraying King David was a lifelong dream. While working on a Broadway production, he learned about the series. His first audition ended in rejection, but two weeks later he was asked to reaudition.
Following his mother’s advice, he prayed and fasted before the second attempt. Two months later, he received the role.
“For me, oftentimes God speaks with the softest voice … and the softest voice was telling me ‘just hold out,’” he said in an interview. “It’s not about me, it’s about him doing his will.”
Faith as the Foundation
Speaking at Liberty University, Iskander cautioned that actors can sometimes make their roles about themselves rather than God.
“The show, for me, shouldn’t be called House of David. It should be called House of the Lord, because it’s about him,” he explained. “David’s heart was for the Lord, and that’s what I try to find in every scene.”
Scripture as His Guide
To prepare for the role, Iskander said he immersed himself in Scripture — particularly the Psalms and the Books of Samuel — to capture the spirit of David’s heart.
“Keeping in mind the reverence for Scripture and what he means biblically, I found myself reading constantly to be reminded of David’s true character,” he told CNA.
The Show’s Success
House of David, produced by Wonder Project, has become a global hit. The first season reached over 40 million viewers worldwide and climbed to No. 1 on Prime Video in the United States.
Wonder Project recently announced a new subscription service on Prime Video, giving subscribers early access to its faith-based films and series. Season 2 of House of David will debut this fall on the service before expanding to all Prime Video users later
Charles Esther