Shahar Isaac

Shahar Isaac
Shahar Isaac on the Sea of Galilee
BornFebruary 1993 (age 33)
Alma materRutgers University (BFA)
OccupationsActor
photographer
musician
Years active2015–present
Known forThe Chosen (TV series)

Shahar Isaac (Hebrew: שחר אייזק, romanizedar, lit.'شاحار إسحاق'), born February, 1993) is an Israeli-American actor, photographer, and musician. He is best known for portraying the disciple Simon Peter in the Christian historical drama series The Chosen.[1]

Early life and education

Isaac was born in Haifa, Israel, in February 1993, He is of Yemenite Jewish heritage.[2] He later moved to the United States, where he attended Rutgers University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting, studying under Barbara Marchant and David Esbjornson.[3]

Career

Isaac made his television debut in 2015, playing Tariq Al Juhani in the series Person of Interest.[4] In 2017, he appeared in National Theatre Live: Salomé as Simon bar Giora,[5] and in Price for Freedom. He later guest-starred in Madam Secretary (2018), portraying Salman.[6]

Isaac gained prominence for his role as Simon Peter in The Chosen,[7][8] a television drama about the life of Jesus, created by Dallas Jenkins. The show premiered in 2017, with first-billed Isaac playing the role across the series. In 2022, he appeared in The Good Fight as Zev Beker, an Israeli Krav Maga instructor.[9]

Personal life

Outside acting, Isaac is a photographer. He operates a professional photography website, and his work has been exhibited in galleries. He has also published a photo-art book titled The Road Begins in Capernaum.[10]

Isaac is also a musician, playing the guitar and bass, and occasionally shares his performances online. He is multilingual, speaking Hebrew, Spanish, and Portuguese, and has helped fellow actors with dialect coaching for The Chosen.[11]

Isaac completed his compulsory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).[12] In line with Israeli regulations requiring citizens under 40 to serve when needed, he was recalled to reserve duty following the events of 2023.[13]

Filmography

Key
Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2015 Person of Interest Tariq Al Juhani 1 episode
2018 Madam Secretary Salman 1 episode
2022 The Good Fight Zev Beker 3 episode
2019-2025 The Chosen Simon Peter Main role

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2017 Price for Freedom Sepuhr Action/Drama

Theatre credits

Year Title Role Venue
2022–24 Salomé Bar Giora National Theatre Live

References

  1. ^ "Meet the Real-Life Loves of 'The Chosen' Cast (Including One Couple Who Acted Together on the Show!)". People.com. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  2. ^ "Shahar Isaac". News Pioneer. 11 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Shahar Isaac: Bio, Career, Net Worth". Papular Magazine. 8 June 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  4. ^ "Who is Shahar Isaac? A look at his wife, movies and TV shows". The Biography. 16 April 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  5. ^ "National Theatre Live Salomé". Home. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  6. ^ "Shahar Isaac's facts: social media personality". Briefly. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  7. ^ Nordin, Lisa (2025-05-19). "The 8 Best Simon Peter Scenes in 'The Chosen,' Ranked". Collider. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  8. ^ Swrup, Aahana (2025-06-14). "Who Plays Simon Peter in The Chosen?". Moviedelic. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  9. ^ Behzadi, Sofia (2022-07-28). "'The Good Fight': Phylicia Rashad & Shahar Isaac To Recur On Season 6 Of Paramount+ Series". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  10. ^ "Who is Shahar Isaac? Where is he from and what does he do?". Buzz South Africa. 21 June 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  11. ^ "Shahar Isaac's biography: ethnicity, faith, movies, photography". Legit.ng. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  12. ^ Chamberlain, Dale (2025-03-27). "'The Chosen' Star Shahar Isaac, an IDF Veteran, Urges the US To Take Action Against Hamas To Release Remaining Hostages". ChurchLeaders. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  13. ^ Jance (2025-07-09). "Shahar Isaac Age, Wife, Height, Movies and TV Shows, Faith, Wikipedia". Retrieved 2025-08-20.