A 17-year-old actor, dancer, and model trained in parkour with more than 2 million TikTok followers, Isaiah Russell-Bailey is one to watch. Best known for his roles in the Netflix comedy series “Family Reunion” and the 2020 Netflix superhero movie “We Can Be Heroes,” which was a top 10 movie on Netflix for more than 6 weeks, you may also remember Russell-Bailey from his roles in the Disney series “Raven’s Home” and the CBS crime dramas “S.W.A.T” and “Criminal Minds.” Next, Russell-Bailey is starring in the new Disney+ film, “Crater,” where Russell-Bailey’s role as the main character, Caleb Channing hijacks a rover with his best friends to explore a mysterious crater, to honor his late father’s last wish. Aside from acting, he loves to dance on TikTok, as well as engage in parkour and perform stunts. Russell-Bailey also models and has worked with top brands like Nike, Skechers, and Target. You can watch Russell-Bailey in “Crater” on Disney+.

Green suit by ORTTU
Gold rope Chains by Maison Miru
Cuban Link Necklace by HEYMAEVE

What was your first acting experience?
My first professional acting experience was a small part on “Criminal Minds.” I played young Kevon Winters, who visits his mother who is dying from an unknown sickness. Filming for the first time was so exciting for me. At that time, I didn’t really feel any pressure or stress. I was just having a good time and taking in the environment around me. The cast and crew were amazing to work with. Also, it was my first introduction to craft service so I was in heaven while filming that day. I’m a big foodie!

What made you want to get into acting at such a young age?
My mom was the biggest influence to get into acting. I’ve grown up around a lot of people in the entertainment industry because my mom has been an actress and professional dancer since I was born. Because I’ve been around other actors and people in the film and entertainment industry, the love for the arts was instilled in me at a pretty young age.

What was your favorite role that you have played?
I would definitely have to say the role of Caleb in Crater. This was my first experience carrying a movie and I truly learned a lot. It was also the first time I felt challenged by a role and had to dig deeper to embody a character. Crater will always be a special memory for me.

Green suit by ORTTU
Black double layered boots with yellow lining by Dr. Martens
Gold rope Chains by Maison Miru
Cuban Link Necklace by HEYMAEVE

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mom is the biggest inspiration for me. She has supported me throughout my life and career. I’m raised by a single mother, so I know it wasn’t always easy. Watching her maneuver through life with integrity and amazing work ethic has been really inspiring for me. She’s pretty awesome!

How has your family supported you throughout your journey through acting?
My family is supportive. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small part or a big role, they always show me love. Most people only see your successes. They don’t understand the rejection, long work hours, or hard work that goes into this business. Those are the moments when having support from your family means everything. It’s what keeps you going during the hard times. I am very grateful for all of their encouragement.

What would you tell someone your age who wants to start working as an actor?
It may sound cliché, but never give up! There is a lot of rejection that comes with the entertainment industry and sometimes it seems easier to give up. You just need to dust yourself off and try again because something life altering could be right around the corner. Also, remember no one is going to fight harder for you than you! Not everyone will believe in you, so it’s important that you believe in yourself. Make sure you surround yourself with a great team as well. Your agents or managers need to believe in you and work hard for you. Last but not least, stay in acting class. It’s important to consistently work on your craft.

What was it like growing up while working as a young actor?
Working at a young age has been an awesome journey. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many talented people. I love it when fans approach me and say that they feel like we’ve grown up together. On the other side of it, there’s a lot of sacrifice that goes into being in the acting business. Although it can be very rewarding, I can’t do all of the things a normal teenager can do. I am not always able to hang out with my friends or attend school activities because I may have to prepare for an audition, work on set, or I’m traveling. Acting is my passion so I embrace those moments. This career takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

Full look by Stella McCartney x Yoshito Nara
Pants, Button Up Sweater by Stella McCartney
Suede loafers by Dr. Martens
Necklace by Maison Miru
Orange T-shirt Underneath by Everlane

How do you prepare for an acting role?
How I prepare depends on the character I am playing. Specifically for Caleb, I read the script multiple times to find the motivation behind Caleb’s actions and how he processes things. Also, I like to find similarities between me and the character. For each scene, I like to write notes and break down each line. I also watched a lot of coming-of-age classics to get inspired.

You also have over two million followers on TikTok. What is it like having such a large following watching your videos?
Having a big following is an incredible feeling. It’s really fun to tap into a different audience. A lot of people who follow me didn’t even know that I was an actor so I was able to be myself and highlight my genuine personality. Somehow people really loved the content my mom and I were putting out. It makes me feel good when people approach me and say our posts inspire them. I’m glad that we are able to brighten other people’s days with our TikTok platform.

What was it like playing the lead role of Caleb Channing in Crater?
Playing Caleb was an amazing experience and a lot of work. I had to tap into a different mindset. I’ve never had to deal with losing a parent so I had to do some research. I talked to people I know who have lost a parent so I could learn about the layers and levels of grief when it comes to losing someone so close to you. You don’t get to see a lot of young Black actors tackle sci-fi projects like this. I’m incredibly grateful that Disney gave me this opportunity.

What similarities or differences do you find between yourself and your character, Caleb Channing, in Crater?
I’m pretty similar to Caleb in many ways. He is smart, loyal to his group of friends, and has integrity. For that reason, he’s the leader in the group. I try to live by those characteristics myself. Caleb was also raised by a single parent. After his mother passed, he witnesses a lot of the sacrifices his father makes for him. I’m raised by a single parent as well, so I understood the bond he had with his father.

How do you relate to your character, Caleb Channing?
As I said earlier, we are both raised by single parents. Also, Caleb values his friendships to the highest degree. He has a close and diverse friends’ group that he sees as family. My friendship circle is diverse too. Also, because of Caleb’s circumstances, he has to grow up fast. That’s a quality I can relate to because I’ve been working as an actor since I was 12 years old. When you have a career that young, you have to mature faster than most.

What was it like working with Kid Cudi, who played your dad in Crater?
Working with Scott was great. He’s a very genuine guy. We take the same approach to filming scenes. We both rehearse between takes and like to stay in character during short breaks. Scott and I bonded a lot over our love of music production. I liked to hear his thoughts on the beats that I’ve made. It was awesome to work with someone who has the same interests as I do.

How did you get into training for parkour?
Ever since I was little, I would watch Marvel movies and dream of being able to pull off some of the flips and stunts that the characters do. A lot of my mom’s friends are stunt men for those movies, so they recommended places for me to take classes and learn a lot of those tricks. Stunt men are the hardest workers on set. I’m always inspired by their work in movies.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I see myself acting, but I definitely want to work behind the camera as well. I want to write, direct, produce, edit, and produce the soundtracks for my own projects. I recently started my production company IB Entertainment, and I’m in the process of producing my first film. My overall goal is making highly diverse stories and creating opportunities for underrepresented people.

Social Media.
Instagram: @isaiahrussellbailey

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Timothy Fernandez
Talent: Isaiah Russell-Bailey
Fashion Stylist: Lisa Cameron
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Mariana Apostolatos, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine