Isabel May transformed from a homeschooled teenager in Santa Monica to one of television’s most compelling young actresses. At just 24 years old, she’s already starred in two major series—first as Katie Cooper in Netflix’s Alexa & Katie and then as the fierce Elsa Dutton in Paramount+’s 1883. Her journey proves that talent and determination can create extraordinary opportunities in Hollywood.
Who Is Isabel May?
Born November 21, 2000, Isabel May grew up in Santa Monica, California, where ocean breezes and creative energy shaped her early years. This American actress first captured audiences’ hearts playing Katie Cooper, the loyal best friend in Netflix’s teen sitcom “Alexa & Katie” from 2018 to 2020. Her portrayal of a supportive teenager navigating high school alongside her cancer-fighting best friend earned praise for its authenticity and warmth.
May’s career took a dramatic turn when she landed the role of Elsa Dutton in “1883,” the Western prequel to “Yellowstone.” Playing the headstrong daughter of pioneers James and Margaret Dutton, she narrated the entire series with a maturity that belied her years. This performance established her as more than just a teen sitcom star—she became a serious dramatic actress capable of carrying complex narratives.
Today, May continues building her filmography while maintaining a selective approach to roles. She chooses projects that challenge her abilities and allow her to explore different facets of human experience. Her Instagram following of over 500,000 fans demonstrates her growing influence among young audiences who appreciate her genuine personality and dedication to craft.
Early Life and Upbringing
Growing up in Santa Monica provided May with exposure to the entertainment industry from an early age. Her parents, though not industry professionals themselves, recognized their daughter’s creative spark and supported her artistic pursuits. She spent her childhood exploring various interests, from reading classic literature to developing a love for storytelling that would later inform her acting choices.
May’s family emphasized education alongside creative expression. Her mother, a former teacher, instilled a love of learning that extended beyond traditional classroom walls. This foundation proved crucial when May later decided to pursue online schooling to accommodate her acting career. Her father’s entrepreneurial spirit taught her the value of taking calculated risks—a lesson she applied when choosing to pursue acting full-time.
The coastal California environment shaped May’s personality in subtle ways. She developed an appreciation for nature that would later help her connect with the outdoor-heavy filming of “1883.” Weekend trips to the beach and hiking in nearby canyons gave her the physical confidence needed for demanding Western roles. These experiences also cultivated a grounded perspective that keeps her centered despite Hollywood’s pressures.
Finding Her Way Into Acting
May’s path to professional acting began unexpectedly during her sophomore year of high school. A chance encounter with a talent scout at a local coffee shop led to her first audition. Though she didn’t book that initial role, the experience ignited something within her. She realized acting offered a unique way to explore human emotions and tell meaningful stories.
The decision to switch to online schooling in tenth grade marked a pivotal moment. Traditional high school schedules conflicted with audition opportunities, forcing May to choose between conventional education and pursuing her dreams. With her parents’ support, she enrolled in an accredited online program that allowed flexibility for auditions while maintaining academic excellence. This choice required discipline—balancing algebra homework with script reading became her new normal.
Her early audition years tested her resilience. May faced countless rejections, each one teaching valuable lessons about the industry’s competitive nature. She attended acting workshops on weekends, studied successful performances, and developed her approach to character development. Casting directors began noticing her natural presence and ability to inhabit characters completely rather than simply reciting lines.
Breakthrough Role: Alexa & Katie
Landing the role of Katie Cooper changed everything. The Netflix series creators saw something special in May’s audition—an authentic quality that perfectly captured teenage friendship’s complexities. She brought depth to what could have been a one-dimensional “best friend” character, making Katie equally important to the show’s emotional core.
Working alongside Paris Berelc (who played Alexa) created genuine chemistry that translated onscreen. The two actresses developed a real friendship during filming, spending lunch breaks discussing their characters’ motivations and practicing scenes together. This dedication showed in their performances, creating one of television’s most believable teenage friendships.
The series tackled serious themes—cancer, family dynamics, growing up—while maintaining appropriate humor for its young audience. May’s portrayal of Katie navigating her best friend’s illness with grace and occasional awkwardness resonated with viewers facing similar challenges. Critics praised her ability to balance comedy with emotional depth, noting how she made Katie’s struggles with anxiety feel real without overwhelming the show’s optimistic tone.
Three successful seasons established May as a reliable performer who could anchor a series. The show’s conclusion in 2020 left fans wanting more, but May knew it was time to explore new creative territories. “Alexa & Katie” provided the perfect launching pad for more challenging roles.
Embracing the Frontier: Elsa Dutton in 1883
When Taylor Sheridan cast May as Elsa Dutton, few expected a 20-year-old to carry an entire Western epic through narration and performance. The “1883” creator saw something in May that others might have missed—a timeless quality that could bridge contemporary audiences with 19th-century storytelling. Her audition process involved horseback riding demonstrations and emotional scenes that pushed her limits.
Preparing for Elsa required intense physical training. May learned horseback riding from scratch, spending months at a Montana ranch before filming began. She practiced with real cowboys who taught her practical skills like roping and wagon driving. This preparation went beyond mere performance—May wanted to honor the real women who made similar journeys across America’s frontier.
The role demanded an emotional range that few young actresses possess. Elsa experiences first love, devastating loss, cultural awakening, and ultimately tragedy across ten episodes. May’s narration guides viewers through these experiences with poetic observations about life, death, and the American dream. Her voice work alone could have sustained the series, but her physical performance matched its power.
Critical Acclaim & Awards
Critics responded enthusiastically to May’s transformation from sitcom star to dramatic powerhouse. The Hollywood Reporter called her performance “revelatory,” while Variety praised her ability to make 19th-century dialogue feel contemporary and accessible. Award consideration followed, with May receiving several breakthrough performer nominations from critics’ organizations.
Industry veterans like Sam Elliott and Tim McGraw, who played her on-screen family, publicly praised May’s professionalism and talent. Elliott noted her unusual ability to listen actively in scenes, creating genuine moments rather than simply waiting for her next line. These endorsements from respected actors validated May’s place among serious dramatic performers.
Narrating the 1923 Sequel
May’s involvement with “1923” expanded beyond her physical presence. Though Elsa’s story concluded in 1883, her voice continues guiding the Dutton saga through narration. This unique position allows May to remain connected to the Yellowstone universe while pursuing other projects. Her poetic observations about family legacy and American expansion add layers to Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren’s performances.
Recording narration sessions revealed May’s growing confidence as a storyteller. She collaborated with writers to ensure Elsa’s voice remained consistent while adapting to new timeline contexts. This behind-the-scenes influence demonstrates her evolution from performer to creative contributor.
Beyond the Screen: Personal Life & Passions
May maintains deliberate privacy about her relationships, focusing public attention on her work rather than romantic entanglements. Her Instagram presence reflects this professional approach—she shares behind-the-scenes moments, supports co-stars’ projects, and occasionally posts nature photography from hiking adventures. This curated approach appeals to fans who respect her boundaries while staying connected to her journey.
Environmental causes capture May’s attention off-screen. She supports ocean conservation efforts, influenced by her Santa Monica upbringing near the Pacific. Rather than mere celebrity endorsement, May actively participates in beach cleanups and educational programs. She uses her platform to highlight lesser-known environmental organizations doing groundwork rather than seeking publicity.
Reading remains a constant passion. May frequently recommends books through social media, ranging from classic literature to contemporary fiction. Her literary interests inform character preparation—she studied pioneer women’s diaries before filming “1883” and continues exploring historical narratives. This intellectual curiosity separates her from peers who rely solely on scripts for character development.
What’s Next for Isabel May
Several projects await May’s involvement, though she remains selective about commitments. Industry rumors suggest she’s reading scripts for both independent films and potential franchise opportunities. Her team confirms she’s particularly interested in projects that challenge genre expectations—perhaps a sci-fi thriller or contemporary drama that showcases different skills.
May expressed interest in eventually moving behind the camera. Her experience with narration and story structure on “1883” sparked curiosity about directing and producing. She’s shadowed directors on recent sets, learning technical aspects while maintaining her acting focus. This long-term vision suggests a career built on artistic growth rather than quick fame.
Television remains appealing for the right project. May appreciates how series allow character development over time, creating deeper audience connections than typical film roles permit. She’s particularly drawn to limited series formats that combine television’s character depth with film’s production values.
Isabel May’s Impact and Legacy
Young actors increasingly cite May as inspiration for balancing artistic integrity with commercial success. Her trajectory from teen sitcom to prestige drama proves that early roles don’t define career limitations. Drama schools study her “1883” performance as an example of how contemporary actors can authentically portray historical characters.
May’s influence extends beyond performance technique. Her decision to prioritize education through online schooling while pursuing acting offers a model for young performers managing similar choices. Parents of aspiring actors reference her journey when discussing career planning with their children. This practical impact matters as much as artistic achievements.
The intersection of streaming platforms and traditional television helped May build a diverse audience. Netflix introduced her to global viewers through “Alexa & Katie,” while Paramount+ connected her with Western genre enthusiasts via “1883.” This cross-platform success positions her uniquely for future opportunities as entertainment consumption continues evolving.
Looking ahead, Isabel May represents a new generation of actors who refuse easy categorization. She brings intelligence, preparation, and genuine emotion to every role while maintaining perspective about the industry’s demands. Whether she’s riding horses across Montana landscapes or delivering comedic timing in contemporary settings, May commits fully to storytelling’s transformative power. Her journey from Santa Monica teenager to acclaimed actress continues inspiring those who dare to pursue creative dreams against conventional wisdom.
