Tom Isbell is an accomplished author, actor, playwright, and professor. He is best known for his young adult dystopian series, "The Prey" trilogy, which includes "The Prey", "The Capture", and "The Release". His works have garnered attention for their gripping narratives and exploration of survival themes. In addition to his novels, Isbell has written and performed three one-person plays, including "Me & JFK", which has been staged in New York, Los Angeles, and Egypt. He also co-authored "Walt Whitman and the Civil War", a play that premiered at the Great American People Show in 1995.
Isbell's diverse career spans acting, directing, and writing. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama and the University of Illinois, he has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "True Lies", "The Abyss", and "Clear and Present Danger". His theatrical work extends to directing, with productions like "Dear Finder" and "The Movie Game" showcased at the Kennedy Center as part of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). As an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, he has been honored with the Albert Tezla Scholar/Teacher of the Year award and the Horace T. Morse Distinguished Teacher recognition.
Beyond his professional achievements, Isbell is married to Pat Isbell, an actress and elementary school teacher. His multifaceted career reflects his dedication to storytelling across mediums, from stage and screen to literature.