Emma Ishta Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Height, Career, Children

Emma Ishta Douglas-Powell, known professionally as Emma Ishta, is an Australian model and actress recognized for her leading role as Kirsten Clark in the Freeform sci-fi drama Stitchers (2015–2017).

Her transition from international modeling for brands like Vogue and DKNY to acting has showcased her versatility, with notable performances in films like I Smile Back (2015) and Crown Vic (2019), as well as television roles in The Summer I Turned Pretty (2025).

Profile

• Full Name: Emma Ishta Douglas-Powell
• Stage Name: Emma Ishta
• Born: 16, November 1990
• Age: 34 years old
• Birthplace: Brookfield, Queensland, Australia
• Nationality: Australian, American
• Occupation: Actress, Model, Musician
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Mr. Douglas-Powell and Mrs. Douglas-Powell
• Siblings: Thomas Douglas-Powell
• Spouse: Daniel James McCabe (m. 2012)
• Children: 1
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Emma Ishta Douglas-Powell was born on November 16, 1990, in Brookfield, Queensland, Australia, to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Douglas-Powell, whose names are not publicly disclosed.

She grew up with a younger brother, Thomas Douglas-Powell, a professional volleyball player.

Ishta attended St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School in Corinda, Brisbane, where she developed an early passion for performance arts.

Accepted into the music program at Queensland University of Technology, she deferred her studies to pursue modeling, later training as a vocalist at the Queensland Conservatory of Music.

Her ethnic background is Caucasian, and she does not publicly discuss her religious beliefs.

Career

Emma Ishta began her career at 13, modeling in Australia before signing with IMG Models at 15, which led her to work in Sydney, Paris, London, and New York for brands like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and DKNY.

She became the face of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in 2008, solidifying her status in the fashion world.

In 2009, she relocated to New York, where she transitioned to acting, training with renowned coaches to hone her craft.

Her acting debut came in 2014 with guest roles in Black Box, Power, and Manhattan Love Story, showcasing her ability to adapt to diverse genres.

Ishta’s breakthrough arrived in 2015 when she landed the lead role of Kirsten Clark in Stitchers (2015–2017), a Freeform sci-fi series where she portrayed a Caltech student solving crimes through a secret government program.

The role earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase over three seasons.

That same year, she starred as Katrina Blackman in the drama film I Smile Back alongside Sarah Silverman, marking her feature film debut.

She further expanded her portfolio with roles in Crown Vic (2019) and the short film Shadow Puppet (2019), demonstrating her range in both indie and mainstream projects.

Ishta remains a compelling presence in television and film.

Her recent role as Kayleigh in The Summer I Turned Pretty (2025) added depth to the series’ final season, portraying a complex character tied to the show’s emotional narrative.

She also appeared in Gimme a Break (2022) as Phoebe and had a recurring role as Michelle Abrams in Chicago Med (2018).

Beyond acting, Ishta plays the violin and piano, with music remaining a significant part of her creative life.

Her performance in the play The Flood (2014), co-starring with her husband, won an Outstanding Playwriting Award at the New York International Fringe Festival, highlighting her stage work.

Her ability to balance modeling, acting, and music underscores her multifaceted impact in the arts.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @emmaishta
• Facebook Handle: Emma Ishta
• Twitter Handle: @EmmaIshta

Personal Life

Emma Ishta married New York playwright and actor Daniel James McCabe on September 8, 2012, and they share a son, born in June 2016, as well as a stepdaughter, Tierney Rose, from McCabe’s previous relationship.

The couple resides in New York City, where Ishta balances her career with family life.

Ishta maintains a low-profile lifestyle, using social media to share professional updates and advocate for breastfeeding and maternal health, inspired by her experience as a mother.

Filmography

• Black Box (2014)
• Power (2014)
• Manhattan Love Story (2014)
• I Smile Back (2015)
• Stitchers (2015–2017)
• Chicago Med (2018)
• Crown Vic (2019)
• Shadow Puppet (2019)
• Gimme a Break (2022)
• The Summer I Turned Pretty (2025)

Net Worth

Emma Ishta holds an estimated net worth of $2 million.

Her wealth primarily comes from her acting roles in Stitchers, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and films like I Smile Back and Crown Vic.

Additional income stems from her modeling career with IMG Models, where she worked with high-profile brands like DKNY and Vogue, and her stage performances, including The Flood.