Isabelle “Izzy” Tate, a Nashville-born actress best known for her appearance in the pilot of ABC’s 9-1-1: Nashville, has died at 23, her talent agency confirmed this week.
The McCray Agency, which represented Tate, said she died peacefully Sunday after a long struggle with a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive neuromuscular disorder that affects the body’s peripheral nerves. The condition, according to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, can impact muscle strength and coordination, as well as the lungs and heart.
Kim McCray, owner of the Nashville-based agency, expressed deep sadness in a social media post, stating, “I’ve known Izzy since she was a teenager, and she recently returned to acting. She booked the first series she auditioned for, 9-1-1: Nashville. She had a wonderful time.”
Her family described her as “full of fire, a fighter, never once making excuses for the fact that she might have a disability relative to others.” The statement continued, “She was also quite musically inclined, often spending hours writing and recording songs with friends and even publishing a few. What she loved the most, though, was spending time with family and friends, always the life of the party.”
A Promising Career Cut Short
Tate began her career in childhood, modeling and appearing in small acting roles before taking a break to pursue her education. After graduating with a business degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2022, she returned to performing and, in early 2023, landed her first major adult role in 9-1-1: Nashville.
The series, which premiered Oct. 6 on ABC, is the latest installment in the Ryan Murphy-produced 9-1-1 franchise. It follows emergency responders in the Tennessee capital and stars Jessica Capshaw and Chris O’Donnell as part of its ensemble cast.
The show’s pilot episode, filmed in June 2023, featured Tate in a guest role, marking her professional network television debut. To honor her contribution, the Oct. 30, 2023, episode of 9-1-1: Nashville will feature an “In Memoriam” end card dedicated to her.
ABC and 20th Television, which produce the drama, declined to comment but expressed condolences privately to her family, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Friends and relatives remember Tate as a vibrant presence both on and off set. Her obituary described her as “the life of the party,” “musically gifted,” and “devoted to her loved ones.” Those close to her say she never allowed her illness to define her.
“She faced challenges most people will never understand,” one friend told The Tennessean. “But she showed up with joy, humor, and heart every single day. That’s how Izzy wanted to be remembered.”
Tate was also passionate about animal welfare, frequently volunteering at local shelters around Nashville. She often shared photos of animals she cared for on social media, describing them as her “happy place.”
Survived by a Loving Family
Isabelle is survived by her mother, Katerina Kazakos Tate; stepfather, Vishnu Jayamohan; father, John Daniel Tate; and her sister, Daniella Tate. Her family’s message to fans and friends has been one of gratitude and remembrance.
The family requests that donations in Isabelle’s memory be made to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, which continues to research treatments for the rare disease that affected her life.
For the McCray Agency, which has represented many Nashville-based talents, Tate’s loss has hit especially hard. “Izzy brought light to every project she was part of,” McCray said. “Her laughter filled the room, and her courage inspired everyone around her.”
A Bright Light Remembered
Though her acting career was just beginning, Tate’s story resonated deeply with those who knew her — a testament to her perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity.
“She had a wonderful time doing what she loved,” McCray wrote. “And she left us all with that same joy.”
As 9-1-1: Nashville continues its first season, producers say the upcoming tribute episode will serve not just as a farewell, but as a celebration of a young woman whose strength and spirit touched everyone she met.
