Yara Sayeh Shahidi (born February 10, 2000;Age: 24 years) is a highly talented and renowned American actress and model. She is professionally known as Yara Shahidi and has captivated audiences with her exceptional skills and remarkable beauty.
Yara rose to prominence primarily through her standout portrayal of the eldest daughter, Zoey Johnson, in the acclaimed ABC sitcom “Black-ish,” a role she embodied from 2014 to 2022. Her compelling performance in the series garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing her versatility as an actress and earning her recognition within the entertainment industry.
Further solidifying her presence in the acting world, Yara Shahidi extended her success with a leading role in the spin-off series “Grown-ish.” Expanding her character’s journey allowed Yara to explore new dimensions of her acting prowess and provided a platform to delve into more complex and mature storylines.
Early Life & Education
Yara was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, into the family of an African-American parent with Choctaw roots. She hails from a family with a rich cultural heritage, with an African-American father, Mr. Afshin Shahidi, who is a notable photographer and had a significant connection with the legendary musician Prince. This unique bond is evident through a framed picture of a young Yara in her father’s editing suite at Paisley Park.
At the age of 4, Yara, along with her family, including her talented brother Sayeed Shahidi (an actor and model), her younger brother Ehsan Shahidi, and her famous cousin, relocated from Chicago on the East Coast to California on the West Coast. Her mother, Keri Shahidi, also an actress, is an integral part of their close-knit family.
Yara’s name carries great significance in her family’s heritage, interpreted by her mother as having a Persian meaning akin to “a person close to your heart.” The Shahidi family, of Iranian descent and practicing Muslims, imparts a distinctive cultural background to Yara.
In 2018, after completing her studies at Dwight Global Online School in 2017, Yara Shahidi embarked on a new academic journey at Harvard University. Her educational pursuits reflect her multifaceted interests, as she aspires to pursue a double major in Sociology and African-American studies.
Career
Yara Shahidi began acting at the tender age of six, making an impressive start by featuring in TV commercials and advertisements for renowned companies. Her early breakthrough came in 2009 when she appeared in the film “Imagine That” alongside Eddie Murphy and later in “Salt,” where she shared the screen with the iconic Angelina Jolie.
However, her standout performances as Chloe Johnson in “The First Family” and as Zoey Johnson in the popular TV series “Black-ish” truly catapulted her into the spotlight. Yara Shahidi’s influence expanded beyond acting as she emerged as a torchbearer for diversity and representation in the industry. In 2016, she joined forces with the Women Management modeling agency, breaking down barriers for women of color in various fields.
This commitment materialized in her lead role in Freeform’s “Grown-ish” in 2018, marking a significant milestone in her career. That same year, Yara made history by becoming the first African-American woman to grace the cover of the prestigious British Vogue, alongside fourteen other female trailblazers, setting a trend that resonated across the industry. Yara and her team also established 7th Sun Productions in collaboration with ABC Studios.
Yara Shahidi’s passion for activism further sets her apart. Co-founding Eighteen x 18, a group dedicated to encouraging voting in mid-term elections, and establishing Yara’s Club to combat poverty through education showcase her commitment to social causes. Notably, her advocacy work earned her recognition. Michelle Obama wrote a commendatory reference letter for her Harvard University application, and Teen Vogue allowed her to interview Hillary Clinton in 2017.
In 2021, Yara Shahidi took on the role of the branding representative for Dior Stand with Women, further elevating her popularity and influence. Yet, this is just the beginning of her career journey. With upcoming roles such as Tinker Bell in the remade movie “Peter Pan” and the Apple TV+ anthology “Extrapolations,” Yara Shahidi’s talent, activism, and resilience continue to shape her into a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Currently, the accomplished movie star appears to be romantically linked with a charismatic African man named Luka Sabbat. Details surrounding the circumstances of their first encounter remain veiled in secrecy, but the depth of the connection between them is undeniably significant.
Filmography
- Imagine That
- Salt
- Butter
- Unthinkable
- Alex Cross
- Smallfoot
- Detective Pikachu
- PAW Patrol: The Movie
- My Father’s Dragon
- Peter Pan & Wendy
- Entourage
- Robotboy
- In The Motherhood
- Cold Case
- The Cape
- Lie To Me
- Wizard of Waverly Place
- Family Guy
- Scandal
- Rip City
- The Fosters
- Bad Teacher
Social Media
- Instagram: @Yarashahidi
- Twitter: @Yarashaahidi
Net Worth
Yara’s net worth is approximately US$3 million, acting as her primary source of revenue, being featured in magazine articles and on television, and various lucrative endorsement deals.
