Yara Shahidi is an American actress, activist, and fashion icon. She is best known for her role as Zoey Johnson on the ABC sitcom Black-ish (2014–2022) and its spin-off series Grown-ish (2018–present). She has also appeared in films such as Imagine That (2009), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 (2014), and The Sun Is Also a Star (2019).
Shahidi was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to African-American and Iranian parents. She began her acting career at the age of six, appearing in television commercials and print advertisements. In 2009, she made her feature film debut in Imagine That, opposite Eddie Murphy.
In 2014, Shahidi was cast as Zoey Johnson on Black-ish. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Shahidi’s performance was praised by critics. She won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series in 2017 and 2018.
In 2018, Shahidi launched the Yara Shahidi Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and economic empowerment for young people. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has spoken out on issues such as gun violence, climate change, and racial injustice.
Shahidi is a talented actress, activist, and role model. She is using her platform to make a difference in the world, and she is an inspiration to young people everywhere.
Early Life of Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi, born on February 10, 2000, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an American actress and activist. She comes from a multicultural background, with her mother being of African-American and Native Choctaw descent, and her father being of Iranian and African-American heritage. Here’s a glimpse into Yara Shahidi’s early life:
- Upbringing and Family: Yara Shahidi was raised in a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment. Her father, Afshin Shahidi, is a photographer, while her mother, Keri Salter Shahidi, is an actress and model. Yara has two younger siblings, Sayeed and Ehsan.
- Early Exposure to the Entertainment Industry: Yara Shahidi grew up surrounded by the world of acting and entertainment due to her mother’s involvement in the industry. This exposure sparked her interest in acting at a young age.
- Education: Yara emphasized the importance of education from a young age. She attended the Dwight School in New York City and later enrolled in the prestigious Harvard University, where she pursued a degree in Sociology and African-American Studies.
- Acting Debut: Yara made her acting debut in 2007 at the age of seven, appearing in the film “Imagine That” alongside Eddie Murphy. She went on to make several guest appearances on popular television shows such as “Cold Case” and “Wizards of Waverly Place.”
- Breakthrough Role: Yara’s breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed television series “Black-ish,” where she portrayed the character of Zoey Johnson, the eldest daughter of the Johnson family. Her captivating performance and on-screen presence earned her widespread recognition and praise.
- Activism and Philanthropy: Yara Shahidi is known for her activism and philanthropic efforts. She uses her platform to advocate for social justice, gender equality, and youth empowerment. She co-founded the initiative Eighteen x 18, aimed at encouraging young people to exercise their right to vote.
- Education Advocacy: Yara is a strong advocate for education, emphasizing the importance of learning and personal growth. She has spoken out about the importance of education access for girls and has been involved in various initiatives promoting educational opportunities.
Facts about Yara Shahidi
- She was born on February 10, 2000, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Her parents are Afshin Shahidi, a photographer, and Keri Salter Shahidi, an actress.
- She has two younger brothers, Sayeed and Ehsan.
- She began her acting career at the age of six, appearing in television commercials and print advertisements.
- She made her feature film debut in 2009, in the film “Imagine That”.
- She is best known for her role as Zoey Johnson on the ABC sitcom “Black-ish” (2014-2022).
- She has also appeared in the films “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” (2014) and “The Sun Is Also a Star” (2019).
- She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has spoken out on issues such as gun violence, climate change, and racial injustice.
- She is a graduate of Harvard University.
- She is a fashion icon and has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
- She is a talented actress, activist, and role model.
Here are some of Yara Shahidi’s accomplishments:
- She has won two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
- She was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2016.
- She was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2018.
- She was awarded the BET YoungStars Award in 2019.
Educational and Acting Career of Yara Shahidi
Educational Background:
- Early Education: Yara attended the Dwight School in New York City, where she received her primary education.
- Higher Education: After graduating from high school, Shahidi enrolled at Harvard University. She pursued a dual degree in Sociology and African-American Studies while actively continuing her acting career.
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Acting Career:
- Early Roles: Yara Shahidi made her acting debut in the 2007 film “Imagine That,” playing the role of Olivia Danielson. She went on to appear in various television shows, including “Cold Case,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and “Lie to Me.”
- Breakthrough Role: Shahidi’s breakthrough came with the role of Zoey Johnson in the critically acclaimed sitcom “Black-ish.” She portrayed the character from 2014 to 2019, earning widespread recognition and critical acclaim for her performance.
- Spin-Off Series: Due to the popularity of her character Zoey Johnson, Shahidi’s role continued in the spin-off series “Grown-ish,” which focuses on Zoey’s college experience. The show premiered in 2018 and has been well-received by audiences.
- Film Appearances: Yara Shahidi has also appeared in several films, including “Alex Cross” (2012), “Butter” (2011), and “The Sun Is Also a Star” (2019). These roles allowed her to showcase her versatility as an actress across different genres.
- Philanthropy and Activism: In addition to her acting career, Shahidi is actively involved in philanthropy and activism. She uses her platform to advocate for various causes, such as education, social justice, and female empowerment.
Challenges and Wins
Some of the challenges that Shahidi has faced include:
- Being in the spotlight from a young age
- Dealing with racism and discrimination
- Balancing her acting career with her education
- Dealing with the pressure of being a role model
Despite these challenges, Shahidi has achieved many successes, including:
- Winning two NAACP Image Awards
- Being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World
- Being named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30
- Graduating from Harvard University
- Starting her own production company
- Becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Social Media Handles
- Instagram: @yarashahidi
- Twitter: @YaraShahidi
- Facebook: @YaraShahidi
- TikTok: @yarashahidi
- YouTube: Yara Shahidi
Movies
- Imagine That” (2009) – In her feature film debut, Yara Shahidi portrayed the character Olivia Danielson, the daughter of Eddie Murphy’s character. The film follows a financial executive who discovers a unique way to connect with his daughter.
- Salt” (2010) – Shahidi had a small role as Salt’s Young Neighbor in this action thriller film starring Angelina Jolie. The story revolves around a CIA agent who is accused of being a Russian spy.
- Butter” (2011) – Yara Shahidi played the role of Destiny in this comedy film. The movie explores the world of competitive butter carving in a small town.
- Alex Cross” (2012) – In this crime thriller film, Shahidi portrayed the character Janelle Cross, the daughter of Tyler Perry’s character. The story revolves around a detective and psychologist who hunt down a serial killer.
- Unthinkable” (2013) – Shahidi had a supporting role as Katie in this suspense thriller film starring Samuel L. Jackson. The movie follows the interrogation of a suspected terrorist threatening to detonate nuclear bombs in the United States.
- The Sun Is Also a Star” (2019) – Yara Shahidi starred as Natasha Kingsley, the female lead, in this romantic drama film. Based on the novel by Nicola Yoon, the story follows the love story of two young individuals with different backgrounds.
Legacy and Awards
- Two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series (2017, 2018)
- The BET YoungStars Award (2019)
- The Shorty Award for Best Actress in a TV Series (2020)
- The Fashionista Influencer Award (2020)
- The Webby Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series (2024)
Shahidi has also been named to several lists of the most influential people in the world, including:
- Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2016)
- Forbes’ 30 Under 30 (2018)
- The Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 (2019)
Shahidi is a role model for young people everywhere. She is using her platform to speak out on important issues, such as racism, discrimination, and climate change. She is also using her platform to promote education and empowerment for young people.
Here are some of the ways that Yara Shahidi is using her platform to make a difference in the world:
- She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has spoken out on issues such as gun violence, climate change, and racial injustice.
- She is a co-founder of the non-profit organization, Yara Shahidi Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and economic empowerment for young people.
- She is a regular contributor to The New York Times and other publications.
- She is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.