HOW YARA SHAHIDI CAPTURED OUR HEARTS

With a captivating on-screen presence and a genuine passion for storytelling, Yara Shahidi has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide

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Yara Shahidi’s star began its ascent early in her career. Many came to know her through her role as Zoey Johnson in the hit sitcom Black-ish, where her wit and charm captivated audiences. The success of Black-ish catapulted her into the spin-off series Grown-ish, where she continued to shine as a lead character navigating the complexities of college life. 

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Yara (24) was destined for greatness from a young age. Raised in a family of artists, her mother Keri Shahidi, a model and actress, and her father Afshin Shahidi, a photographer and cinematographer, Yara was exposed to the world of entertainment and creativity from the start.

Her Iranian-American and African American heritage further enriched her cultural background and influenced her outlook on life. In an interview with Town & Country magazine, she said, “Because of my family’s background, I understand how interconnected cultures are. Traditions may be different, but in terms of shared values, they’re transcontinental.”

Her foray into the entertainment industry began at the tender age of six when she appeared in television commercials and her natural talent soon caught the attention of casting directors. In 2009, she made her silver-screen debut in the comedy film Imagine That. Then, in 2014, her career took a significant leap forward when she landed the role of Zoey in Black-ish, which revolved around an upper-middleclass African-American family navigating various social and cultural issues.

“I think we underestimate how much representation matters. For so many people, Black-ish was the first time they saw their family represented on TV – and that’s not just in the black community. That’s anyone in a non-nuclear family,’ she told The Hollywood Reporter.

 
EXPANDING HORIZONS
Building on the success of Black-ish, Yara continued to make her mark in the television landscape with the 2018 series Grown-ish, which follows her character Zoey’s journey as she starts out in college. Yara not only reprised her role but was also a co-producer on the show, further showcasing her talents.

While conquering the small screen, she also ventured into the world of film. In 2012, she starred alongside Tyler Perry and Matthew Fox in the crime thriller Alex Cross, marking her second big entry into the film industry.

Her recent projects include lending her voice to the animated film PAW Patrol: The Movie, the lead role in The Sun is Also a Star and playing the role of Tinkerbell in Peter Pan & Wendy on Disney+. These have further solidified her status as a versatile and sought-after actress.

In an interview with Backstage, Yara spoke about her approach to how she selects roles, saying, “Never jeopardise who you are for a role. Now, I’m not saying you should never change for a role, because the fun of being different characters is adapting different nuances and different parts of the character, but never jeopardise your moral compass or anything like that to have a role.”

As we peer into the future, Yara’s star shows no signs of dimming. The actress had several exciting projects released in 2023, including the much-anticipated Ballerina Overdrive. She also starred in Extrapolations and executive produced and starred in Sitting in Bars with Cake, a romantic comedy-drama.



VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
What sets Yara apart is not just her acting prowess but also her commitment to activism. In an era where celebrities are increasingly using their platforms for positive change, Yara is a trailblazer. Beyond the glitz and glamour, she is a voice for the voiceless. Inspired by her parents’ activism and her own experiences as a young woman of mixed heritage, Yara is actively involved in various initiatives that address racial and gender equality.

This gave birth to Yara’s Club, the young women’s leadership network she founded, which stands as evidence to her dedication to creating spaces for young minds to flourish. “Giving back is not just something you do as an adult. I wanted to create a space where young women could feel supported, encouraged, and equipped with the tools they need to navigate the challenges ahead,” she said in a recent interview with The New York Times about her motivation behind the project. “It’s about building a community that uplifts and inspires.”

In a world where celebrity status often overshadows the responsibility that comes with influence, Yara’s commitment to education, advocacy, and authenticity sets her apart as a role model worth emulating.

“I don’t take it lightly,” she shared with Elle about her perspective on being a role model towards young girls. “Every opportunity I have is a chance to make a positive impact. I want to show young girls that they can be both strong and sensitive, ambitious and compassionate.”

 
FAST FACT ABOUT YARA
– Yara is an avid reader with a deep love for literature.
– She is fluent in both English and Farsi
– Yara’s secret indulgence is reality-TV binges.
– One of her down-time hobbies is sketching and painting.
– She is also a guitar strummer.
– Fashion mantra? Yara is all about sustainability.
– She attended Harvard and majored in Sociology and African-American studies.
– She is passionate about encouraging young girls to pursue interests in STEM.
– To keep centred, Yara is a yoga enthusiast.

 
RECOGNITION AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Over the years, Yara’s exceptional talent has garnered widespread recognition and numerous accolades. In 2017, she received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Zoey. Yara was also presented with the Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Breakthrough Role and a BET Young Stars Award.

In addition, she was included in the annual TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world. She says she draws inspiration from her family, particularly her parents, who have been instrumental in shaping her values and work ethic. Her mother is her manager, while her father is her trusted photographer.

In a landscape where voices are needed to drive meaningful change, Yara stands tall, not just as a talented actress but as a catalyst for a brighter, more inclusive future. As her journey continues to unfold, one can’t help but be inspired by her grace and purpose. She proves that true stardom is not just about shining on the screen but also illuminating the path for others.

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Words by: Koketso Mashika
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images, Getty/Contour Ra_John Russo