Yara Shahidi: Actress, Producer and Change Agent
Yara Shahidi is an actress, producer, change agent and breakout star of ABC’s Emmy-
and Golden Globe- nominated comedy ABC series “black-ish,” and its spinoff “Grown-ish,”
on Freeform.
Currently in season 3, Shahidi stars as Zoey Johnson, an ambitious, fashion forward
college student figuring out adulthood. It is a drastic change from her comfortable
and posh upbringing in suburbia, as the daughter of a doctor and advertising executive.
The series tackles important issues facing both students and administrators in the
world of higher education.
Since “black-ish” launched in 2014, Shahidi has been awarded a NAACP Image Award for
Outstanding Supporting Actress, a Gracie Award for Female in a Breakthrough Role and,
most recently, highlighted on TIME Magazine’s annual 30 Most Influential Teens list
as well as Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2017 and 2018 respectively on behalf of her television
contributions and humanitarianism. Shahidi is definitely one of Hollywood’s most heralded
young talents as she continues to use her platform to empower and inspire others.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Shahidi actually received her start alongside her
mother appearing in several international commercial and print campaigns. Her first
major film came when she was offered the opportunity to audition for the role of Olivia
Danielson in the Paramount film IMAGINE THAT opposite Eddie Murphy. She quickly took
to the role of the creative and happy-go-lucky daughter to Murphy, bolstering her
love of acting.
Shahidi’s extensive film roles include Sony Pictures’ UNTHINKABLE as the daughter
of Samuel L. Jackson; Columbia Pictures’ SALT opposite Angelina Jolie; Summit Entertainment’s
ALEX CROSS as the daughter of Tyler Perry; and the film BUTTER where she starred opposite
Jennifer Garner. Shahidi’s most recent film from Warner Bros. THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR
released Spring 2019 explored a love story alongside one of the most pressing issues
of the century, immigration and inclusion. Written by Nicola Yoon and directed by
Ry Russo, the film was also a love letter to New York City celebrating love for interconnectedness
as well as humanity.
Off-screen, Shahidi continues to use her platform to inspire others to be engaged
in the political process. In 2016, the young star launched Eighteen by 18 to educate
and motivate first time voters to turn out for the 2018 mid-term elections. She also
created Yara’s Club in partnership with The Young Women’s Leadership Schools in NYC
– a digital meet-up for high school students to discuss societal issues, self-improvement
and higher education. She continues to champion STEM programs and resources for young
students across the country and used her platform to advocate for funding for classrooms
in need of science and tech resources. Shahidi also collaborated with the Obama administration
on several White House STEM initiatives.
Yara is an advocate for women’s issues, including diversity in media and girls’ education,
and has worked with the United Nations Girl Up initiative and spotlighted in the New
York Times Variety’s Youth Impact and Next Big Thing issues. The young business-woman
was profiled in The Hollywood Reporter’s Young Hollywood issue which identified her
as leader of the New Hollywood guard.
Shahidi is a recipient of the esteemed Daily Point of Light Award from the Points
of Light organization and was honored at Essence Magazine’s 10th Black Women in Hollywood
Awards and received the BET’s Young Star Award in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Last fall, Shahidi formed 7th Sun Productions in partnership with Keri and Afshin
Shahidi.
