Yara Shahidi is a young actress who has been in the spotlight for over 15 years1. She is now 24 years old1. Her journey in the entertainment world is inspiring. Born to a mix of African American, Choctaw, and Iranian parents, Yara’s background shapes her views and career.
Her life is a mix of talent, hard work, and caring about social issues. We’ll look at her early days and current projects. What makes Yara Shahidi special among young Hollywood stars? Her unique heritage, education, and passion are key to her success.
Yara Shahidi’s story is one of talent and staying true to herself. She started her production company, 7th Sun, in 20201. This shows her commitment to creating inspiring content. Her family, with over 475,000 Instagram followers2, also plays a big role in her life.
Key Takeaways
- Yara Shahidi was born on February 10, 2000, making her currently 24 years old1.
- She has been active in the entertainment industry for over 15 years1.
- Yara Shahidi’s production company, 7th Sun Productions, was announced in July 20202.
- She graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Interdisciplinary Sociology and Black American Studies in 20221.
- Yara Shahidi co-produced the Academy Award-winning film Hair Love in 20191.
- Her mother, Keri Shahidi, has 295,000 Instagram followers2.
Early Life and Background
Yara Shahidi grew up surrounded by her rich cultural heritage and a strong focus on education. Her Yara Shahidi ethnicity greatly influences her views and career choices.
Birth and Family Origin
Yara Shahidi was born on February 10, 2000, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her family background is diverse. Her mother, Keri Shahidi, has African American and Choctaw roots. Her father, Afshin Shahidi, is Iranian3.
- African American
- Choctaw
- Iranian
Education and Influences
Yara’s education shows her dedication to understanding social issues. She went to Dwight Global Online School and later graduated from Harvard University in 2022. She earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Sociology and Black American Studies43.
This education has greatly shaped her Yara Shahidi career. It has given her a solid base to fight for diversity and inclusion.
- Dwight Global Online School
- Harvard University
- Interdisciplinary Sociology
- Black American Studies
Her father’s work as a photographer for Prince introduced her to the entertainment world early. Her mother’s diverse heritage taught her to appreciate cultural diversity4. These experiences have helped her excel in both the arts and academics.
Career Beginnings
Yara Shahidi started her career in entertainment at just six years old. She appeared in commercials and TV shows, setting the stage for her future. This early start was key to her success.
Acting Debut and Notable Roles
At nine, Shahidi made her film debut in “Imagine That” with Eddie Murphy5. Her role as Zoey Johnson in “Black-ish” at thirteen was a major hit6. This role showed her incredible talent.
Her success led to starring in “Grown-ish,” a spin-off of “Black-ish”6. Shahidi has also acted in movies like “Salt” and “The Sun Is Also a Star”5.
Transition to Production and Beyond
Shahidi co-founded 7th Sun Productions with her mom to create inclusive content6. This move shows her growth from acting to production. She’s now set to produce and star in “Sitting in Bars With Cake” with Bette Midler6.
Shahidi balances acting with studying, graduating from Harvard University5. Her dedication to education and career is inspiring.
Advocacy and Activism
Yara Shahidi is deeply committed to social activism. She has started many initiatives and received many awards for her work. Her efforts go beyond acting, making her a key figure in empowering youth and improving media representation.
Educational Initiatives
Shahidi created Eighteen x 18, now called WeVoteNext. It aims to get young people involved in politics and to have their voices heard7. This platform helps teens vote and get involved in politics. Shahidi also excelled in school, keeping a 4.6 GPA, showing her love for learning8.
She works with groups like 3M and Dosomething.org to support STEM education. Her goal is to help fund classrooms in the Midwest8.
Representation in Media
Yara Shahidi fights for more diversity in media. She pushes for stories that include everyone, not just a few. Her work has earned her awards, like the NAACP Image Award and a spot on TIME Magazine’s 30 Most Influential Teens list7. Shahidi helps create a media world that truly reflects our diverse world.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Yara Shahidi is ready for new roles that show her talent in the entertainment world. She’s dedicated to growing as an artist and producer. This shows her love for her work and her fans.
Upcoming Film and TV Roles
Shahidi will play Tinker Bell in Disney’s “Peter Pan & Wendy.” This role will show her skill in bringing famous characters to life. She will also produce and star in “Sitting in Bars with Cake,” showing her growth as a producer.
These roles will add to her experience and highlight her role in creating engaging stories9.
Goals for Impact and Change
Yara is also focused on making a difference in society. Her Eighteen x 18 project aims to get more young people involved in politics10. Through Yara’s Club, she offers online mentorship to fight poverty through education11.
In fashion, Yara Shahidi is a big name, working with top brands and being a style icon9. Her fashion influence goes beyond looks. It’s a way to express herself and share important messages10.
As she keeps getting awards, her impact in entertainment and fashion will only grow.
Yara Shahidi wants to use her creativity to tell stories that touch many people. Her work in production and activism is building a legacy that combines art with making the world better11.
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Source Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yara_Shahidi – Yara Shahidi
- https://people.com/tv/all-about-yara-shahidi-family/ – Yara Shahidi’s Family: All About Her Parents and Siblings
- https://thegrio.com/2023/06/16/everything-you-need-to-know-about-yara-shahidi/ – Everything you need to know about Yara Shahidi
- https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/s/sa-sn/yara-shahidi/ – Yara Shahidi | Kennedy Center
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a43723319/yara-shahidi-video-interview/ – Video: Here’s what you don’t yet know about Yara Shahidi
- https://people.com/yara-shahidi-digital-cover-people-april-7483303 – Yara Shahidi on Becoming Tinker Bell, Ending ‘Grown-ish’ and Beginning to Adult
- https://www.orchard.org/news-detail?pk=1160356 – Learn More About Yara Shahidi Through Orchard’s “People Project”
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/yara-shahidi-shines-actress-activist-stem-advocate-n452916 – Yara Shahidi Shines as Actor, Activist & STEM Advocate
- https://www.businessoffashion.com/people/yara-shahidi/ – Yara Shahidi | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/how-yara-shahidi-became-face-brain-young-hollywood-1132710/ – 18, Activist, Harvard-Bound: How Yara Shahidi Became the Face and Brain of Young Hollywood
- https://rollingout.com/2024/11/25/yara-shahidi-credits-nas-harvard-journey/ – Yara Shahidi credits Nas for inspiring her Harvard journey
