:Yara Shahidi
{{Short description|American actress and producer (born 2000)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{COI|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Yara Shahidi
| image = Yara Shahidi in 2018.png
| caption = Shahidi in a 2018 interview
| birth_name = Yara Sayeh Shahidi
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|2000|2|10}}
| birth_place = Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
| education = Harvard University (BA)
| occupation = Actress, producer
| relatives = {{plainlist|
- Sayeed Shahidi (brother)
- Nas (cousin)
}}
| years_active = 2006–present
| website = {{URL|yarashahidi.com}}
}}
Yara Sayeh Shahidi (born February 10, 2000){{cite magazine|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/yara-shahidi/297747/|title=Yara Shahidi Actor| magazine=TVGuide.com| archive-date=October 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002011340/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/yara-shahidi/297747/}} is an American actress and producer. She began her career as a child, appearing in the films Imagine That (2009), Butter (2011), and Alex Cross (2012).
Shahidi gained recognition for her starring role as the oldest daughter Zoey Johnson in the ABC sitcom Black-ish (2014–2022) and its spin-off series Grown-ish (2018–2024).{{cite web|url=http://yarashahidi.com/all-about-yara/|title=All about Yara|date=June 1, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=March 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304154605/http://yarashahidi.com/all-about-yara/|archive-date=March 4, 2012}} She received NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Black-ish and three NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series nominations for Grown-ish. Time included her on "The 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016" list.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4532104/most-influential-teens-2016/|title=The 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016|author=|magazine=Time|language=en-us|access-date=March 31, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626234023/https://time.com/4532104/most-influential-teens-2016/|url-status=live}} She did voice over work in the films Smallfoot (2018), Fearless (2020), PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021), and My Father's Dragon (2022).
Shahidi played her first adult lead role in the 2019 drama film, The Sun Is Also a Star. In 2023, she played Tinker Bell in the fantasy adventure film Peter Pan & Wendy, and executive produced and starred in the romantic comedy-drama film, Sitting in Bars with Cake.
Early life and education
Yara Sayeh Shahidi was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Keri Salter Shahidi and Afshin Shahidi,{{cite web|url=https://iran.usembassy.gov/shahidi.html|title=Yara Shahidi, [Prominent Iranian-Americans]|website=Virtual embassy of the United States, Tehran.Iran|publisher=U.S. Department of State|language=fa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005134557/https://iran.usembassy.gov/shahidi.html|archive-date=October 5, 2016|access-date=October 4, 2016}} a photographer.Brother Troy R. Gibson II {{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2009/06/15/yara-shahidi-a-star-on-the-rise/ |title=Yara Shahidi: A Star On The Rise |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=October 22, 2010 |access-date=October 15, 2012 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054615/http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2009/06/15/yara-shahidi-a-star-on-the-rise/ |url-status=live }} Her mother, Keri Shahidi (born Keri Jamelda Salter), is of African American and Choctaw heritage, and her father Afshin Shahidi is Iranian.{{Cite web |last=Shams |first=Alex |date=June 3, 2016 |title=Yara Shahidi, the Iranian-American Star of ‘Black-ish,’ Is Breaking Stereotypes On & Off Screen |url=https://muftah.org/yara-shahidi-iranian-american-star-black-ish-breaking-stereotypes-off-screen/#.WUeMCBPyu2x |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607073338/https://muftah.org/yara-shahidi-iranian-american-star-black-ish-breaking-stereotypes-off-screen/#.WUeMCBPyu2x |archive-date=June 7, 2016 |website=Muftah |quote=Born to an Iranian father, Afshin Shahidi, and a mother of mixed African-American and Native Choctaw heritage, Keri Salter}} Afshin was one of the principal photographers for musician Prince, who kept a signed photo of Yara in his editing suite at Paisley Park.{{Cite news|url=http://muftah.org/yara-shahidi-iranian-american-star-black-ish-breaking-stereotypes-off-screen/|title=Yara Shahidi, the Iranian-American Star of 'Black-ish,' Is Breaking Stereotypes On & Off Screen|last=Shams|first=Alex|date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607073338/http://muftah.org/yara-shahidi-iranian-american-star-black-ish-breaking-stereotypes-off-screen/|archive-date=June 7, 2016|url-status = live|publisher=Muftah.org|language=en-US|quote=Zoey, the Johnson's eldest daughter, is played by a sixteen-year-old, Iranian-American actress. Born to an Iranian father, Afshin Shahidi, and a mother of mixed black and Native Choctaw heritage, Keri Salter, Yara Shahidi lived in Minneapolis before moving to California at a young age.}}{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.instyle.com/news/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-black-ish-star-yara-shahidi|title=7 Things You May Not Know About Black-ish Star Yara Shahidi|last=Stern|first=Claire|date=April 23, 2015|magazine=InStyle|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620083041/http://www.instyle.com/news/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-black-ish-star-yara-shahidi|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=Guglielmo|first=Connie|date=August 21, 2018|title=Why Yara Shahidi thinks the internet can still help make the world a better place|url=https://www.cnet.com/features/yara-shahidi-gives-voice-to-a-new-generation/|access-date=September 14, 2020|website=CNET|quote=Shahidi, the child of a mom who's African-American and Choctaw and an Iranian-American dad.|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025355/https://www.cnet.com/features/yara-shahidi-gives-voice-to-a-new-generation/|url-status=live}} The Shahidi family moved to California for Afshin's work when Yara was 4 years old. She is the older sister of child actor and model Sayeed Shahidi and they have a younger brother, Ehsan. The rapper Nas is her first cousin once removed.Shahidi on the Fuse TV series White Guy Talk Show, transcribed by {{cite web|date=April 10, 2015|title=Yara Shahidi Gives the Inside Story on Her Life as Nas' Cousin|url=http://www.bckonline.com/2015/04/10/yara-shahidi-gives-the-inside-story-on-her-life-as-nas-cousin/|website=BCKOnline|via=BCKOnline.com (Black Celebrity Kids, Inc.)|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606050846/http://www.bckonline.com/2015/04/10/yara-shahidi-gives-the-inside-story-on-her-life-as-nas-cousin/|url-status=live}} Yara means "Someone who is close to your heart" in Persian;{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/c-j-mother-of-minneapolis-born-black-ish-star-is-having-a-good-day-when-there-s-no-eye-twitch/289688101/|title=C.J.: Mother of Minneapolis-born "Black-ish" star is having a good day when there's no eye twitch|last=J.|first=C.|date=January 24, 2015|newspaper=Star Tribune | location =Minneapolis, Minnesota| archive-date= August 9, 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160809154649/http://www.startribune.com/c-j-mother-of-minneapolis-born-black-ish-star-is-having-a-good-day-when-there-s-no-eye-twitch/289688101/|url-status=live}} Shahidi is a common surname in Iran and means "martyr" in Persian.
Shahidi attended Immaculate Heart Middle School and part of Immaculate Heart High School before leaving to excel in her acting career. Shahidi graduated in 2017 from Dwight Global Online School.{{Cite magazine|last=Weaver|first=Hilary|title=Yara Shahidi Will Join Malia Obama at Harvard in 2018|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/06/yara-shahidi-is-going-to-harvard-in-2018|access-date=September 14, 2020|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=June 7, 2017|language=en-us|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331154415/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/06/yara-shahidi-is-going-to-harvard-in-2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Weiss|first=Suzannah|date=2017|title=Here's Why Yara Shahidi WON'T Be Going to Harvard in the Fall|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/yara-shahidi-harvard-gap-year|access-date=September 14, 2020|website=Teen Vogue|language=en-us|quote=Yara, who just finished high school through the New York City Dwight School's online program,|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928180550/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/yara-shahidi-harvard-gap-year|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Yara Shahidi Reflects on Time Passing the Week After Prom and Before High School Graduation|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/yara-shahidi-high-school-graduation-prom/|access-date=September 14, 2020|website=W Magazine {{!}} Women's Fashion & Celebrity News|date=June 7, 2017 |language=en-US|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303062420/https://www.wmagazine.com/story/yara-shahidi-high-school-graduation-prom|url-status=live}} In 2017, Shahidi was admitted to Harvard University, and she began her studies there in 2018 after taking a gap year,{{Cite web |date=2022-05-27 |title=Yara Shahidi is officially a Harvard graduate |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/yara-shahidi-officially-harvard-graduate-rcna30831 |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801042738/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/yara-shahidi-officially-harvard-graduate-rcna30831 |url-status=live }} with a plan to major in Interdisciplinary Sociology and Black American Studies.{{Cite web|last=Peoples|first=Landon|date=February 7, 2019|title=From Couture To Harvard To Activism, Yara Shahidi "Undefines" Success|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/02/189795/yara-shahidi-fashion-grownish-unstyled-podcast|access-date=September 14, 2020|website=Refinery29.com|language=en|quote=...in real life, at Harvard, where she's set to double major in Interdisciplinary Sociology and Black American Studies which she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2022...|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124182450/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/02/189795/yara-shahidi-fashion-grownish-unstyled-podcast|url-status=live}} Shahidi graduated from Harvard in 2022.
Career
=Early works=
Shahidi began her career when she was 6 years old,{{Cite web|url=http://www.youngblackstars.com/profiles/yara-shahidi/|title=Yara Shahidi|website=Young Black Stars|via=www.youngblackstars.com|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405044559/http://www.youngblackstars.com/profiles/yara-shahidi/|archive-date=April 5, 2016|url-status=dead}} appearing in television commercials and print advertisements for companies such as McDonald's, Ralph Lauren, Target, GapKids, Disney, Guess Kids and The Children's Place. She frequently worked with her mother and younger brother in various print and broadcast campaigns. Her first on-screen appearance was in an episode of HBO comedy series, Entourage in 2007. In 2009, she had a recurring role as Jessica St. Clair's character daughter in the short-lived ABC comedy series, In the Motherhood. Later that year, she guest-starred on Cold Case and Wizards of Waverly Place.
Shahidi made her big screen debut in 2009, starring opposite Eddie Murphy in Paramount Pictures comedy film Imagine That, for which she received a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film.{{Cite web|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms31.html|title=Nominations and Special Awards|website=31st Annual Young Artist Awards|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012070515/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms31.html|url-status=live}} She also appeared in the action film Salt in 2010 as a next door neighbor to Angelina Jolie's character. The following year, she starred in the comedy film Butter that premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and garnered mixed reviews from critics. In 2012, she appeared in the action thriller film Alex Cross opposite Tyler Perry. From 2012 to 2013, Shahidi was a regular cast member in the syndicated sitcom The First Family playing the role of Chloe Johnson, the daughter of President William Johnson. In 2013, she played young Olivia Pope in the two episodes of ABC political thriller series, Scandal.{{Cite web|url=http://theybf.com/2013/12/06/ybf-fresh-face-meet-13-year-old-scandal-star-yara-shahidi-and-shes-got-a-super-famous|title=YBF FRESH FACE: Meet 13-Year-Old|website=theybf.com|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805072658/http://theybf.com/2013/12/06/ybf-fresh-face-meet-13-year-old-scandal-star-yara-shahidi-and-shes-got-a-super-famous|url-status=live}}
=2014–2022=
In 2014, Shahidi was cast as a 14-year-old Zoey Johnson, the eldest daughter of Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross's characters in the ABC comedy series Black-ish created by Kenya Barris.{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.vogue.com/13427568/yara-shahidi-blackish-actress-modeling-contract/|title=Black-ish{{'}}s Yara Shahidi Is a Model With a Cause|last=Okwodu|first=Janelle|date=April 19, 2016|magazine=Vogue|language=en-US|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-date=August 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820064358/http://www.vogue.com/13427568/yara-shahidi-blackish-actress-modeling-contract/|url-status=dead}} She won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for the show's first season.{{cite web|title=Blackish Nominated for Six NAACP Image Awards|url=http://www.blackishfans.com/news/blackish-nominated-for-six-naacp-image-awards/|website=Blackish Fans|date=December 10, 2014|ref=Blackish Nominated for Six NAACP Image Awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223053006/http://www.blackishfans.com/news/blackish-nominated-for-six-naacp-image-awards/|archive-date=December 23, 2014|url-status = usurped}} She also received Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Breakthrough Role in 2016{{Cite web|url=https://www.freeform.com/shows/%7bshowname%7d/cast/yara-shahidi|title=Yara Shahidi as | {showname} Cast|website=Freeform}} and BET YoungStars Award at the 17th BET Awards.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bet.com/bet-awards/nominees |title=BET Awards 2024: Nominees |website=BET |access-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630075659/https://www.bet.com/bet-awards/nominees |url-status=live }} She left the series after three seasons but appeared as a recurring guest-star in latter seasons. ABC announced in 2017 that Shahidi would be headlining a Black-ish spinoff, titled Grown-ish, on its sister network Freeform. The series premiered on January 3, 2018, with the positive reviews from critics.{{cite web|url=http://freeform.go.com/news/freeform-picks-up-new-black-ish-spin-off-college-ish|title='Black-ish' Spinoff Starring Yara Shahidi Greenlit at Freeform|last=Wagmeister|first=Elizabeth|date=May 19, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624112334/https://freeform.go.com/news/freeform-picks-up-new-black-ish-spin-off-college-ish|url-status=live}} For her performance, Shahidi received three NAACP Image Awards nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2020-naacp-image-award-winners-complete-list-updating-1276771/|title=NAACP Image Awards: Lizzo Named Entertainer of the Year; 'Just Mercy,' 'Black-ish' Among Top Winners|first1=Katherine Schaffstall,Annie|last1=Howard|first2=Katherine|last2=Schaffstall|first3=Annie|last3=Howard|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 22, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=February 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223025246/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2020-naacp-image-award-winners-complete-list-updating-1276771|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/awards/news/2021-naacp-image-awards-winners-list-1234939378/|title=NAACP Image Awards 2021: The Complete Televised Winners List|first=Haley|last=Bosselman|date=March 28, 2021|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=May 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502143407/https://variety.com/2021/awards/news/2021-naacp-image-awards-winners-list-1234939378/|url-status=live}} She left the series after five seasons, but stayed as an executive producer and recurring guest-star for its sixth and final season in 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/freeform-premiere-dates-grown-ish-season-6-cruel-summer-season-2-1235326072/|title=Freeform Sets Premiere Dates For 'Grown-ish' Final Season & 'Cruel Summer' Season 2|first=Katie|last=Campione|date=April 17, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417163606/https://deadline.com/2023/04/freeform-premiere-dates-grown-ish-season-6-cruel-summer-season-2-1235326072/|url-status=live}}
In 2016, Shahidi signed to model with New York's Women Management modeling agency, in hopes of providing a platform to see more women of color in diverse roles. Time included her on "The 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016" list. She was ranked one of the best dressed women in 2018 by fashion website Net-a-Porter.{{cite web |title=Best Dressed 2018 |url=https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/porter/article-f0fe0982c9ceac88/cover-stories/cover-stories/best-dressed-2018 |website=Net a Porter |access-date=December 29, 2018 |archive-date=December 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230030434/https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/porter/article-f0fe0982c9ceac88/cover-stories/cover-stories/best-dressed-2018 |url-status=live }} She was one of fifteen women selected to appear on the cover of the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.{{cite web |title=Meghan Markle puts Sinéad Burke on the cover of Vogue's September issue |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/fashion/meghan-markle-puts-sin%C3%A9ad-burke-on-the-cover-of-vogue-s-september-issue-1.3970604 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=July 29, 2019 |access-date=July 31, 2019 |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729141808/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/fashion/meghan-markle-puts-sin%C3%A9ad-burke-on-the-cover-of-vogue-s-september-issue-1.3970604 |url-status=live }} In 2021, Shahidi debuted a sportswear collaboration with Adidas.{{cite web | url=https://www.vogue.com/article/yara-shahidi-adidas-collection-interview | title=The Personal, Powerful Story Behind Yara Shahidi's Latest Adidas Collection | date=June 24, 2021 | access-date=February 27, 2023 | archive-date=February 27, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227084244/https://www.vogue.com/article/yara-shahidi-adidas-collection-interview | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://news.adidas.com/originals/recreating-once-again-with-part-two-of-our-collaborative-collection-with-yara-shahidi/s/d61e6978-bb12-4b6a-97cc-6689d9815e6d | title=Recreating Once Again with Part Two of Our Collaborative Collection with Yara Shahidi | date=June 16, 2021 | access-date=February 27, 2023 | archive-date=February 27, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227084244/https://news.adidas.com/originals/recreating-once-again-with-part-two-of-our-collaborative-collection-with-yara-shahidi/s/d61e6978-bb12-4b6a-97cc-6689d9815e6d | url-status=live }}
In 2019, Shahidi played the leading role in the teen drama film, The Sun Is Also a Star based on the young adult novel of the same name by Nicola Yoon. It was theatrically released in the United States on May 17, 2019, by Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $6.8 million worldwide.{{Cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sun_is_also_a_star |title=The Sun is Also a Star | Rotten Tomatoes |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205092800/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sun_is_also_a_star |url-status=live }} She co-produced Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film-winning film Hair Love (2019). She has done voice over work in the films Smallfoot (2018), Fearless (2020), PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021), and My Father's Dragon (2022).
In 2020, Shahidi and her mother launched their production company 7th Sun and signed a deal with ABC Studios to produce shows.{{Cite web|last1=Petski|first1=Denise|date=July 20, 2020|title='Grown-ish' Star Yara Shahidi Inks Overall Deal With ABC Studios, Launches Production Company|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/grown-ish-star-yara-shahidi-overall-deal-with-abc-studios-launches-production-company-1202989710/|access-date=July 27, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en|archive-date=July 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722105402/https://deadline.com/2020/07/grown-ish-star-yara-shahidi-overall-deal-with-abc-studios-launches-production-company-1202989710/|url-status=live}} Their first project was Smoakland, a single-camera comedy pilot for Freeform in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/smoakland-cannabis-comedy-yara-shahidi-keri-shahidi-zahir-mcghee-freeform-1234671578/|title='Smoakland' Comedy Produced By Yara Shahidi & Keri Shahidi's 7th Sun In Works At Freeform|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=January 12, 2021|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114182228/https://deadline.com/2021/01/smoakland-cannabis-comedy-yara-shahidi-keri-shahidi-zahir-mcghee-freeform-1234671578/|url-status=live}} Later in 2021, it was announced that they develop adaptation of Cole Brown's book Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/yara-keri-shahidi-developing-tv-series-cole-brown-book-greyboy-finding-blackness-in-a-white-world-abc-signature-1234735281/|title=Yara & Keri Shahidi Developing TV Series Based On Cole Brown's Book 'Greyboy: Finding Blackness In A White World' For ABC Signature|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=April 15, 2021|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=December 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205092633/https://deadline.com/2021/04/yara-keri-shahidi-developing-tv-series-cole-brown-book-greyboy-finding-blackness-in-a-white-world-abc-signature-1234735281/|url-status=live}}
= 2023–present =
Shahidi starred in the Apple TV+ anthology series Extrapolations that premiered on March 17, 2023.{{cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title=Murray Bartlett, Diane Lane, Yara Shahidi Among Eight Cast in Extrapolations at Apple (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/murray-bartlett-diane-lane-yara-shahidi-extrapolations-apple-1235166283/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 28, 2022 |date=January 28, 2022 |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128222951/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/murray-bartlett-diane-lane-yara-shahidi-extrapolations-apple-1235166283/ |url-status=live }} She played Tinker Bell in the fantasy adventure film Peter Pan & Wendy, a remake of Peter Pan.{{Cite web|last=Nate|date=September 28, 2020|title=Yara Shahidi Cast as Tinkerbell in New Live-action 'Peter Pan' Movie|url=https://mydisneydorks.com/2020/09/28/yara-shahidi-cast-as-tinkerbell-in-new-live-action-peter-pan-movie/|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Disney News|language=en-US|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022235521/https://mydisneydorks.com/2020/09/28/yara-shahidi-cast-as-tinkerbell-in-new-live-action-peter-pan-movie/|url-status=live}} It premiered on Disney+ on April 28, 2023. Later in 2023, Shahidi executive produced and played the leading role in the romantic comedy-drama film Sitting in Bars with Cake alongside Odessa A'zion.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sitting-in-bars-with-cake-yara-shahidi-to-star-in-amazon-studios-rom-com-1234929841/|title='Sitting In Bars With Cake': Yara Shahidi To Exec Produce & Star In Amazon Studios Rom-Com|first=Matt|last=Grobar|date=February 9, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918113401/https://deadline.com/2022/02/sitting-in-bars-with-cake-yara-shahidi-to-star-in-amazon-studios-rom-com-1234929841/|url-status=live}} The film received generally positive reviews from critics with Shahidi's performance as a law student struggling to fulfill her role as a caregiver to her friend diagnosed with cancer receiving praise, though critics generally agreed that she had been overshadowed by A’Zion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sitting_in_bars_with_cake|title=Sitting in Bars with Cake - Rotten Tomatoes|date=September 8, 2023|website=www.rottentomatoes.com|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918113402/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sitting_in_bars_with_cake|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Horton |first=Adrian |date=2023-09-08 |title=Sitting in Bars with Cake review – uneven tale of cancer, cakes and friendship |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/sep/08/sitting-in-bars-with-cake-review-amazon-prime |access-date=2023-12-03 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202230235/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/sep/08/sitting-in-bars-with-cake-review-amazon-prime |url-status=live }} Carla Meyer of the San Francisco Chronicle felt that Shahidi's friendship with A’Zion was, "the most authentic element of the film".{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Carla |date=2023 |title=Review: A believable central friendship makes 'Sitting in Bars With Cake' a satisfying if bittersweet treat |url=https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/sitting-bars-cake-review-18348243 |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=Datebook {{!}} San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide |language=en-US}} She received NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture nomination for her performance.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/naacp-image-award-nominations-2024-1235887287/|title=Colman Domingo, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét and Usher Lead NAACP Image Award Nominations|first=Angelique|last=Jackson|date=January 25, 2024}}
Shahidi will next star alongside Maddie Ziegler and Avantika in the thriller Ballerina Overdrive.{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=February 8, 2023 |title=Lena Headey, Yara Shahidi, Isabela Merced, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds & Iris Apatow Set For Buzzy Action Pic 'Ballerina Overdrive' From David Leitch & Kelly McCormick's 87North: EFM Hot Package |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/lena-headey-yara-shahidi-isabela-merced-lana-condor-david-leitch-ballerina-overdrive-efm-1235253357/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506203737/https://deadline.com/2023/02/lena-headey-yara-shahidi-isabela-merced-lana-condor-david-leitch-ballerina-overdrive-efm-1235253357/ |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=September 18, 2023 |website=Deadline}}
Activism
Shahidi founded Eighteen x 18 with social news publisher NowThis,{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/yara-shahidi-eighteen-x-18-political-nowthis-1202756937/|title='Black-ish Star Yara Shahidi Kicks Off Political-Engagement Campaign With NowThis|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=April 18, 2018|magazine=Variety|language=en-US|access-date=June 19, 2018|archive-date=June 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619050315/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/yara-shahidi-eighteen-x-18-political-nowthis-1202756937/|url-status=live}} which "will be a platform to encourage [her] peers to vote for the very first time in our upcoming midterm elections." Her other organizations include Yara's Club a partnership with Young Women's Leadership Network (YWLN) of New York, which provides online mentorship in hopes to end poverty through education.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/fashion/black-ish-star-yara-shahidi-is-a-role-model-off-screen.html|title='Black-ish' Star Yara Shahidi Is a Role Model Off-Screen|last=Seligson|first=Hannah|date=November 27, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418230422/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/fashion/black-ish-star-yara-shahidi-is-a-role-model-off-screen.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2017/11/16/meet-yara-shahidi-the-17-year-old-actress-and-activist/|title=Meet Yara Shahidi: The 17-Year-Old Actress And Activist|last=Berg|first=Madeline|magazine=Forbes|date=November 16, 2017|language=en|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418231045/https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2017/11/16/meet-yara-shahidi-the-17-year-old-actress-and-activist/|url-status=live}}
Shahidi's activism was noticed by former first lady Michelle Obama, who wrote her a letter of recommendation to Harvard University.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/yara-shahidi-michelle-obama-college-recommendations|title=Star Pupil: Michelle Obama Wrote Yara Shahidi A College Recommendation!|last=Rogo|first=Paula|date=March 11, 2017|magazine=Essence|language=en|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225909/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/yara-shahidi-michelle-obama-college-recommendations|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Bitmead|first=Charlotte|date=September 8, 2020|title=Yara Shahidi On Loving Her Monobrow And Why Family Give The Best Beauty Advice|url=https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/a33939385/yara-shadidi-beauty-interview/|access-date=September 14, 2020|website=ELLE|language=en-GB|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127074753/https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/a33939385/yara-shadidi-beauty-interview/|url-status=live}} She was also given the opportunity by Teen Vogue to interview Hillary Clinton in 2017.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a14006713/yara-shahidi-hillary-clinton-interview/|title=Yara Shahidi Just Asked Hillary Clinton About That Very Uncomfortable Trump Debate|date=December 3, 2017|magazine=Harper's Bazaar|language=en-US|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418230504/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a14006713/yara-shahidi-hillary-clinton-interview/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/02/yara-shahidi-role-model-harvard-activism|title=Yara Shahidi on Being a Role Model, Attending Harvard, and Continuing Her Activism|last=Smith|first=Krista|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=February 9, 2018|language=en|access-date=April 2, 2018|archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122032102/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/02/yara-shahidi-role-model-harvard-activism|url-status=live}}
In 2021, Shahidi joined the Dior Stand with Women campaign.{{Cite web|date=March 16, 2021|title=Yara Shahidi joins the Dior Stands With Women campaign|url=https://arab.news/ws8br|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=Arab News|language=en}}
In October 2023, Shahidi signed an open letter for the "Artists4Ceasefire" campaign alongside other artists, urging President Joe Biden to push for a ceasefire and an end to the killing of civilians amid the Gaza war.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/21/1207783685/celebrities-letter-ceasefire-israel-gaza-biden|title=Entertainment industry A-listers sign a letter to Biden urging a cease-fire in Gaza|last=Veltman|first=Chloe|date=October 21, 2023|work=NPR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021195237/https://www.npr.org/2023/10/21/1207783685/celebrities-letter-ceasefire-israel-gaza-biden|archive-date=October 21, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=April 23, 2024}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009
| Olivia Danielson | | |||
| rowspan="2" | 2010
| Salt | Salt's Young Neighbor | | |||
| Unthinkable
| Katie | | |||
| 2011
| Butter | Destiny | | |||
| 2012
| Janelle Cross | | |||
| 2018
| Brenda | Voice role | |||
| rowspan="3" | 2019
| | | |||
| The Sun Is Also a Star
| Natasha Kingsley | | |||
| Hair Love
| |Co-executive producer | |||
| 2020
| Fearless | Melanie | rowspan="3" | Voice role | |||
| 2021
| Kendra Wilson | |||
| 2022
| Callie | |||
| rowspan="2" | 2023
| | |||
| Sitting in Bars with Cake
| Jane |Executive producer |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2007
| Kandace West | 1 episode |
| rowspan="3"| 2009
| Esther | 5 episodes |
| Cold Case
| Meesha Sullivan '91 | 1 episode |
| Wizards of Waverly Place
| Olive | 1 episode |
| rowspan="2"| 2010
| Olivia | 1 episode |
| $♯*! My Dad Says
| Girl Scout | 1 episode |
| rowspan="3"| 2011
| The Cape | Layla | 1 episode |
| Family Guy
| Little Girl | Voice role; 1 episode |
| Rip City
| Montana | Television film |
| 2012
| Adina | 1 episode |
| 2012–2013
| Chloe Johnson | 23 episodes |
| 2013
| Scandal | Young Olivia Pope | 2 episodes |
| rowspan="2"| 2014
| Jalissa | 1 episode |
| The Fosters
| Maddie | 2 episodes |
| 2014–2022
| Zoey Johnson | Main role (seasons 1–3), Recurring role (seasons 4–8); 79 episodes |
| 2016–2018
| Darci Scott | Voice role; 10 episodes |
| 2018–2024
| Zoey Johnson | Lead role (seasons 1–5), Recurring role (season 6); Also executive producer |
| 2018–2019
| 3Below | Darci Scott | Voice role; 8 episodes |
| 2023
| Carmen Jalilo | 1 episode |
= Music =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Title !Artist(s) !Refs. |
| 2018 |
| 2023
|"Mosquito" |
= As director =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Title !Notes !Refs. |
| 2018
|Shatterbox |Episode: "X" |
| 2022
|Episode: "Sofia" |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Award !Category !Work !Result |
| 2016
| rowspan="3" |BET Awards | rowspan="3" |YoungStars Award | rowspan="3" |Black-ish |{{Nominated}} |
| 2017
|{{Won}} |
| 2018
|{{Won}} |
| 2017
| rowspan="3" |Black Reel Awards |Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy Series |{{Nominated}} |
| 2018
| rowspan="2" |Outstanding Actress, Comedy Series | rowspan="2" |Grown-ish |{{Nominated}} |
| 2021
|{{Nominated}} |
| 2016
|Outstanding Female Actor in a Breakthrough Role | rowspan="3" |Black-ish |{{Won}} |
| 2017
|Best Breakthrough Performance |{{Nominated}} |
| 2015
| rowspan="5" |NAACP Image Award |Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series |{{Won}} |
| 2019
| rowspan="3" |Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | rowspan="3" |Grown-ish |{{Nominated}} |
| 2020
|{{Nominated}} |
| 2021
|{{Nominated}} |
| 2024
|Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture |{{Nominated}} |
| 2019
| rowspan="4" |People's Choice Awards |The Comedy TV Star of 2019 | rowspan="4" |Grown-ish |{{Nominated}} |
| 2020
|The Comedy TV Star of 2020 |{{Nominated}} |
| rowspan="2" |2021
|The Female TV Star of 2021 |{{Nominated}} |
| The Comedy TV Star of 2021
|{{Nominated}} |
| 2016
| rowspan="2" |Screen Actors Guild Awards | rowspan="2" |Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | rowspan="4" |Black-ish |{{Nominated}} |
| 2017
|{{Nominated}} |
| 2015
| rowspan="6" |Teen Choice Awards |Choice TV: Breakout Star |{{Nominated}} |
| 2017
|{{Nominated}} |
| 2018
|{{Nominated}} |
| rowspan="3" |2019
|Choice Summer Movie Actress |{{Nominated}} |
| Choice Comedy TV Actress
| rowspan="2" |Grown-ish |{{Nominated}} |
| Choice Summer TV Actress
|{{Nominated}} |
| 2010
| rowspan="2" |Young Artist Award |Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film |{{Nominated}} |
| 2016
|Best Performance in a TV Series – Leading Teen Actress |{{Nominated}} |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
- {{IMDb name|2780578|Yara Shahidi}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Yara Shahidi
|list =
{{BET YoungStars Award}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shahidi, Yara}}
Category:21st-century African-American actresses
Category:21st-century American actresses
Category:Actresses from Minneapolis
Category:Actresses of Iranian descent
Category:African-American child actresses
Category:American child actresses
Category:American child activists
Category:American film actresses
Category:American people of Iranian descent
Category:American television actresses