Storm Reid Biography: Age, Height, Boyfriend Shedeur Sanders, Career, Euphoria, The Last of Us, Emmy Win, Net Worth & Facts

At just 23, Storm Reid has already logged an Oscar-winning film (12 Years a Slave), a Disney tentpole (A Wrinkle in Time), two HBO cultural phenomena (Euphoria, The Last of Us), a Primetime Emmy win, a USC degree, and a production company. Born in Atlanta and raised in Los Angeles, she transitioned from child roles — Emily in 12 Years a Slave at age 9 — to complex teen portraits: Gia Bennett, Rue’s fragile younger sister in Euphoria (S1–2); Riley Abel, Ellie’s fiercely loyal best friend in The Last of Us (episode “Left Behind”), which earned her the 2024 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress. She’s since led the screen-life thriller Missing (2023) and the horror sequel The Nun II (2023), graduated USC (Dramatic Arts, African American Studies minor, May 2025), launched music (“Shotty,” 2026), and signed as a New Balance ambassador alongside Coco Gauff. As Euphoria S3 films without Gia, Reid is deliberately pivoting: producing via A Seed & Wings (with mother Robyn), chasing action/rom-com range, and building a career defined by intentionality over visibility.

Quick Facts

Related names: Zendaya (Euphoria co-star, “bonus big sister”), Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us co-star), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us co-star), Sadie Sink (Gen Z peer), Jenna Ortega (Gen Z peer), Marsai Martin (child-star-to-producer peer), Yara Shahidi (USC alum, actress-activist), Coco Gauff (New Balance co-ambassador, friend), Ava DuVernay (A Wrinkle in Time, When They See Us director).

Early Life & Education

Storm Reid was born July 1, 2003, in Atlanta, Georgia, the youngest of four children to Rodney Reid and Robyn Simpson Reid. Her mother recalls a determined toddler: at 3, Storm marched up to her and declared, “I want to be on TV and I want to be a superstar.” The family relocated to Los Angeles when she was 9 to pursue acting professionally. Homeschooled through high school to accommodate filming schedules, she booked her first commercial at 3, short films by 8, and her breakthrough — Emily in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave — at 9.

In fall 2021, craving “normalcy” and peer experiences she’d missed, she enrolled at the University of Southern California, majoring in Dramatic Arts with a minor in African American Studies. She balanced coursework, basketball games, sorority-adjacent social life, and international press tours — graduating May 2025. Her commencement speech highlighted her mother’s sacrifices: “She gave up her career so I could have mine.” Reid credits USC with grounding her: “One day I’m picking outfits for a game, the next I’m on a plane to France. It gives me balance.”

Career Journey

Child Prodigy & Early Breakthrough (2012–2018)

Reid’s résumé before 18 reads like a veteran’s: A Cross to Bear (2012, TV movie), The Thundermans, NCIS: LA, Chicago P.D. guest spots. 12 Years a Slave (2013) placed her in McQueen’s unflinching ensemble — her Emily, sold into sexual bondage, required emotional maturity far beyond her years. Sleight (2016, Sundance) showed genre chops as a street-magic thriller lead. Then A Wrinkle in Time (2018): Ava DuVernay cast her as Meg Murry opposite Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling. The $100M+ Disney film made her a global face at 14; she earned Teen Choice and NAACP Image Award nominations. DuVernay became a mentor: “She taught me to own my space.”

Prestige TV & Genre Range (2019–2022)

2019 was a trilogy year: When They See Us (DuVernay’s Central Park Five miniseries — Lisa, 2 episodes), The Bravest Knight (Hulu, voice lead Nia), and Euphoria (HBO, Gia Bennett — main cast S1–2). As Gia, she played the quiet witness to Zendaya’s Rue’s addiction — a role of reactive silence that critics called “heartbreaking restraint.” She also starred opposite David Oyelowo in Don’t Let Go (2019, Blumhouse time-bending thriller) and voiced in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+).

Emmy-Winning Turn & Leading Lady Status (2023)

The Last of Us episode “Left Behind” (2023) changed everything. As Riley Abel — Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) best friend, first love, and tragic loss — Reid delivered a 40-minute two-hander of laughter, intimacy, and devastation. The lesbian kiss scene sparked review-bombing; Reid called the backlash “nonsense” and “priorities straight.” She won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (2024) and the Black Reel Award. That same year, she carried Missing (Screen Gems) as June Allen — a daughter searching for her mother via laptop screens — proving she could anchor a $7M-budget thriller that grossed $48M worldwide. The Nun II (Warner Bros) added horror-cred and $268M global box office.

Post-Emmy Pivot: Producing, Music & Intentionality (2024–Present)

Post-Emmy, Reid declined “safe” next steps. She confirmed Gia will not return for Euphoria Season 3 (filming 2025–2026): “I’m so glad that’s part of my legacy.” She launched A Seed & Wings (production company with mother Robyn, founded 2013, now active) to “cultivate stories not told correctly.” She signed with New Balance as global ambassador (2024), appearing at Australian Open 2026 with Coco Gauff. She released debut single “Shotty” (July 2026) — vulnerable R&B about “boy problems, not having it together.” Upcoming: Netflix’s Roommates and Get Lite (dance-action, pushing physical comfort zones). She wants action, rom-com, and “stories that shift the industry from inside.”

Career Stats

• Feature Films (Lead/Supporting): 10+ (12 Years a Slave, A Wrinkle in Time, Sleight, Don’t Let Go, The Invisible Man, Missing, The Nun II, White Water, An American Girl: Lea to the Rescue, Changeland)
• TV Series (Main/Recurring): 4 (Euphoria S1–2, When They See Us, The Bravest Knight, The Last of Us guest)
• Emmy Wins: 1 (Outstanding Guest Actress, The Last of Us, 2024)
• Emmy Nominations: 1 (same)
• NAACP Image Award Nominations: 3+ (A Wrinkle in Time, When They See Us, Euphoria)
• Black Reel Awards: 1 (Outstanding Guest Performance, The Last of Us)
• Production Company: A Seed & Wings (co-founder, 2013)
• Years Active: 14 (2012–present)

Personal Life

• Parents: Rodney Reid (father), Robyn Simpson Reid (mother, producer, manager, A Seed & Wings co-founder)
• Siblings: Paris Reid, Josh Reid, Iman Reid (three older — all private, supportive)
• Relationship Status: Dating Shedeur Sanders (Colorado Buffaloes QB, son of Deion Sanders) since 2024; confirmed at 2024 ESPYs, 2025 NAMI Gala.
• Previous Relationship: Sayeed Shahidi (actor, Grown-ish), 2017.
• Children: None.
• Residence: Los Angeles (home base); Atlanta (family roots); travels for filming.
• Faith: Christian — references God/universe in speeches; “accepting all the universe and God has to offer.”

Dating History and Affairs

• Shedeur Sanders (2024–present): Colorado QB, Deion Sanders’ son. Public debut at 2024 ESPYs; attended 2025 NAMI Mental Health Gala together. Reid: “He’s my person.” Both navigate high-profile sports/entertainment schedules.
• Sayeed Shahidi (2017): Actor (Grown-ish), Yara Shahidi’s brother. Brief teen relationship; amicable split. Both moved to USC-era peer circles.

Controversies

The Last of Us Backlash (2023): Episode “Left Behind” featured a lesbian kiss between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Riley (Reid). Review-bombing hit IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes/Metacritic from anti-LGBTQ+ brigades. Reid told Entertainment Weekly: “It’s nonsense. Get your priorities straight.” HBO and cast stood by the episode; it’s now considered a series highlight.

Euphoria S3 Absence Speculation (2025): Rumors swirled her non-return meant behind-the-scenes conflict. Reid shut it down: “Logistics. Everybody’s busy. I’m so indebted to that show.” No bad blood with Zendaya (spoke “recently” per Reid, May 2025).

None through 2026 regarding legal, financial, or professional misconduct.

Awards & Achievements

• 2024 — Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (The Last of Us)
• 2024 — Black Reel Award: Outstanding Guest Performance in a Drama Series (The Last of Us)
• 2018 — Teen Choice Award Nomination: Choice Fantasy Movie Actress (A Wrinkle in Time)
• 2018 — NAACP Image Award Nomination: Outstanding Breakthrough Performance (A Wrinkle in Time)
• 2020 — NAACP Image Award Nomination: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries (When They See Us)
• 2022 — NAACP Image Award Nomination: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Euphoria)
• 2025 — USC Graduate: B.A. Dramatic Arts, Minor African American Studies
• 2024–2026 — New Balance Global Ambassador (with Coco Gauff)

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
• Weight: ~112 lbs (51 kg)
• Build: Slim, athletic (runs 5K, dances)
• Hair: Dark Brown, natural curls; versatile styling (braids, silk press, updos)
• Eyes: Dark Brown
• Distinctive: Radiant smile, expressive eyes, “sunshine aura” per press

Quotes

“I don’t think I’ve fully digested the Emmy. It ignited confidence to go after roles that mean something — being intentional.”

— Storm Reid, Betches interview, Australian Open 2026

“I already have two big sisters but consider Zendaya the third. She’s consistent, good, takes up space in the most beautiful, gentle way.”

— Storm Reid, The Standard interview, 2024

Favorites

• Dream Co-Stars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep
• Dream Gen-Z Collabs: Sadie Sink, Jenna Ortega
• Director: Ava DuVernay (mentor), Sam Levinson (Euphoria), Craig Mazin (The Last of Us)
• Show to Rewatch: Scandal (“would pay a pretty penny to watch for first time again”)
• Music: R&B, Gospel, H.E.R., H.E.R.
• Book: African American Studies syllabus favorites (Toni Morrison, James Baldwin)
• Food: Southern comfort (collard greens, cornbread — Atlanta roots)
• Sneaker: New Balance 550, 990v6 (ambassador perks)

Earnings

Estimated Net Worth (2026): ~$2 million. Sources: Euphoria S1–2 per-episode fees (HBO scale), The Last of Us guest-star fee + Emmy bump, Missing lead salary (~$200–300K), The Nun II supporting fee, A Wrinkle in Time residual checks, brand partnerships (New Balance, Pomellato, Prada), production company equity (A Seed & Wings), music royalties (nascent). USC graduation likely increases quoting power for producer fees. She lives in a modest LA home (purchased with mother), drives practical SUV, reinvests in development slate.

Interesting Facts

• First professional gig: TV commercial at age 3 (Atlanta).
• Moved to LA at 9 with entire family — mother quit job to manage her career.
• A Wrinkle in Time audition: sent self-tape from Atlanta hotel room during hurricane evacuation.
• Gia Bennett’s wardrobe in Euphoria was intentionally “younger, softer” than Rue’s — costume designer Heidi Bivens curated the sister contrast.
• Riley Abel’s “Left Behind” kiss was her first on-screen kiss; she was 19.
• Graduated USC while filming Missing reshoots and Euphoria S2 press — took finals in trailer.
• Production company name “A Seed & Wings” comes from mother’s saying: “Plant a seed, give it wings.”
• Ran first 5K in 2025 (“never thought I’d do it”); training for 10K in 2026.
• New Balance deal includes signature apparel capsule (2026 rollout).
• “Shotty” music video directed by friend/creative partner; filmed in Atlanta childhood neighborhoods.

Did You Know Already?

• Her 12 Years a Slave scene (Emily’s sale) was filmed on her 10th birthday — McQueen gave her a cupcake after.
• She and Zendaya have a “sister code”: daily voice notes, not texts — “hear the tone.”
• Missing was filmed entirely during COVID (2021) — laptop-screen format was pandemic necessity turned stylistic choice.
• She voiced Nia in The Bravest Knight (Hulu’s first LGBTQ+ animated lead) at 15 — pioneering representation.
• Her mother Robyn produced A Cross to Bear (2012) — Storm’s first credit — making them a rare mother-daughter producer team from day one.
• She turned down several “teen horror scream queen” offers post-The Nun II to avoid typecast.
• USC minor (African American Studies) was inspired by When They See Us research.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @stormreid (3.5M+ followers; active — fashion, family, faith, music)
• Twitter/X: @stormreid
• TikTok: @stormreid
• IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm5249452
• Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_Reid
• A Seed & Wings: aseedandwings.com (production company)

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Storm Reid’s first two decades — Atlanta toddler with a declaration, LA teen with an Oscar film, college student with an Emmy, young woman with a production company and a debut single — read like a blueprint for the modern multi-hyphenate. She’s navigated child-stardom traps (burnout, typecast, identity loss) by anchoring in faith, family, and education. At 23, she’s not chasing the next franchise; she’s building the infrastructure to greenlight her own stories. “I want to do things I think I can’t do,” she said in 2026. Given her track record, the industry should bet on her. If you found this biography helpful, please share it with Storm Reid fans!