Yara Shahidi Height, Weight, Age, Wiki, Biography, Net Worth & Key Facts (2025)
Yara Shahidi is an acclaimed American actress, model, and activist, best known for her groundbreaking roles in television and her influential voice in social justice movements. Rising to fame as Zoey Johnson on ABC’s hit series “Black-ish” and its spin-off “Grown-ish,” Shahidi has become a role model for young people worldwide. Based in Los Angeles, she continues to inspire with her talent, intellect, and dedication to positive change.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Yara Sayeh Shahidi |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Actress, Model, Activist |
| Birth Date | February 10, 2000 |
| Age | 25 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Lead roles in “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish” |
| Known For | Acting, Modeling, Activism |
| Ethnicity | Iranian-African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) / 45 kg (99 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | Harvard University |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status / Spouse | Unmarried |
| Children | None |
| Relatives | Sayeed Shahidi (brother), Keri Shahidi (mother), Afshin Shahidi (father) |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Photography, Social Activism |
| Employer / Organization | ABC, Freeform, 7th Sun Productions |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $2 million (2025) |
Early Life & Education
Yara Shahidi was born on February 10, 2000, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Keri Salter Shahidi and Afshin Shahidi. Her mother is of African-American and Choctaw heritage, while her father is Iranian-American. The family moved to Los Angeles when Yara was four years old to support her father’s career as a cinematographer. Shahidi attended Dwight Global Online School before enrolling at Harvard University in 2018, where she studied Interdisciplinary Sociology and African American Studies. From a young age, Yara showed a keen interest in acting, modeling, and public speaking, participating in commercials and community events.
Career Journey
Yara Shahidi’s career began at age six, appearing in television commercials for brands such as McDonald’s and Ralph Lauren. Her breakthrough came in 2009 with a role alongside Eddie Murphy in the film “Imagine That.”
Breakthrough with “Black-ish”
In 2014, Yara was cast as Zoey Johnson in ABC’s comedy series “Black-ish,” earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a smart, ambitious teenager. Her performance led to multiple award nominations and established her as a prominent young actress.
Leading “Grown-ish” and Expanding Influence
Yara reprised her role as Zoey in the “Black-ish” spin-off “Grown-ish,” which premiered in 2018 on Freeform. The show follows Zoey’s journey through college and adulthood, with Shahidi also serving as a producer. Her work on “Grown-ish” has earned her recognition for tackling relevant social issues facing Generation Z.
Other Notable Projects
Beyond her TV success, Shahidi has appeared in films like “The Sun Is Also a Star” (2019) and lent her voice to animated features. In 2020, she launched 7th Sun Productions with her mother, aiming to amplify diverse voices in media. Yara is also a sought-after model, working with brands such as Dior and Bobbi Brown, and has been featured in major fashion magazines.
Activism and Advocacy
Shahidi is a passionate advocate for education, diversity, and youth empowerment. She founded Eighteen x 18, an initiative to encourage young voter participation, and has spoken at global forums including the United Nations and TEDx events.
Personal Life
Yara Shahidi is known for maintaining a private personal life. She is not married and has no children as of 2025. Her close-knit family includes her parents and younger brother, actor Sayeed Shahidi. Yara enjoys reading, traveling, photography, and engaging in social activism. She is also involved in various community and humanitarian projects, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact.
Awards & Achievements
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (multiple nominations, 2015–2022)
- BET YoungStars Award (2017)
- Gracie Award for Actress in a Breakthrough Role (2018)
- Inclusion in TIME’s “30 Most Influential Teens” (2016, 2017)
- Harvard University: Chosen as a member of the annual “Harvard Black Graduation” keynote speakers (2022)
- Forbes “30 Under 30” in Hollywood & Entertainment (2021)
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 45 kg (99 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements | 32-23-32 inches (approx.) |
| Shoe Size | 7 US |
| Dress Size | 2 US |
Quotes
- “My work is about using my platform to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.”
- “Education is not just about what you learn in the classroom, but about the experiences that shape you.”
- “I hope to inspire others to dream big and take action for the causes they believe in.”
Controversies
As of 2025, Yara Shahidi has maintained a positive public image and has not been involved in any major controversies. She is widely respected for her professionalism, activism, and commitment to social change.
Favorites
- Favorite Book: “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Favorite Movie: “Do the Right Thing”
- Favorite Food: Persian cuisine
- Favorite Color: Blue
- Favorite Travel Destination: Paris, France
- Favorite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Salary & Net Worth
Yara Shahidi’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately $2 million. Her income sources include acting salaries from “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” film roles, modeling contracts, brand endorsements, and her production company. According to industry sources, lead actors on network sitcoms can earn between $40,000 and $100,000 per episode, and Shahidi’s earnings are believed to be within this range for her recent projects.
Interesting Facts
- Yara’s name means “someone who is close to your heart” in Persian.
- She was personally recommended to Harvard University by former First Lady Michelle Obama.
- Yara is a distant cousin of rapper Nas.
- She started her own production company, 7th Sun, at age 20.
- Shahidi has spoken at the United Nations and collaborated with organizations like Girls Write Now.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @yarashahidi (8M+ followers)
- Twitter/X: @YaraShahidi (500K+ followers)
- Facebook: Yara Shahidi Official (1M+ likes)
- LinkedIn: Yara Shahidi
- YouTube: Yara Shahidi
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Yara Shahidi’s height and weight?
Yara Shahidi is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall and weighs approximately 45 kg (99 lbs). - What is Yara Shahidi famous for?
She is best known for her roles as Zoey Johnson in “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” as well as her activism. - Where did Yara Shahidi go to college?
She attended Harvard University, studying Interdisciplinary Sociology and African American Studies. - Is Yara Shahidi married?
No, as of 2025, Yara Shahidi is not married. - What is Yara Shahidi’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $2 million in 2025. - What organizations is Yara Shahidi involved with?
She founded Eighteen x 18 and co-founded 7th Sun Productions.
Conclusion
Yara Shahidi stands out as a multi-talented actress, model, and activist whose influence extends beyond the entertainment industry. Her commitment to education, social justice, and empowering others continues to inspire millions. If you found this biography informative, please share it with friends and on your social networks!
Sources
IMDb |
Wikipedia |
Forbes |
The Hollywood Reporter |
Vogue
