5 Things You Didn't Know About Yaya DaCosta

Who is Yaya DaCosta?

Yaya DaCosta is an American actress, model, and dancer. She is best known for her roles as Whitney Houston in the Lifetime biopic Whitney (2015) and April Sexton in the Fox medical drama series Chicago Med (2015present).

DaCosta was born in Harlem, New York City, on November 12, 1982. She began her career as a fashion model, appearing in campaigns for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Gap. In 2004, she made her acting debut in the film Honey. She has since appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Take the Lead (2006), The Kids Are All Right (2010), Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013), and The Nice Guys (2016).

DaCosta is a talented and versatile actress who has proven her ability to play a wide range of roles. She is a rising star in Hollywood, and she is sure to continue to achieve great things in her career.

| Personal Details ||---|---|| Full Name | Yaya DaCosta || Birth Date | November 12, 1982 || Birth Place | Harlem, New York City, U.S. || Occupation | Actress, model, dancer || Years Active | 2004-present || Spouse | Joshua Bee Alafia || Children | Sankara Alafia |

Main article topics

• Early life and career
• Acting career
• Personal life

Yaya DaCosta

Yaya DaCosta is an American actress, model, and dancer. She is best known for her roles as Whitney Houston in the Lifetime biopic Whitney (2015) and April Sexton in the Fox medical drama series Chicago Med (2015-present).

• Early life and career
• Acting career
• Personal life
• Awards and nominations
• Activism
• Style icon
• Role model

Yaya DaCosta is a multi-talented artist who has achieved success in both the film and television industries. She is also a role model for young women of color and an advocate for social justice. Her work both on and off the screen has made a positive impact on the world.

1. Early Life and Career

Yaya DaCosta's early life and career laid the foundation for her success as an actress, model, and dancer. She was born in Harlem, New York City, on November 12, 1982. Her mother is African-American and her father is Brazilian. DaCosta began her career as a fashion model, appearing in campaigns for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Gap. In 2004, she made her acting debut in the film Honey. She has since appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Take the Lead (2006), The Kids Are All Right (2010), Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013), and The Nice Guys (2016).

• Modeling Career

  DaCosta's modeling career helped her to develop her confidence and poise. She also learned how to work with a variety of people, including photographers, stylists, and makeup artists. These skills have been invaluable in her acting career.

• Acting Debut

  DaCosta's acting debut in the film Honey was a major turning point in her career. She received critical acclaim for her performance, and it led to her being cast in a number of other films and television shows.

• Breakthrough Role

  DaCosta's breakthrough role came in the Lifetime biopic Whitney (2015), in which she played the iconic singer Whitney Houston. DaCosta's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination.

• Continued Success

  Since her breakout role in Whitney, DaCosta has continued to appear in a number of successful films and television shows. She currently stars as April Sexton in the Fox medical drama series Chicago Med.

Yaya DaCosta's early life and career experiences have shaped her into the successful actress she is today. Her modeling career gave her the confidence and poise she needed to succeed in acting. Her acting debut in Honey opened the door to a number of other opportunities. And her breakthrough role in Whitney earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award nomination. DaCosta is a talented and versatile actress who is sure to continue to achieve great things in her career.

2. Acting career

Yaya DaCosta's acting career is inextricably linked to her success as an artist. Acting has allowed her to express her creativity, tell important stories, and connect with audiences around the world. DaCosta has played a wide range of roles throughout her career, from historical figures to contemporary characters. She has a natural ability to embody different characters and bring them to life on screen.

One of DaCosta's most notable roles was her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the Lifetime biopic Whitney (2015). DaCosta's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination. DaCosta's ability to capture Houston's essence and convey her struggles and triumphs was a testament to her talent as an actress.

DaCosta's acting career has also been marked by her commitment to social justice. She has used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. DaCosta is a role model for young women of color and an advocate for equality. Her work both on and off the screen has made a positive impact on the world.

Yaya DaCosta is a talented and versatile actress who has achieved great success in her career. She is a role model for young women of color and an advocate for social justice. Her work both on and off the screen has made a positive impact on the world.

3. Personal life

Yaya DaCosta's personal life is characterized by her commitment to family, her passion for social justice, and her dedication to her craft. She is a role model for young women of color and an advocate for equality.

• Family
  

  DaCosta is a devoted mother to her daughter, Sankara. She often speaks about the importance of family in her life and how it has shaped her values.

• Social justice
  

  DaCosta is a vocal advocate for social justice. She has used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. She is also a supporter of organizations that work to promote equality.

• Craft
  

  DaCosta is dedicated to her craft. She is always striving to improve her skills and to create meaningful work. She is also a mentor to young actors and actresses.

Yaya DaCosta's personal life is an inspiration to others. She is a strong and independent woman who is committed to making a difference in the world.

4. Awards and nominations

Yaya DaCosta has been recognized for her work with numerous awards and nominations. These accolades are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. DaCosta's awards include a Golden Globe Award nomination for her performance in the Lifetime biopic Whitney (2015). She has also won two NAACP Image Awards for her work on the Fox medical drama series Chicago Med (2015-present).

• Golden Globe Award nomination
  

  DaCosta's Golden Globe Award nomination for her performance in Whitney is a major recognition of her talent. The Golden Globes are one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry, and DaCosta's nomination is a testament to her ability to embody different characters and bring them to life on screen.

• NAACP Image Awards
  

  DaCosta's two NAACP Image Awards for her work on Chicago Med are a recognition of her commitment to social justice. The NAACP Image Awards are given to honor outstanding achievements by people of color in the arts and entertainment industry. DaCosta's awards are a testament to her work to promote diversity and inclusion on screen.

Yaya DaCosta's awards and nominations are a testament to her talent, dedication, and commitment to social justice. She is a role model for young women of color and an inspiration to us all.

5. Activism

Yaya DaCosta is an outspoken activist who has used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. She is also a supporter of organizations that work to promote equality. DaCosta's activism is an important part of her identity, and it has helped to raise awareness of important social issues.

One of the most important causes that DaCosta supports is the fight against racism. She has spoken out against police brutality and racial profiling, and she has also worked to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. DaCosta's activism has helped to raise awareness of the issue of racism, and it has inspired others to get involved in the fight for equality.

DaCosta is also a strong advocate for women's rights. She has spoken out against sexual assault and domestic violence, and she has also worked to promote gender equality in the workplace. DaCosta's activism has helped to raise awareness of the issue of gender inequality, and it has inspired others to get involved in the fight for women's rights.

DaCosta's activism is an important example of how celebrities can use their platform to make a difference in the world. She is a role model for young women of color, and she is an inspiration to us all. Her work to promote equality and justice is making the world a better place.

6. Style icon

Yaya DaCosta is a style icon known for her unique and eclectic fashion sense. She often incorporates vintage pieces into her wardrobe, and she is not afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns. DaCosta's style is often described as "boho-chic," and she often wears flowy dresses, skirts, and blouses. She also loves to accessorize with jewelry, scarves, and hats.

DaCosta's style has been featured in numerous magazines, and she has been named one of the best-dressed women in the world by several publications. She has also been the face of several fashion campaigns, including campaigns for H&M and Gap. DaCosta's style is inspiring to many women, and she has shown that it is possible to be both stylish and comfortable.

DaCosta's style icon status is important because it shows that women of color can be stylish and successful. She is a role model for young women of color, and she has helped to break down stereotypes about what it means to be a woman of color. DaCosta's style is a celebration of diversity, and it is a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

7. Role model

Yaya DaCosta serves as a role model for young women of color for several reasons. She is a successful actress, model, and dancer who has achieved great things in her career. She is also a strong advocate for social justice and uses her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. Additionally, DaCosta is a devoted mother and is often praised for her sense of style.

• Overcoming adversity
  

  DaCosta has overcome many obstacles in her life, including racism and poverty. She is an inspiration to young women of color who are facing similar challenges.

• Using her platform for good
  

  DaCosta uses her platform to speak out against injustice and to promote equality. She is an example of how celebrities can use their voices to make a difference in the world.

• Embracing her culture
  

  DaCosta is proud of her African-American and Brazilian heritage. She often speaks about the importance of embracing one's culture and identity.

• Being a positive role model
  

  DaCosta is a positive role model for young women of color. She is a successful, intelligent, and compassionate woman who is committed to making the world a better place.

Yaya DaCosta is an important role model for young women of color. She is someone who has achieved great things in her career and uses her platform to make a difference in the world. She is an inspiration to all who know her.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yaya DaCosta

Yaya DaCosta is an American actress, model, and dancer. She is best known for her roles as Whitney Houston in the Lifetime biopic Whitney (2015) and April Sexton in the Fox medical drama series Chicago Med (2015-present).

Question 1: What is Yaya DaCosta's racial and ethnic background?

Answer: DaCosta is of African-American and Brazilian descent.

Question 2: What was Yaya DaCosta's breakthrough role?

Answer: DaCosta's breakthrough role was her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the Lifetime biopic Whitney (2015).

Question 3: Is Yaya DaCosta married?

Answer: Yes, DaCosta is married to Joshua Bee Alafia.

Question 4: What is Yaya DaCosta's net worth?

Answer: DaCosta's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.

Question 5: What are some of Yaya DaCosta's most notable achievements?

Answer: DaCosta has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award and has won two NAACP Image Awards for her work on Chicago Med.

Yaya DaCosta is a talented and successful actress, model, and dancer. She is also a role model for young women of color and an advocate for social justice. Her work both on and off the screen has made a positive impact on the world.

Transition to the next article section:

Yaya DaCosta's activism and social justice work is an important part of her identity. She has used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. DaCosta's activism has helped to raise awareness of important social issues and has inspired others to get involved in the fight for equality.

Conclusion

Yaya DaCosta is a multi-talented artist who has achieved success in both the film and television industries. She is also a role model for young women of color and an advocate for social justice. Her work both on and off the screen has made a positive impact on the world.

DaCosta's story is an inspiration to us all. She shows us that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve great things. She also shows us that we all have a responsibility to use our voices to speak out against injustice. DaCosta is a powerful role model, and we are lucky to have her.

We can all learn from DaCosta's example. We can all use our voices to speak out against injustice. We can all work to make the world a better place. Let's all be inspired by DaCosta's story and work to make a difference in the world.