Meet Yaya DaCosta, a brilliant American star who proves that you can conquer any dream you chase.
After rising to fame as a top model, she smoothly traded the runway for Hollywood cameras.
She captured hearts as a beloved TV nurse in Chicago Med and a sharp lawyer in The Lincoln Lawyer.
Who is Yaya DaCosta?
Yaya DaCosta is a talented American actress and model who first became famous after finishing as the runner-up on Cycle 3 of the TV show America’s Next Top Model in 2004.
After gaining attention in the modeling world, she successfully built a strong acting career in Hollywood.
She is best known for playing April Sexton in Chicago Med and Andrea Freeman in The Lincoln Lawyer.
Yaya also received major praise for portraying Whitney Houston in the Lifetime biopic Whitney. In 2026, she attended the Fashion Trust US Award.
Later, she also appeared in popular films including The Kids Are All Right, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, and The Nice Guys.
Apart from acting and modeling, she is also a certified doula and wellness advocate who promotes maternal health, natural living, and cultural pride through her social media.
Early Life and Education
Yaya DaCosta was born on November 15, 1982, in New York City and raised in Harlem.
She grew up in a culturally rich family and proudly embraces her African-American, Brazilian, and Native American roots.
From a young age, she developed an interest in languages and became fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Yaya attended the prestigious Northfield Mount Hermon School before enrolling at Brown University, where she earned a degree in Africana Studies and International Relations, balancing academics with creative ambitions successfully.
What nationality and ethnicity is Yaya DaCosta?
Yaya DaCosta is an American citizen with a multicultural background that includes African-American, Brazilian, and Native American ancestry.
Born on November 15, her zodiac sign is Scorpio. Although she has not revealed her religion.
Yaya DaCosta Age / Birthday
Born on November 15, 1982, Yaya DaCosta is 43 years old in 2026.
Over the years, she has achieved success in multiple industries, including modeling, television, film, and wellness advocacy.
She transformed herself from a reality television contestant into a respected Hollywood actress with major roles in shows like Chicago Med and The Lincoln Lawyer.
Alongside entertainment, she became a certified doula and continues supporting women’s health, motherhood, and holistic wellness through her platform and public work.
Yaya DaCosta Parents & Siblings
Yaya DaCosta was raised by highly educated and culturally focused parents.
Her father, Carl Awolowo Johnson, worked as a college professor, while her mother, Otonnye DaCosta Johnson, served as the head of a respected Montessori school.
She grew up alongside three siblings in a family that valued education, creativity, and cultural awareness.
Her older sister, Djassi DaCosta Johnson, is a professional dancer, writer, and choreographer.
DaCosta also has two brothers named Mamadou Johnson and Djani Johnson, who largely stay away from the public spotlight.
Yaya DaCosta Height and Weight
Yaya DaCosta stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173cm or 1.73 m) tall, which helped her establish a successful modeling career early in life.
She maintains a slim and healthy physique with an estimated weight of around 56 kg or 123 lbs.
Her most striking features are her deep brown eyes and naturally curly black hair, which she styled in different ways.
Known for her graceful appearance and elegant fashion sense, Yaya’s estimated body measurements are around 32-23-35 inches.
How did Yaya DaCosta start her profession?
Modeling and Reality TV Breakthrough
Yaya DaCosta first gained public attention in 2004 after appearing on Cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model.
Although she finished as the runner-up, viewers and fashion brands quickly noticed her beauty, confidence, and intelligence.
The exposure opened doors for her modeling career, leading to campaigns with major brands like Oil of Olay, Target, Sephora, Dr. Scholl’s, and Garnier Fructis.
Her success proved she could build a long-term career beyond reality television fame.
Transition Into Acting
After modeling success, Yaya decided to focus seriously on acting and began landing film and television roles.
She made her film debut in Take the Lead alongside Antonio Banderas. She later appeared in independent films and television series, including Honeydripper and All My Children.
These early performances helped her develop strong acting skills and establish credibility in Hollywood beyond her modeling background and reality television fame.
Critical Acclaim and Hollywood Recognition
Yaya DaCosta earned major recognition after appearing in the film named The Kids Are All Right.
She later starred in Lee Daniels’ The Butler, further strengthening her Hollywood reputation.
In 2015, she received widespread praise for portraying Whitney Houston in the Lifetime movie Whitney, directed by Angela Bassett.
Her emotional performance impressed audiences, demonstrating her versatility and ability to handle demanding real-life character portrayals.
Television Success and Recent Projects
Yaya became a household television star after playing April Sexton in Chicago Med from 2015 to 2022.
Her performance as a compassionate emergency room nurse connected deeply with viewers worldwide.
After leaving the medical drama, she joined Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer as prosecutor Andrea Freeman. The role showcased a more powerful and confident side of her acting abilities.
Through these successful television projects, Yaya continued proving herself as one of the entertainment industry’s most talented and respected actresses.
Yaya DaCosta Instagram
Yaya DaCosta actively connects with fans through social media, where she shares updates about acting, wellness, motherhood, and personal growth.
Her most popular platform is Instagram, where she posts under the handle @yayadacosta and has built a loyal following of more than 630k fans.
She also uses Facebook and X to engage with audiences and promote her projects.
Yaya DaCosta Husband
Yaya DaCosta is currently not married. She was previously married to independent filmmaker and producer Joshua Bee Alafia.
The couple married in 2012 during a beautiful outdoor ceremony that reflected their spiritual and holistic lifestyle.
However, their marriage ended after two years, and they officially divorced in 2014. Since then, Yaya has kept her personal and romantic life very private.
She prefers focusing on her acting career, motherhood journey, wellness advocacy, and maintaining balance in her personal and professional life away from media attention.
Does Yaya DaCosta have children?
Yaya DaCosta is the proud mother of one son named Sankara Alafia, who was born in September 2013 during her marriage to Joshua Bee Alafia.
Her natural home birth experience inspired her deeply and later motivated her to become a certified doula.
Since becoming a mother, Yaya has passionately supported maternal health awareness, gentle parenting, and holistic wellness practices.
Yaya DaCosta Net Worth
Yaya DaCosta has an estimated net worth of around $1 million.
Most of her earnings come from her long and successful acting career in television and film.
Her major role in Chicago Med significantly contributed to her financial success over several years.
She also earned income through projects like The Lincoln Lawyer and various Hollywood films.
Before acting, Yaya built a profitable modeling career by working with brands such as Tom Ford, Sephora, Garnier, and Target.
She also earns through wellness advocacy work, partnerships, and public appearances connected to motherhood and holistic health awareness.
Final Words
From reality television fame to becoming a respected Hollywood actress, Yaya DaCosta has created an inspiring and successful career journey.
She has balanced entertainment, education, motherhood, and wellness advocacy while remaining true to her cultural roots and personal values.
Through memorable performances in projects like Chicago Med and The Lincoln Lawyer, she continues inspiring audiences around the world.
Her dedication to holistic wellness, maternal health, and artistic excellence makes her a powerful role model both inside and outside the entertainment industry.
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FAQ’s
Yaya DaCosta is an American actress and model.
She is from Harlem in New York City.
Yaya DaCosta is 43 years old in 2026.
She is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall.
She is currently unmarried and was previously married to Joshua Bee Alafia.
