Yaya DaCosta Biography: Her Age, Net Worth, Husband, Personal Life & More
From her early beginnings in America’s Next Top Model to her success in the entertainment industry as an actress, Yaya DaCosta has become a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Born on November 15, 1982, the sensational American talent is best known for her acting roles, including playing April Kepner in Chicago Med and Whitney Houston in the Lifetime biopic Whitney.
But there’s more to this multi-talented star than meets the eye. In this exclusive biography, discover the untold story behind Yaya DaCosta’s rise to fame. Learn everything about her early life, career, struggles, age, perspersonal lifehievements and more.
Yaya Dacosta’s Early Life & Education
Yaya Dacosta was born to Orundun DaCosta Johnson and Carl Awolowo Johnson on November 15, 1982, in Harlem, New York, United States. She was born under the Scorpio astrological sign. Yaya is an African-American with an Afro-Brazilian grandfather. Raised in the Harlem neighbourhood of New York City, Yaya DaCosta attended the elite Northfield Mount Hermon School for her high school education.
Popularity: 41 today • 163 all-time
Biography / Wiki Summary of Yaya DaCosta
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Real nameYaya DaCostaStage nameYaya DaCostaWhere is “Yaya DaCosta” NowUnknown — suggest an editDate of birth1982-11-15Age43 yearsCurrently Alive?YesProfessionActress & ModelNationalityAmericanNet Worth (USD)1,000,000Height5 ft 7.75 in (1.72 m)WeightNew York City, NY, USARelationship statusSinglePlace of birthHarlem, New York, United StatesHometownHarlem, New York, United StatesStar signScorpioMovies StarredChicago Med, Tron: Legacy”, “Mother of George”, “Ugly Betty”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “Army Wives”, “Body of Proof”Children (Number)1Children’s NamesSankaraGenderFemaleEthnicityBlackHigh SchoolNorthfield Mount Hermon SchoolUniversityBrown UniversityCredentialsUnknown — suggest an editFavorite FoodsUnknown — suggest an editInterest and HobbiesUnknown — suggest an editIncome SourceActing & ModelingSalary/WagesUnknown — suggest an editHusbandJoshua Bee Alafia (m. 2012 – div. 2015)ParentsOrundun DaCosta Johnson and Carl Awolowo JohnsonSiblingsUnknown — suggest an editBra sizeUnknown — suggest an editBody MeasurementUnknown — suggest an editHair ColorBlackEye ColorBrownFake BoobsNoTattoosUnknown — suggest an editPiercingUnknown — suggest an editOfficial WebsiteUnknown — suggest an editInstagram / X — suggest an editYouTubeUnknown — suggest an editFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/OfficialYayaDaCosta/Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaya_DaCostaIMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm1861624/bio/✅ Verified by The News God Editorial Team
Last updated: November 14, 2025
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Following high school graduation, she enrolled at Brown University, where she majored in Africana studies and international relations. Yaya is also fluent in Portuguese, French, Spanish, and some Japanese.
How old is Yaya Dacosta? Her Birthday & Age Info
Yaya DaCosta is 43 years old as of 2025. She was born on November 15, 1982, under the Scorpio astrological sign. Hailing from the streets of Harlem, New York, this talented actress has been gracing our screens for over two decades. She has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. As she celebrates another year of life, we anticipate seeing what amazing things Yaya DaCosta will achieve in the coming years.
Career & Rise to Prominance
Following her success on Cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model as a runner-up, Yaya DaCosta transitioned her career into the movie industry. She appeared in commercials for Garnier Fructis, Lincoln Townhouse, Oil of Olay, RadioShack, Seda, Sephora and Dr Scholl’s. As a model, she has graced the covers of several magazines, including W, Hype Hair, Splash and Global Modelling.
2005 saw Dacosta begin her acting career, landing a guest role in an episode of the UPN sitcom Eve. In the subsequent years, she began appearing as asupporting actors in the independent films Honeydripper (2007) and The Messenger (2009).
In 2008, Yaya DaCosta played the role of Cassandra Foster in the ABC soap opera All My Children. She later rejoined the cast of The First Breeze of Summer on Broadway after leaving All My Children. In 2009, she had a recurring role as Nico Slater in the fourth and final season of the ABC comedy-drama series Ugly Betty. In 2013, Dacosta portrayed Carol in the historical drama film The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.
From 2015 to 2018, she played the role of April Sexton in the NBC medical drama Chicago Med. She later made an appearance in the season of The Lincoln Lawyer as the main character. She later departed the cast ahead of season 4, which began filming in February 2025.
As an actress, Yaya DaCosta has starred in dozens of movies and TV shows, including “Racing for Time”, “The Kids Are All Right”, “Tron: Legacy”, “Mother of George”, “Ugly Betty”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “Army Wives”, “Body of Proof”, and “House”. While still in the modeling industry, she has signed to Ford Models as her agency.
What is Yaya DaCosta’s Net Worth?
The 43-year-old American star, Yaya DaCosta, has a net worth of $1 million, a testament to her work and success in the entertainment industry. His sources of income come from acting payouts, modelling gigs, brand endorsements, and other investments. Despite her age, Yaya has already made a name for herself in the industry with notable performances in Bolden!, Whitney, and Chicago Med.
Yaya DaCosta’s Personal Life
Yaya DaCosta is currently single as of 2025. However, she was previously married to independent film producer and director Joshua Bee Alafia. The two lovebirds exchanged their marriage vows in 2012 and welcomed their son, Sankara. In 2015, the couple parted ways.
In November 2015, it was reported that DaCosta and Alafia broke up. DaCosta and Alafia were never officially married, based on popular reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Yaya Dacosta?
Ans: YYaya Dacostais 43 years old as of 2025.
What is Yaya Dacosta net worth
Ans: Yaya Dacosta has a nnet worthof $1 million as of this writing.
Where was Yaya Dacosta born?
Ans: Yaya Dacosta was born in Harlem, New York, United States.
Who are Yaya Dacosta parents?
Ans: Yaya Dacosta was born to Orundun DaCosta Johnson and Carl Awolowo Johnson.
How many kids does Yaya Dacosta have?
Ans: Yaya Dacosta has a son named, Sankara, with Joshua Bee Alafia
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