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{{short description|American actress and model (born 1982)}}
{{short description|American actress and model (born 1982)}}
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{{Infobox model
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'''Camara DaCosta Johnson''' (born November 15, 1982), known as '''Yaya DaCosta''', is an American actress and model. She was the runner-up in [[America's Next Top Model, Cycle 3|Cycle 3]] of ''[[America's Next Top Model]]''. DaCosta eventually went on to star in [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s daytime drama series ''[[All My Children]]'' (2008), ABC's comedy-drama ''[[Ugly Betty]]'' (2009), and [[NBC]]'s medical drama ''[[Chicago Med]]'' (2015–2022)''.''
'''Camara DaCosta Johnson''' (born November 15, 1982), known as '''Yaya DaCosta''', is an American actress and model. She was the runner-up in [[America's Next Top Model, Cycle 3|Cycle 3]] of ''[[America's Next Top Model]]''. DaCosta eventually went on to star in [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s daytime drama series ''[[All My Children]]'' (2008), ABC's comedy-drama ''[[Ugly Betty]]'' (2009), and [[NBC]]'s medical drama ''[[Chicago Med]]'' (2015–2022)''.''


In 2010, she appeared in [[Lisa Cholodenko]]'s film ''[[The Kids Are All Right (film)|The Kids Are All Right]]'', being nominated with the cast at the [[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble|Critics' Choice Movie Award]] and at the [[Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Ensemble Cast|Gotham Award]]. DaCosta starred in the [[Lifetime Television|Lifetime television]] film ''[[Whitney (2015 film)|Whitney]]'' (2015) as singer [[Whitney Houston]] and received praise for her performance being nominated at the [[Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Critics express faith in lifetimes upcoming Whitney Houston biopic |magazine=[[Clutch (women's magazine)|Clutch]] |date=December 2014 |url=http://clutchmagonline.com/2014/12/critics-express-faith-lifetimes-upcoming-whitney-houston-biopic/ |access-date=19 January 2018}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024}}</ref>
In 2010, she appeared in [[Lisa Cholodenko]]'s film ''[[The Kids Are All Right (film)|The Kids Are All Right]]'', being nominated with the cast at the [[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble|Critics' Choice Movie Award]] and at the [[Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Ensemble Cast|Gotham Award]]. DaCosta starred in the [[Lifetime Television|Lifetime television]] film ''[[Whitney (2015 film)|Whitney]]'' (2015) as singer [[Whitney Houston]] and received praise for her performance being nominated at the [[Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Critics express faith in lifetimes upcoming Whitney Houston biopic |magazine=[[Clutch (women's magazine)|Clutch]] |date=December 2014 |url=http://clutchmagonline.com/2014/12/critics-express-faith-lifetimes-upcoming-whitney-houston-biopic/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217034917/http://clutchmagonline.com/2014/12/critics-express-faith-lifetimes-upcoming-whitney-houston-biopic/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
DaCosta was born on November 15, 1982. She was raised in the [[Harlem]] neighborhood of New York City.<ref>{{fashionmodel|id=Yaya_Dacosta|name=Yaya Dacosta}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Luchina |last=Fisher |title=5 Things About Yaya DaCosta, Star of Whitney Houston Biopic |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=June 9, 2014 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2014/06/5-things-about-yaya-dacosta-star-of-whitney-houston-biopic/ |access-date=2024-10-10}}</ref> In addition to English, she speaks Portuguese, French, Spanish and conversational Japanese.<ref name = "yaya squashes Nigerian rumor">{{cite web |first=Nye |last=Magee |title=Yaya DaCosta squashes Nigerian roots |website=eurweb.com |date=20 November 2015 |url=http://www.eurweb.com/2015/11/yaya-dacosta-slams-antm-squashes-nigerian-roots-rumors |access-date=2024-10-10}}</ref> She attended the elite [[Northfield Mount Hermon School]] during high school before attending [[Brown University]], where she majored in [[Africana studies]] and international relations.<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Heather |last=Salerno |title=Getting Even Better |magazine=Brown Alumni Magazine |issue=July/August 2016 |url=https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/articles/2016-07-07/getting-even-better |access-date=2021-07-30}}</ref>
DaCosta was born on November 15, 1982. She was raised in the [[Harlem]] neighborhood of New York City.<ref>{{fashionmodel|id=Yaya_Dacosta|name=Yaya Dacosta}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Luchina |last=Fisher |title=5 Things About Yaya DaCosta, Star of Whitney Houston Biopic |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=June 9, 2014 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2014/06/5-things-about-yaya-dacosta-star-of-whitney-houston-biopic/ |access-date=2024-10-10}}</ref> She is an African-American with an Afro-Brazilian grandfather. In addition to English, she speaks Portuguese.<ref name = "yaya squashes Nigerian rumor">{{cite web |first=Nye |last=Magee |title=Yaya DaCosta squashes Nigerian roots |website=eurweb.com |date=20 November 2015 |url=http://www.eurweb.com/2015/11/yaya-dacosta-slams-antm-squashes-nigerian-roots-rumors |access-date=2024-10-10}}</ref> She attended the elite [[Northfield Mount Hermon School]] during high school before attending [[Brown University]], where she majored in [[Africana studies]] and international relations.<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Heather |last=Salerno |title=Getting Even Better |magazine=Brown Alumni Magazine |issue=July/August 2016 |url=https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/articles/2016-07-07/getting-even-better |access-date=2021-07-30}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
After being the runner-up on Cycle 3 of ''[[America's Next Top Model]]'', DaCosta went on to have a successful career.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://entertainment.aol.ca/article/top-model-contestants-we-cant-forget/97152/|title= Top Model Contestants We Can't Forget|publisher= AOL Entertainment Canada<!-- Bot generated title -->|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218085850/http://entertainment.aol.ca/article/top-model-contestants-we-cant-forget/97152/|archive-date= 2008-12-18}}</ref> DaCosta only appeared once in the bottom two during the competition. She has appeared in advertisements for [[Garnier Fructis]], Lincoln Townhouse, [[Oil of Olay]], [[Radioshack]], Seda, [[Sephora]] and [[Dr. Scholl's]]. She has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including ''[[W (magazine)|W]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yaya DaCosta and Zoe Kravitz Cover W Magazine's September "New It Girls" Issue – Fashion Bomb Daily Style Magazine: Celebrity Fashion, Fashion News, What To Wear, Runway Show Reviews |website=fashionbombdaily.com |url=http://fashionbombdaily.com/yaya-dacosta-and-zoe-kravitz-cover-w-magazines-september-new-it-girl-issue/ |access-date=2019-09-05}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024}}</ref> ''[[Hype Hair]],''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Digital Cover: Yaya DaCosta On Celebrating Her Natural Tresses On & Off The Big Screen |website=hypehair.com |date=9 May 2019 |url=https://www.hypehair.com/112899/digital-cover-yaya-dacosta-may-2019/ |access-date=2019-09-05}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024}}</ref> ''Splash'' and ''Global Modeling''. In 2014, she landed a spot in [[Tom Ford]]’s Fall/Winter advertising campaign.<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Brea Camille |last=Mosley |title=Yaya DaCosta Stars in new Tom Ford Ad |magazine=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]] |date=2020-10-27 |url=https://www.essence.com/news/yaya-dacosta-stars-new-tom-ford-ad/ |access-date=2019-09-05}}</ref> DaCosta began acting in 2005 after guest-starring in an episode of the [[UPN (television network)|UPN]] sitcom ''[[Eve (2003 TV series)|Eve]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Where are the models of ANTM now?|url=https://antm411.com/camara-“yaya”-dacosta/|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> She then starred opposite [[Rob Brown (actor)|Rob Brown]], [[Antonio Banderas]] and [[Alfre Woodard]] in the 2006 dance film ''[[Take the Lead]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Antonio Banderas and Katya Virshilas in 'Take the Lead'|url=http://www.latimes.com/zap-photo-dancefilms_takethelead-photo.html|newspaper=LA Times|access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref> DaCosta had supporting roles in the independent films '' [[Honeydripper (film)|Honeydripper]]'' (2007) and ''[[The Messenger (2009 film)|The Messenger]]'' (2009).
After being the runner-up on Cycle 3 of ''[[America's Next Top Model]]'', DaCosta went on to have a successful career.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://entertainment.aol.ca/article/top-model-contestants-we-cant-forget/97152/|title= Top Model Contestants We Can't Forget|publisher= AOL Entertainment Canada<!-- Bot generated title -->|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218085850/http://entertainment.aol.ca/article/top-model-contestants-we-cant-forget/97152/|archive-date= 2008-12-18}}</ref> DaCosta only appeared once in the bottom two during the competition. She has appeared in advertisements for [[Garnier Fructis]], Lincoln Townhouse, [[Oil of Olay]], [[Radioshack]], Seda, [[Sephora]] and [[Dr. Scholl's]]. She has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including ''[[W (magazine)|W]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yaya DaCosta and Zoe Kravitz Cover W Magazine's September "New It Girls" Issue – Fashion Bomb Daily Style Magazine: Celebrity Fashion, Fashion News, What To Wear, Runway Show Reviews |website=fashionbombdaily.com |url=http://fashionbombdaily.com/yaya-dacosta-and-zoe-kravitz-cover-w-magazines-september-new-it-girl-issue/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427231514/http://fashionbombdaily.com/yaya-dacosta-and-zoe-kravitz-cover-w-magazines-september-new-it-girl-issue/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=2019-09-05}}</ref> ''[[Hype Hair]],''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Digital Cover: Yaya DaCosta On Celebrating Her Natural Tresses On & Off The Big Screen |website=hypehair.com |date=9 May 2019 |url=https://www.hypehair.com/112899/digital-cover-yaya-dacosta-may-2019/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509194547/https://www.hypehair.com/112899/digital-cover-yaya-dacosta-may-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=2019-09-05}}</ref> ''Splash'' and ''Global Modeling''. In 2014, she landed a spot in [[Tom Ford]]’s Fall/Winter advertising campaign.<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Brea Camille |last=Mosley |title=Yaya DaCosta Stars in new Tom Ford Ad |magazine=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]] |date=2020-10-27 |url=https://www.essence.com/news/yaya-dacosta-stars-new-tom-ford-ad/ |access-date=2019-09-05}}</ref> DaCosta began acting in 2005 after guest-starring in an episode of the [[UPN (television network)|UPN]] sitcom ''[[Eve (2003 TV series)|Eve]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Where are the models of ANTM now? |website=antm411.com |url=https://antm411.com/camara-“yaya”-dacosta/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127082411/http://antm411.com/camara-%E2%80%9Cyaya%E2%80%9D-dacosta/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 27, 2012 |access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> She then starred opposite [[Rob Brown (actor)|Rob Brown]], [[Antonio Banderas]] and [[Alfre Woodard]] in the 2006 dance film ''[[Take the Lead]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Antonio Banderas and Katya Virshilas in 'Take the Lead' |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/zap-photo-dancefilms_takethelead-photo.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120458/http://www.latimes.com/zap-photo-dancefilms_takethelead-photo.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |url-access=subscription |access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref> DaCosta had supporting roles in the independent films '' [[Honeydripper (film)|Honeydripper]]'' (2007) and ''[[The Messenger (2009 film)|The Messenger]]'' (2009).


She appeared in the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] soap opera ''[[All My Children]]'' in 2008 as Cassandra Foster, the daughter of [[Jesse Hubbard and Angie Baxter|Angie Hubbard]] ([[Debbi Morgan]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abc.go.com/daytime/allmychildren/yaya.html |title=All My Children's Next Top Model |access-date=2008-04-03 |work=ABC.com}}</ref> According to an interview with ''All My Children'''s new head writer, [[Charles Pratt, Jr.]], DaCosta left the role some time in August 2008, less than four months after joining the show, to join the cast of ''The First Breeze of Summer'' on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]]. ''The First Breeze of Summer'' was presented from 2008 to 2009 by the [[Negro Ensemble Company]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The First Breeze of Summer|date=22 August 2008 |url=https://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/the-first-breeze-of-summer-1200507597/|publisher=variety.com|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>
She appeared in the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] soap opera ''[[All My Children]]'' in 2008 as Cassandra Foster, the daughter of [[Jesse Hubbard and Angie Baxter|Angie Hubbard]] ([[Debbi Morgan]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=All My Children's Next Top Model |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company]] |url=http://abc.go.com/daytime/allmychildren/yaya.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407072738/http://abc.go.com/daytime/allmychildren/yaya.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 7, 2008 |access-date=2008-04-03}}</ref> According to an interview with ''All My Children'''s new head writer, [[Charles Pratt, Jr.]], DaCosta left the role some time in August 2008, less than four months after joining the show, to join the cast of ''The First Breeze of Summer'' on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]]. ''The First Breeze of Summer'' was presented from 2008 to 2009 by the [[Negro Ensemble Company]].<ref>{{cite magazine |first=David |last=Rooney |title=The First Breeze of Summer |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=22 August 2008 |url=https://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/the-first-breeze-of-summer-1200507597/ |access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>
In 2009, she had a recurring role as Nico Slater, the daughter of [[Wilhelmina Slater]] ([[Vanessa Williams]]) in the fourth and final season of the ABC comedy-drama series ''[[Ugly Betty]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title='Ugly Betty' recast: 'Top Model' alum is Willie's daughter!|url=http://ew.com/article/2009/08/11/ugly-betty-recast-top-model-alum-is-willies-daughter/|access-date=18 January 2018|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref>
In 2009, she had a recurring role as Nico Slater, the daughter of [[Wilhelmina Slater]] ([[Vanessa Williams]]) in the fourth and final season of the ABC comedy-drama series ''[[Ugly Betty]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |title='Ugly Betty' recast: 'Top Model' alum is Willie's daughter! |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=August 11, 2009 |url=http://ew.com/article/2009/08/11/ugly-betty-recast-top-model-alum-is-willies-daughter/ |access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>


In 2010, DaCosta had supporting roles in the comedy-drama film ''[[The Kids Are All Right (film)|The Kids Are All Right]]'' and the science fiction action-adventure film ''[[Tron: Legacy]]''. Later, she appeared in the magazines, including on the cover of ''[[W (magazine)|W]]'' (September 2010),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wmagazine.com/people/celebrities/2010/09/young_actresses|title=Film: Young Actresses |first=W| last=Magazine|date=1 September 2010}}</ref> in ''[[L'Officiel]]'' (in November 2010),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sulmers |first1=Claire |title=Snapshot: Yaya DaCosta for L'Officiel Paris November 2010 |url=http://fashionbombdaily.com/snapshot-yaya-dacosta-for-lofficiel-paris-november-2010/ |website=30 November 2010 |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> and in ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]'' (in January 2011 by [[Patrick Demarchelier]]).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sulmers |first1=Claire |title=Snapshot: Yaya DaCosta by Patrick DeMarchelier for Vogue US January 2011 |url=http://fashionbombdaily.com/snapshot-yaya-dacosta-by-patrick-demarchelier-for-vogue-us-january-2011/ |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> In 2013, she also appeared as Carol in the historical drama film ''[[The Butler]]'', starring [[Forest Whitaker]] and [[Oprah Winfrey]].<ref>{{cite news|title=EXCLUSIVE: Yaya DaCosta On 'The Butler' & Maintaining Those Gorgeous Locks|url=http://www.latina.com/entertainment/buzz/yaya-dacosta-alafia-the-butler-exclusive?page=1,1|access-date=18 January 2018|publisher=latina.com}}</ref>
In 2010, DaCosta had supporting roles in the comedy-drama film ''[[The Kids Are All Right (film)|The Kids Are All Right]]'' and the science fiction action-adventure film ''[[Tron: Legacy]]''. Later, she appeared in the magazines, including on the cover of ''[[W (magazine)|W]]'' (September 2010),<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Film: Young Actresses |magazine=[[W (magazine)|W]] |date=1 September 2010 |url=http://www.wmagazine.com/people/celebrities/2010/09/young_actresses |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005039/http://www.wmagazine.com/people/celebrities/2010/09/young_actresses |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |access-date=}}</ref> in ''[[L'Officiel]]'' (in November 2010),<ref>{{cite web |last=Sulmers |first=Claire |title=Snapshot: Yaya DaCosta for L'Officiel Paris November 2010 |website=fashionbombdaily.com |date=30 November 2010 |url=http://fashionbombdaily.com/snapshot-yaya-dacosta-for-lofficiel-paris-november-2010/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113062739/http://fashionbombdaily.com/snapshot-yaya-dacosta-for-lofficiel-paris-november-2010/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 13, 2019 |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> and in ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]'' (in January 2011 by [[Patrick Demarchelier]]).<ref>{{cite web |last=Sulmers |first=Claire |title=Snapshot: Yaya DaCosta by Patrick DeMarchelier for Vogue US January 2011 |website=fashionbombdaily.com |date=January 2011 |url=http://fashionbombdaily.com/snapshot-yaya-dacosta-by-patrick-demarchelier-for-vogue-us-january-2011/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031032243/http://fashionbombdaily.com/snapshot-yaya-dacosta-by-patrick-demarchelier-for-vogue-us-january-2011/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 31, 2017 |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> In 2013, she also appeared as Carol in the historical drama film ''[[The Butler]]'', starring [[Forest Whitaker]] and [[Oprah Winfrey]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Exclusive: Yaya DaCosta On 'The Butler' & Maintaining Those Gorgeous Locks |magazine=[[Latina (magazine)|Latina]] |date= |url=http://www.latina.com/entertainment/buzz/yaya-dacosta-alafia-the-butler-exclusive?page=1,1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120400/http://www.latina.com/entertainment/buzz/yaya-dacosta-alafia-the-butler-exclusive?page=1,1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>
[[File:DaCosta Nice Guys.jpg|thumb|DaCosta in 2016 at the premiere of ''[[The Nice Guys]]'']]
[[File:DaCosta Nice Guys.jpg|thumb|DaCosta in 2016 at the premiere of ''[[The Nice Guys]]'']]


In 2015, it was announced in an interview with actress [[Angela Bassett]] on [[CNN]] that DaCosta would star as musical icon [[Whitney Houston]] in a [[Lifetime Television|Lifetime]] [[Whitney (2015 film)|television film]] about her life, which was Bassett's directorial debut. DaCosta received high praise for her performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lifetime's 'Whitney': What the Critics Are Saying|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/whitney-lifetime-review-what-critics-764525|access-date=18 January 2018|publisher=hollywood reporter}}</ref>
In 2015, it was announced in an interview with actress [[Angela Bassett]] on [[CNN]] that DaCosta would star as musical icon [[Whitney Houston]] in a [[Lifetime Television|Lifetime]] [[Whitney (2015 film)|television film]] about her life, which was Bassett's directorial debut. DaCosta received high praise for her performance.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Ashley |last=Lee |title=Lifetime's 'Whitney': What the Critics Are Saying |magazine=[[Hollywood Reporter]] |date=2015-01-17 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/whitney-lifetime-review-what-critics-764525 |access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>


Also from 2015 to 2021, DaCosta starred in the [[NBC]] medical drama ''[[Chicago Med]]'' as April Sexton, an ED nurse.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yaya DaCosta Says 'Chicago Med' Opened Her Eyes on Beauty and Western Medicine|url=https://www.essence.com/2016/09/22/yaya-dacosta-chicago-med-interview|access-date=18 January 2018|publisher=essence.com}}</ref> On May 14, 2021, DaCosta announced that she was leaving ''Chicago Med'' after six seasons and that before her exit she would be joining [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]'s drama series ''[[Our Kind of People]]'' in the lead role;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/chicago-med-yaya-dacosta-torrey-devitto-exit-nbc-drama-april-sexton-natalie-manning-original-cast-members-s-epatha-merkerson-return-1234753741/ |title='Chicago Med': Yaya DaCosta & Torrey DeVitto Exit NBC Drama, Remaining Original Cast Members To Return |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/yaya-dacosta-our-kind-of-people-fox-drama-series-chicago-med-exit-1234754379/|title=Yaya DaCosta To Headline 'Our Kind Of People' Fox Drama Series Following 'Chicago Med' Exit |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref> the new series was cancelled after 12 episodes.
Also from 2015 to 2021, DaCosta starred in the [[NBC]] medical drama ''[[Chicago Med]]'' as April Sexton, an ED nurse.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Nikki |last=Brown |title=Yaya DaCosta Says 'Chicago Med' Opened Her Eyes on Beauty and Western Medicine |magazine=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]] |date=2020-10-26 |url=https://www.essence.com/2016/09/22/yaya-dacosta-chicago-med-interview |access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> On May 14, 2021, DaCosta announced that she was leaving ''Chicago Med'' after six seasons and that before her exit she would be joining [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]'s drama series ''[[Our Kind of People]]'' in the lead role;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/chicago-med-yaya-dacosta-torrey-devitto-exit-nbc-drama-april-sexton-natalie-manning-original-cast-members-s-epatha-merkerson-return-1234753741/ |title='Chicago Med': Yaya DaCosta & Torrey DeVitto Exit NBC Drama, Remaining Original Cast Members To Return |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/yaya-dacosta-our-kind-of-people-fox-drama-series-chicago-med-exit-1234754379/|title=Yaya DaCosta To Headline 'Our Kind Of People' Fox Drama Series Following 'Chicago Med' Exit |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref> the new series was cancelled after 12 episodes.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
DaCosta is of African-American, Brazilian and Nigerian descent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2014/06/5-things-about-yaya-dacosta-star-of-whitney-houston-biopic|title=5 Things About Yaya DaCosta, Star of Whitney Houston Biopic|first=A. B. C.|last=News|website=ABC News}}</ref> She was in a relationship with independent film producer and director Joshua Bee Alafia from 2012 to 2015. In September 2013, she gave birth to their son, Sankara. In November 2015, it was reported that DaCosta and Alafia broke up. Contrary to popular reports, DaCosta and Alafia were never officially married.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yoonsoo Kim |first1=Kristen |title=Yaya DaCosta's Journey From 'America's Next Top Model' to Top Billing |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2016/05/yaya-dacosta-americas-next-top-model-nice-guys-chicago-med |access-date=14 April 2020 |publisher=Complex |date=2016-05-13}}</ref>
DaCosta was in a relationship with independent film producer and director Joshua Bee Alafia from 2012 to 2015. In September 2013, she gave birth to their son, Sankara. In November 2015, it was reported that DaCosta and Alafia broke up. Contrary to popular reports, DaCosta and Alafia were never officially married.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yoonsoo Kim |first1=Kristen |title=Yaya DaCosta's Journey From 'America's Next Top Model' to Top Billing |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2016/05/yaya-dacosta-americas-next-top-model-nice-guys-chicago-med |access-date=14 April 2020 |publisher=Complex |date=2016-05-13}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
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| Episode: "Prom Night"
| Episode: "Prom Night"
|-
|-
| 2008
| rowspan=2| 2008
| ''[[Racing for Time]]''
| ''[[Racing for Time]]''
| Vanessa
| Vanessa
| [[TV movie]]
| [[TV movie]]
|-
|-
| 2008
| ''[[All My Children]]''
| ''[[All My Children]]''
| [[Cassandra Foster]]
| [[Cassandra Foster]]
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| Episode: "AWOL"
| Episode: "AWOL"
|-
|-
| 2011
| rowspan=2| 2011
| ''[[Body of Proof]]''
| ''[[Body of Proof]]''
| Holly Bennett
| Holly Bennett
| Episode: "[[Helping Hand (Body of Proof)|Helping Hand]]"
| Episode: "[[Helping Hand (Body of Proof)|Helping Hand]]"
|-
|-
| 2011
| ''Weekends at Bellevue''
| ''Weekends at Bellevue''
| Vanessa
| Vanessa
| TV movie
| TV movie
|-
|-
| 2011–2012
| 2011–12
| ''[[House (TV series)|House]]''
| ''[[House (TV series)|House]]''
| Anita
| Anita
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| Episode: "Cashing Out"
| Episode: "Cashing Out"
|-
|-
| 2015
| rowspan=2| 2015
| ''[[The Simpsons]]''
| ''[[The Simpsons]]''
| Princess Kemi (voice)
| Princess Kemi (voice)
| Episode: "[[The Princess Guide (The Simpsons)|The Princess Guide]]"
| Episode: "[[The Princess Guide (The Simpsons)|The Princess Guide]]"
|-
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Whitney (2015 film)|Whitney]]''
| ''[[Whitney (2015 film)|Whitney]]''
| [[Whitney Houston]]
| [[Whitney Houston]]
| TV movie
| TV movie
|-
|-
| 2015–2021
| 2015–22
⚫
| ''[[Chicago Med]]''
| April Sexton
⚫
| Main cast (seasons 1–6); Recurring role (season 8)
⚫
|-
| 2015–2019, 2021
| ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]''
| ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]''
| April Sexton
| rowspan=3| April Sexton
| 12 episodes, crossover cast
| 12 episodes, crossover cast
⚫
|-
| 2015–2022
⚫
| ''[[Chicago Med]]''
⚫
| Main cast (seasons 1–6); Recurring role (season 8)
|-
|-
| 2017, 2019
| 2017, 2019
| ''[[Chicago P.D. (TV series)|Chicago P.D.]]''
| ''[[Chicago P.D. (TV series)|Chicago P.D.]]''
| April Sexton
| 3 episodes, crossover cast
| 3 episodes, crossover cast
|-
|-
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| TV movie
| TV movie
|-
|-
| 2021–2022
| 2021–22
| ''[[Our Kind of People]]''
| ''[[Our Kind of People]]''
| Angela Vaughn
| Angela Vaughn
| Main cast
| Main cast
|-
|-
| 2023–2024
|2023
|''[[The Lincoln Lawyer (TV series)|The Lincoln Lawyer]]''
| ''[[The Lincoln Lawyer (TV series)|The Lincoln Lawyer]]''
|Andrea "Andy" Freeman
| Andrea "Andy" Freeman
|Recurring role (season 2)
| Recurring role (season 2); Main cast (season 3)
|}
|}


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[[Category:Female models from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Female models from New York (state)]]
[[Category:America's Next Top Model contestants]]
[[Category:America's Next Top Model contestants]]
⚫
[[Category:African-American actresses]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American people of Brazilian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Nigerian descent]]
[[Category:Actresses from Manhattan]]
[[Category:Actresses from Manhattan]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century African-American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:People from Harlem]]
[[Category:People from Harlem]]
[[Category:Northfield Mount Hermon School alumni]]
[[Category:Northfield Mount Hermon School alumni]]
[[Category:Brown University alumni]]
[[Category:Brown University alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American women]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American people]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American people]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American people]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American people]]

Latest revision as of 23:28, 6 December 2024

Yaya DaCosta
DaCosta at Afropunk Festival in 2023
Born
Camara DaCosta Johnson

(1982-11-15) November 15, 1982 (age 42)
New York City, U.S.
Alma materBrown University
Years active2004–present
Children1
Modeling information
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Hair colorDark brown
Eye colorBrown
AgencyFord Models

Camara DaCosta Johnson (born November 15, 1982), known as Yaya DaCosta, is an American actress and model. She was the runner-up in Cycle 3 of America's Next Top Model. DaCosta eventually went on to star in ABC's daytime drama series All My Children (2008), ABC's comedy-drama Ugly Betty (2009), and NBC's medical drama Chicago Med (2015–2022).

In 2010, she appeared in Lisa Cholodenko's film The Kids Are All Right, being nominated with the cast at the Critics' Choice Movie Award and at the Gotham Award. DaCosta starred in the Lifetime television film Whitney (2015) as singer Whitney Houston and received praise for her performance being nominated at the Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series.[1]

Early life and education

[edit]

DaCosta was born on November 15, 1982. She was raised in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City.[2][3] She is an African-American with an Afro-Brazilian grandfather. In addition to English, she speaks Portuguese.[4] She attended the elite Northfield Mount Hermon School during high school before attending Brown University, where she majored in Africana studies and international relations.[5]

Career

[edit]

After being the runner-up on Cycle 3 of America's Next Top Model, DaCosta went on to have a successful career.[6] DaCosta only appeared once in the bottom two during the competition. She has appeared in advertisements for Garnier Fructis, Lincoln Townhouse, Oil of Olay, Radioshack, Seda, Sephora and Dr. Scholl's. She has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including W,[7] Hype Hair,[8] Splash and Global Modeling. In 2014, she landed a spot in Tom Ford’s Fall/Winter advertising campaign.[9] DaCosta began acting in 2005 after guest-starring in an episode of the UPN sitcom Eve.[10] She then starred opposite Rob Brown, Antonio Banderas and Alfre Woodard in the 2006 dance film Take the Lead.[11] DaCosta had supporting roles in the independent films Honeydripper (2007) and The Messenger (2009).

She appeared in the ABC soap opera All My Children in 2008 as Cassandra Foster, the daughter of Angie Hubbard (Debbi Morgan).[12] According to an interview with All My Children's new head writer, Charles Pratt, Jr., DaCosta left the role some time in August 2008, less than four months after joining the show, to join the cast of The First Breeze of Summer on Broadway. The First Breeze of Summer was presented from 2008 to 2009 by the Negro Ensemble Company.[13] In 2009, she had a recurring role as Nico Slater, the daughter of Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams) in the fourth and final season of the ABC comedy-drama series Ugly Betty.[14]

In 2010, DaCosta had supporting roles in the comedy-drama film The Kids Are All Right and the science fiction action-adventure film Tron: Legacy. Later, she appeared in the magazines, including on the cover of W (September 2010),[15] in L'Officiel (in November 2010),[16] and in Vogue (in January 2011 by Patrick Demarchelier).[17] In 2013, she also appeared as Carol in the historical drama film The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.[18]

DaCosta in 2016 at the premiere of The Nice Guys

In 2015, it was announced in an interview with actress Angela Bassett on CNN that DaCosta would star as musical icon Whitney Houston in a Lifetime television film about her life, which was Bassett's directorial debut. DaCosta received high praise for her performance.[19]

Also from 2015 to 2021, DaCosta starred in the NBC medical drama Chicago Med as April Sexton, an ED nurse.[20] On May 14, 2021, DaCosta announced that she was leaving Chicago Med after six seasons and that before her exit she would be joining Fox's drama series Our Kind of People in the lead role;[21][22] the new series was cancelled after 12 episodes.

Personal life

[edit]

DaCosta was in a relationship with independent film producer and director Joshua Bee Alafia from 2012 to 2015. In September 2013, she gave birth to their son, Sankara. In November 2015, it was reported that DaCosta and Alafia broke up. Contrary to popular reports, DaCosta and Alafia were never officially married.[23]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Take the Lead LaRhette
2007 Honeydripper China Doll
2009 The Messenger Monica Washington
2010 The Kids Are All Right Tanya
Tron: Legacy Siren
Lost and Found - Short film
2011 In Time Greta
Whole Lotta Sole Sophie [24]
The Shanghai Hotel Kendra
2013 Mother of George Sade
Big Words Annie
The Butler Carol Hammie
2014 And So It Goes Kennedy
2016 The Nice Guys Tally
2019 Peel Sarah
Bolden Nora Bolden

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2004 America's Next Top Model Cycle 3; Contestant Runner-up
2005 Eve Ms. Jenkins Episode: "Prom Night"
2008 Racing for Time Vanessa TV movie
All My Children Cassandra Foster Recurring role
2009 Ugly Betty Nico Slater Recurring role (season 4)
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Audrina Episode: "Anchor"
2010 Mercy Brooke Sullivan Episode: "There Is No Room for You on My Ass"
Army Wives Specialist Amber Stiles Episode: "AWOL"
2011 Body of Proof Holly Bennett Episode: "Helping Hand"
Weekends at Bellevue Vanessa TV movie
2011–2012 House Anita 2 episodes
2012 Dark Horse Amy TV movie
2014 Unforgettable Molly McGinty Episode: "Cashing Out"
2015 The Simpsons Princess Kemi (voice) Episode: "The Princess Guide"
Whitney Whitney Houston TV movie
2015–2021 Chicago Fire April Sexton 12 episodes, crossover cast
2015–2022 Chicago Med Main cast (seasons 1–6); Recurring role (season 8)
2017, 2019 Chicago P.D. 3 episodes, crossover cast
2018 Faith Under Fire Kendra TV movie
2021–2022 Our Kind of People Angela Vaughn Main cast
2023–2024 The Lincoln Lawyer Andrea "Andy" Freeman Recurring role (season 2); Main cast (season 3)

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist
2005 "Gold Digger" Kanye West
2006 "Pullin' Me Back" Chingy
2007 "Beautiful Girls" Sean Kingston
"Roc Boys" Jay-Z
2011 "Good Man" Raphael Saadiq

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Film Result
2006 Teen Choice Award Movies – Choice Breakout (Female) Take the Lead Nominated
2008 Black Reel Awards Best Ensemble Honeydripper Nominated
2010 Gotham Awards Best Ensemble Cast The Kids Are All Right Nominated
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards Best Ensemble Acting Nominated
Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards Best Acting Ensemble Nominated
2011 Black Reel Award Best Breakthrough Performance Nominated
Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Acting Ensemble Nominated
Central Ohio Film Critics Association Best Ensemble Nominated
2016 Black Reel Awards Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series Whitney Nominated [25]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Critics express faith in lifetimes upcoming Whitney Houston biopic". Clutch. December 2014. Archived from the original on December 17, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  2. ^ Yaya Dacosta at Fashion Model Directory
  3. ^ Fisher, Luchina (June 9, 2014). "5 Things About Yaya DaCosta, Star of Whitney Houston Biopic". ABC News. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  4. ^ Magee, Nye (November 20, 2015). "Yaya DaCosta squashes Nigerian roots". eurweb.com. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  5. ^ Salerno, Heather. "Getting Even Better". Brown Alumni Magazine. No. July/August 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  6. ^ "Top Model Contestants We Can't Forget". AOL Entertainment Canada. Archived from the original on December 18, 2008.
  7. ^ "Yaya DaCosta and Zoe Kravitz Cover W Magazine's September "New It Girls" Issue – Fashion Bomb Daily Style Magazine: Celebrity Fashion, Fashion News, What To Wear, Runway Show Reviews". fashionbombdaily.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  8. ^ "Digital Cover: Yaya DaCosta On Celebrating Her Natural Tresses On & Off The Big Screen". hypehair.com. May 9, 2019. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  9. ^ Mosley, Brea Camille (October 27, 2020). "Yaya DaCosta Stars in new Tom Ford Ad". Essence. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  10. ^ "Where are the models of ANTM now?". antm411.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2012. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  11. ^ "Antonio Banderas and Katya Virshilas in 'Take the Lead'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  12. ^ "All My Children's Next Top Model". American Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved April 3, 2008.
  13. ^ Rooney, David (August 22, 2008). "The First Breeze of Summer". Variety. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  14. ^ Ausiello, Michael (August 11, 2009). "'Ugly Betty' recast: 'Top Model' alum is Willie's daughter!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  15. ^ "Film: Young Actresses". W. September 1, 2010. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014.
  16. ^ Sulmers, Claire (November 30, 2010). "Snapshot: Yaya DaCosta for L'Officiel Paris November 2010". fashionbombdaily.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  17. ^ Sulmers, Claire (January 2011). "Snapshot: Yaya DaCosta by Patrick DeMarchelier for Vogue US January 2011". fashionbombdaily.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  18. ^ "Exclusive: Yaya DaCosta On 'The Butler' & Maintaining Those Gorgeous Locks". Latina. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  19. ^ Lee, Ashley (January 17, 2015). "Lifetime's 'Whitney': What the Critics Are Saying". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  20. ^ Brown, Nikki (October 26, 2020). "Yaya DaCosta Says 'Chicago Med' Opened Her Eyes on Beauty and Western Medicine". Essence. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  21. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 14, 2021). "'Chicago Med': Yaya DaCosta & Torrey DeVitto Exit NBC Drama, Remaining Original Cast Members To Return". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  22. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 14, 2021). "Yaya DaCosta To Headline 'Our Kind Of People' Fox Drama Series Following 'Chicago Med' Exit". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  23. ^ Yoonsoo Kim, Kristen (May 13, 2016). "Yaya DaCosta's Journey From 'America's Next Top Model' to Top Billing". Complex. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  24. ^ "TFF 2012: Spotlight". tribecafilm.com, Inc. March 8, 2012. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  25. ^ "16th Annual Black Reel Award Nominations". Archived from the original on October 16, 2016. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
[edit]
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