| Yaya DaCosta | |
|---|---|
DaCosta in September 2010 |
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| Born | Camara DaCosta Johnson November 15, 1982 Harlem, New York, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Measurements | 32-23-35 (US) |
| Dress size | 2 (US), 32 (EU) |
| Agency | Ford Models |
Yaya DaCosta (born Camara DaCosta Johnson; November 15, 1982) is an American actress and fashion model. She was the runner-up in Cycle 3 of America's Next Top Model.
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DaCosta was born on November 15, 1982 in Harlem, New York.[1] She comes from a multiethnic background and in addition to English can speak Portuguese, French, Spanish, and conversational Japanese.[2] She is of Brazilian, West African, Native American/Cherokee and Irish heritage.[3] She majored in African Studies and International Relations at Brown University.[2]
After finishing second on Cycle 3 of America's Next Top Model, DaCosta went on to have a successful career.[4] 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.
DaCosta began acting in 2005 after having a guest role on an episode of the television show Eve. She then starred opposite Rob Brown, Antonio Banderas and Alfre Woodard in the 2006 dance film Take the Lead. Dacosta had supporting roles in the independent films Honeydripper (2007) and The Messenger (2009).
She appeared on All My Children in 2008 as Cassandra Foster, the daughter of Angie Hubbard.[5] According to an interview with All My Children's new head writer, Charles Pratt, Jr., DaCosta exited 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 2008–2009 by the historic Negro Ensemble Company.
In 2009 she portrayed Nico Slater, the daughter of Wilhelmina Slater on the 4th season of the ABC series, Ugly Betty.
DaCosta had a supporting role in the film The Kids Are All Right, which starred Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson and was nominated for Best Picture at the 83rd Academy Awards. The film premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, where distribution rights were purchased. Also that year, she had a supporting role in the film Tron: Legacy. Due to featuring in those highly promoted movies, she has appeared in American Vogue, L'Officiel and on the cover of W.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Take the Lead | LaRhette | |
| 2007 | Honeydripper | China Doll | |
| 2008 | Racing for Time | Vanessa | Lifetime Television Movie |
| 2009 | The Messenger | Monica Washington | |
| 2010 | The Kids Are All Right | Tanya | Premiered at 2010 Sundance Film Festival |
| 2010 | Tron: Legacy | Siren | |
| 2011 | In Time | Greta | |
| 2012 (in production) | Whole Lotta Sole | Sophie |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Eve | Ms.Jenkins | 1 episode |
| 2008 | All My Children | Cassandra Foster | 44 episodes |
| 2009 | Ugly Betty | Nico Slater[6] | 7 episodes |
| 2009 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Audrina | 1 episode |
| 2010 | Mercy | Brooke Sullivan | 1 episode |
| 2010 | Army Wives | Amber | 1 episode |
| 2011 | Body of Proof | Holly Bennett | 1 episode |
| 2011 | House | Anita |
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Pullin' Me Back | Chingy |
| 2007 | Roc Boys | Jay-Z |
| 2011 | Good Man | Raphael Saadiq |
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Teen Choice Award | Movies – Choice Breakout (Female) | Take the Lead | Nominated |
| 2008 | Black Reel Award | Best Ensemble | Honeydripper | Nominated |
| 2011 | Black Reel Award | Best Breakthrough Performance | The Kids are All Right | Nominated |
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