Yaya DaCosta Biography

Fast Facts

• Won the Vivian Robinson-AUDELCO Recognition Award for excellence in black theater for her role in "The First Breeze of Summer" at The Signature Theater in New York City
• Majored in African studies and international relations at Brown University, graduating in 2004
• Married cinematographer, director, editor Joshua Bee Alafia in June of 2012
• Began acting when she was a child on through her college years before landing a spot on "America's Next Top Model," then made her acting debut in TV's "Eve" (2005), followed by the "Take the Lead" film in 2006
• Quote: "Modeling is a certain kind of acting but It's not at all as challenging in that way․ It's definitely challenging physically, and you have to be disciplined․"
• Model and actress who has appeared in "America's Next Top Model," "All My Children," "Ugly Betty" and "TRON: Legacy․"
• Has also performed on stage in theatrical productions