Yaya DaCosta Age and Early Life
Yaya DaCosta was born on November 15, 1982, making her 42 years old as of the latest public records. She was raised in Harlem, New York, and later in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, before returning to the United States for education and modeling. Her mixed heritage includes Haitian and Nigerian roots, which she has cited in interviews and public profiles. She attended Hamilton College in New York, where she studied international relations and African diaspora studies, according to her official biography pages and industry profiles.
DaCosta began her professional career in the early 2000s after appearing on the third cycle of America's Next Top Model in 2004. Her early exposure to high fashion and media set the foundation for a career spanning modeling, acting, and advocacy. She has worked with brands and agencies that emphasize diverse representation, and her age is frequently referenced in coverage of her evolving roles in entertainment and public life.
Career Milestones and Public Roles
Modeling and Brand Partnerships
DaCosta has been the face of several major fashion and beauty campaigns, including work with L'Oréal and CoverGirl. Her modeling portfolio includes editorials for Vogue, Elle, and Essence, and she has walked runways for designers such as Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana. These partnerships have contributed to her visibility and financial profile within the fashion industry.
Acting and Television
She starred as April Sexton in the NBC medical drama Chicago Med, a role she held from 2015 to 2021. Prior to that, she appeared in the AMC series Hell on Wheels and the film The Last Exorcism. Her television and film work has generated consistent public interest and media coverage, with her age often noted in casting and career retrospectives.
Financial Profile and Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth and Income Sources
Public estimates place Yaya DaCosta's net worth in the range of several million dollars, derived from her acting contracts, modeling fees, brand endorsements, and business ventures. Her long-running role on Chicago Med and recurring fashion campaigns are considered primary income drivers. Exact salary figures for her television work have not been officially disclosed, but industry benchmarks for network drama leads support the reported range.
Investments and Advocacy
Beyond entertainment, DaCosta has been involved in social justice and community advocacy, particularly around issues affecting Black communities and Haitian diaspora organizations. She has participated in public campaigns and fundraising efforts, aligning her personal brand with causes that resonate with her background. These activities complement her professional earnings and contribute to her public profile as a multifaceted figure in finance, media, and advocacy.