Roz Sadler

Written by Roz Sadler

Published: 23 Apr 2025

26-facts-about-yahya-abdul-mateen-ii
Source: Apnews.com

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has quickly become a household name in Hollywood. Known for his dynamic roles in movies and TV shows, he has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. But who is the man behind the characters? Born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, Yahya's journey to stardom is as compelling as his performances. From his early days as an architect to his breakout role in "The Get Down," his path has been anything but ordinary. Did you know he won an Emmy for his role in "Watchmen"? Or that he almost pursued a career in city planning? Dive into these 26 fascinating facts about Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and discover what makes him one of the most intriguing actors of our time.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has an intriguing background that shaped his path to stardom. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early years and education.

  1. 01Born on July 15, 1986, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Yahya grew up in a large family with five siblings.
  2. 02His father, Yahya Abdul-Mateen I, was a Muslim, while his mother, Mary, was a Christian. This diverse religious upbringing influenced his worldview.
  3. 03The family moved to Oakland, California, where Yahya attended McClymonds High School, excelling in both academics and athletics.
  4. 04He earned a degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. Initially, he planned to become an architect before pursuing acting.
  5. 05After working as a city planner in San Francisco, Yahya decided to follow his passion for acting and enrolled at the Yale School of Drama, where he graduated with a Master of Fine Arts.

Breakthrough Roles

Yahya's journey to fame began with some notable roles that showcased his talent and versatility.

  1. 06His first major role was in the Netflix series "The Get Down," where he played the character Cadillac, a flashy and charismatic club owner.
  2. 07In 2017, Yahya starred as Sgt. Garner Ellerbee in the action-comedy film "Baywatch," alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.
  3. 08He gained widespread recognition for his role as Black Manta in the 2018 superhero film "Aquaman," part of the DC Extended Universe.
  4. 09Yahya portrayed Cal Abar in the critically acclaimed HBO series "Watchmen," earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
  5. 10In 2021, he took on the iconic role of Morpheus in "The Matrix Resurrections," further solidifying his status as a versatile actor.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his acting career, Yahya has a rich personal life and a variety of interests that make him even more relatable.

  1. 11Yahya is an avid cyclist and often shares his biking adventures on social media.
  2. 12He has a deep appreciation for architecture and design, often visiting architectural landmarks and sharing his insights.
  3. 13Yahya is passionate about social justice and uses his platform to advocate for equality and change.
  4. 14He enjoys cooking and often experiments with different cuisines, sharing his culinary creations with fans.
  5. 15Yahya has a pet dog named Otis, who frequently appears in his social media posts.

Awards and Recognitions

Yahya's talent has not gone unnoticed, earning him numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.

  1. 16In 2019, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in "Watchmen."
  2. 17He received the Hollywood Breakout Ensemble Award at the Hollywood Film Awards for his performance in "The Trial of the Chicago 7."
  3. 18Yahya was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for his role in "The Trial of the Chicago 7."
  4. 19He was honored with the Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2020.
  5. 20Yahya received the Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for "Watchmen."

Upcoming Projects

Yahya's career continues to soar with exciting projects on the horizon.

  1. 21He is set to star in the horror film "Candyman," a spiritual sequel to the 1992 classic, directed by Nia DaCosta.
  2. 22Yahya will appear in the action-thriller "Ambulance," directed by Michael Bay, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
  3. 23He has been cast in the lead role for the film adaptation of the graphic novel "Emergency Contact."
  4. 24Yahya is set to star in the sci-fi thriller "By All," directed by Jordan Peele.
  5. 25He will reprise his role as Black Manta in the upcoming "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," scheduled for release in 2023.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known tidbits about Yahya Abdul-Mateen II that fans might enjoy.

  1. 26Yahya's middle name, "Abdul-Mateen," means "servant of the firm" in Arabic, reflecting his father's Muslim heritage.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: A Rising Star

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has quickly become a standout in Hollywood. From his early days in architecture to his breakout role in "The Get Down," his journey is nothing short of inspiring. His versatility shines through in roles like Black Manta in "Aquaman" and Cal Abar in "Watchmen." Beyond acting, Yahya's dedication to social justice and community work shows he's more than just a talented actor. He's a role model, using his platform to advocate for change. As his career continues to soar, fans can expect even more memorable performances and impactful contributions. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is not just a name to watch; he's a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Keep an eye on this rising star; his story is far from over.

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