Five Things You Didn’t Know About Yaya DaCosta

Model/actress Yaya DaCosta has had a quiet, but successful career since appearing on America’s Next Top Model in 2004.  The 32 year-old Harlem, New York native has worked with some of modeling, music and acting’s biggest names including Tyra Banks, Jay-Z, and Forest Whitaker.  Yaya’s striking good looks and compelling stage presence have made her very marketable in the entertainment industry.  Although she has remained relatively low-key, Yaya has built a pretty impressive resume over the last decade, and she is currently working to continue building her personal brand.  Here are five things you didn’t know about Yaya DaCosta.

5. Yaya DaCosta attended Brown University.

After graduating high school, Yaya attended and graduated from Brown University where she majored in Africana Studies.

4. Yaya DaCosta speaks several languages.

Yaya’s diverse background has helped her become well rounded culturally.  In addition to English, Yaya speaks Portugese, French, Spanish, and some Japanese.

3. Yaya DaCosta now uses her married name.

Although she has been known as Yaya DaCosta for most of her professional career, since her marriage to Joshua Bee Alafia in 2012, she has started to use the name Yaya Alafia.

2. Yaya DaCosta was a fierce competitor on America’s Next Top Model

In 2004, during the third cycle of America’s Next Top Model, Yaya finished the show in second place just behind Eva Pigford.  During the show, Yaya was a tough competitor and only fell into the bottom two once. Since the show, Yaya has gone on to have a very successful career in both modeling and acting.

1. Yaya DaCosta will portray Whitney Houston is upcoming biopic.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Yaya would be playing the legendary Whitney Houston in an upcoming Lifetime biopic on the late R&B singer.  The movie will be directed by Angela Bassett and is scheduled to air on January 17, 2015.

 (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)