Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, born on July 15, 1987, in New Orleans, Louisiana, had a diverse upbringing with his Muslim father, Christian mother, and five older siblings. When he was young, his family moved to Oakland, California, where he spent his formative years.
Abdul-Mateen initially pursued a career in architecture and attended UC Berkeley studying the subject. He excelled in his studies but had a change of heart when a track team teammate suggested he give acting a try. This recommendation sparked a new passion in Abdul-Mateen who decided to explore the world of acting further.
After being laid off from his job as a city planner in San Francisco, Abdul-Mateen saw it as a sign to pursue his newfound interest in acting. He was accepted into NYU and Harvard's ART program but ultimately chose to attend Yale Drama School to hone his craft.
Abdul-Mateen's big break came when he landed the role of Cadillac on the Netflix original series The Get Down. This opportunity opened doors for him, leading to roles in various films such as Sidney Hall, Boundaries, and Baywatch. He showcased his talent in the leading role of First Match and starred in the 2019 horror film Us. His versatility as an actor was further highlighted in HBO's superhero series Watchmen, where he portrayed Cal Abraham.
Despite his busy schedule as an actor, Abdul-Mateen remains close to his family, cherishing the bond he shares with his siblings and parents. His multicultural background has played a significant role in shaping his identity and perspectives, adding depth to his performances on screen.
Abdul-Mateen's journey from studying architecture in Berkeley to becoming a celebrated actor in Hollywood is a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft. With a promising career ahead of him, he continues to impress audiences with his talent and versatility on screen.