Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Bio
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (born July 15, 1986) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Black Manta in the superhero films Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Bobby Seale in The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections. Abdul-Mateen won a Primetime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Doctor Manhattan in the HBO series Watchmen. He has also been recognized for his performances in The Handmaid’s Tale and Black Mirror.
Early Life and Background
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Yahya Abdul-Mateen I, was Muslim, and his mother, Mary Abdul-Mateen, was Christian. He is the youngest of six children and spent his childhood in the Magnolia Projects of New Orleans before moving to Oakland, California. In Oakland, he attended McClymonds High School, where he was an athlete and a self-described geek who enjoyed chess. He was also voted prom king. Due to rising living costs, the family eventually relocated to Stockton, California.
During his time at the University of California, Berkeley, Abdul-Mateen became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and competed as a hurdler for the California Golden Bears. A teammate suggested he take a theater class, which helped him overcome a stutter. He graduated with a degree in architecture and worked as a city planner in San Francisco before enrolling at Yale School of Drama, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Path to Hollywood
Early in his career, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was determined to keep his Muslim name, countering the notion that it would hinder his success. He began his acting career in 2016 with the Netflix musical drama series The Get Down, where he portrayed Clarence “Cadillac” Caldwell, a prince of the disco world. His performance was well-received, establishing him as a promising talent.
In 2017, he appeared in Shawn Christensen’s drama film The Vanishing of Sidney Hall, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He also played a police officer in the action-comedy film Baywatch, alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. In the same year, he featured in the musical film The Greatest Showman, which showcased his versatility as an actor.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s career began in earnest in 2012, but it was his role in The Get Down that marked his first significant breakthrough. His portrayal garnered attention and praise, leading to further opportunities in film and television. He was adamant about not altering his name, which he felt was an important part of his identity.
Following his work in The Get Down, Abdul-Mateen starred in several notable projects, including the horror film Us, directed by Jordan Peele, and the acclaimed HBO series Watchmen. His performance in Watchmen earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special in 2020, solidifying his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (2017–2021)
Abdul-Mateen’s breakthrough came with his role as Black Manta in the 2018 film Aquaman. This role not only showcased his acting skills but also established him as a prominent figure in the superhero genre. The film was a commercial success, and his performance was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
In 2020, he portrayed Bobby Seale in The Trial of the Chicago 7, a historical legal drama that further demonstrated his range as an actor. His role in Watchmen as Cal Abar, also known as Doctor Manhattan, earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s signature works include his roles in Aquaman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Watchmen. His performance in Watchmen not only won him an Emmy Award but also established him as a versatile actor capable of taking on complex characters. He continues to be recognized for his contributions to film and television, with upcoming projects that promise to expand his already impressive body of work.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has received several nominations for his performances, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Awards Won
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special for his role in Watchmen, highlighting his exceptional talent and contribution to the entertainment industry.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Family
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is the youngest of six children. His father, Yahya Abdul-Mateen I, passed away in 2007, which prompted Abdul-Mateen to research his family history.
Personal Life
Abdul-Mateen resides in New York City. He has expressed a deep interest in understanding his family’s heritage, particularly after the death of his father, who had West Indian roots.
