By Bridget Bland, BlackVoices.com
It's been four years since Yaya DaCosta gained a reputation as being a high-maintenance and overly confident aspiring model on the third cycle of Tyra Banks' hit reality show 'America's Next Top Model.' And although she made it all the way to the finals -- losing the coveted title to Eva Pigford, the Harlem-bred beauty still has good reason to hold her head up high and smile.
While many of the 'Top Model' winners have yet to find fame in modeling, acting or otherwise, the 26-year-old thespian has starred in a movie opposite Antonio Banderas ('Take the Lead'), appeared in commercials for very popular brands (Garnier Fructis and Dr. Scholl's) and just wrapped a critically-acclaimed run just a stone's throw from Broadway in 'The First Breeze of Summer.'
The 'New York Times -- considered the authority on professional theater -- has praised DaCosta's theatrical debut opposite the legendary tour-de-force, Leslie Uggams, with flattering remarks like "sharp" and in "exquisite form" in the Signature Theatre Company's revival of Leslie Lee's beloved Negro Ensemble Company work.
Not bad for the beauty who seems to be carving out a niche of becoming one of the most successful contestants in the show's lengthy history.
"The first time that the world sees you it holds a lot more weight for the public than it does in your own life, and for me [Top Model] is one of many experiences," DaCosta told BlackVoices.com. "I'm grateful for the show because I learned a bunch of things but it didn't have much to do [with] what I'm doing right now."
The Ruben Santiago-Hudson directed play takes place over the course of one sweltering weekend in June and follows the struggles of three generations of a black family as the matriarch looks back on her past and considers the future.
The poignant role came on the heels of DaCosta stepping away from her character Cassandra Foster in the hit soap opera, 'All My Children.' "I put my all into everything I do at the moment and [the character in the play was] a very heavy role," she said. "I was doing both at the beginning and I realized I needed to focus on one thing and I'm really glad I did that."
It's been a struggle to get the public to recognize her as an actor instead of that girl from 'Top Model.' And for that reason, DaCosta's resume lacks reference to The CW series. To have her tell it: "It's kind of looked down upon," and "[she] laughs it off [because] it's the pubic that relates to these things, but in terms of getting work one has nothing to do with the other."
So don't expect her to wave a 'Top Model' flag to remind you where you know her from.She seems to be off on her own.
And very happy about it, too.
While DaCosta was mum on details of her next big gig, if her track record proves anything, she will be just fine continuing to do just that.
Comments: (43)
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By: PrissandSass on 10/20/2008 9:10PM
I have always been a fan of Yaya's since the CW series "ANTM" because that is where Tyra molded and created her. I also understand trying to stand on your own. But, let's get real Ms. YaYa, if it were not for "ANTM", life may be a bit different for you. You must remember that as well as you are doing now, is directly related to where you started. You see your Fans, we follow you because we know of you and admire you from "ANTM", not because you have become that grand. And, I very much beg to differe that "ANTM" on your resume is frowned upon because Tyra is very well liked and she has Excellent resources and networking opportunities associated with her. So, if I were you, I would not "burn" that bridge because you never know when you will want people to remember where you received your start. Why do you think "Dancing with the Stars" is so popular? Ex-stars proud to have the spotlight back on them. Grow up Little girl and respect your beginnings. Do not turn your Fans off by denying why we even know you!!!! And, what you are doing now is definitely related to quite of bit of the acting that you had to perform on "ANTM" during each and everyone of your challenges. I respect the show so much because definitely takes you from a Pea to a Princess in such a short period of time. Look at your skin, look at your weight, look at your hair, and check out your overall public and stage presence now compared to the earlier weeks of "ANTM". Always stay humble and show respect. Rock on Sister!
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By: A Good Book on 10/21/2008 12:49AM
Wow...PrissandSass...you put it quite nicely!
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By: DINA on 10/21/2008 6:18AM
OH MY! Thank you Priss. The tone in this article is the same stank attitude Ms. YaYa had on the show. Which is why I didn't like her on ANTM. Her lack of humility only shows how she was raised. I'm sure she also didn't believe in civil rights too, oh u just happened to be able to get where you are because. No others fought and died to get you the very opportunity every ethnic foreigner and their descendant is enjoying now. The doors are open because at one time we all helped each other. Hon, you need to recognize that fact whenever you take your next bow. Always be grateful and give recognition to those that have helped you. Such an ingrate.
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By: chas jr on 10/21/2008 8:55AM
I never expected to hear about any of those girls again, ANTM was just a show to make Tyra and others some money.The hardest working women are not just in show biz. Most of this year I had come into contact with a wide variety of working women now thats where the action is a film crew could have a field day following these women through a typical work day but aint no money in it because it would come across as a documentary. Success dosent come over night.
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By: jagllane on 10/21/2008 9:28AM
YaYa..you really have to be careful; otherwise you come across as someone that's angry because you lost to Eva. It's a big difference in being proud and being arrogant. You are a beautiful girl, but arrogance can override beauty and destroy all you have going for you. If it wasn't for ANTM you trip into fame would have been that much harder.
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By: Zaria on 10/21/2008 2:12PM
Yaya is correct in that ACTING casting agents do not care if she's been on ANTM. Her fans may care but fans don't cast TV shows, movies or plays.
She said she was grateful for the show, but she's right..it has very little to do with acting. Knowing Tyra Banks will not get you parts. Ask Tyra herself...when was her last acting gig??
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By: CHRISTIE on 10/21/2008 4:15PM
SHE WAS THE BOMB ON ALL MY CHILDREN.....AND IN DREAM VIDEO...FALSETTO
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By: Zana on 10/21/2008 4:39PM
Ummm...being on ANTM has barely helped Tyra achieve her dreams. That show is a Tyra vehicle and the direction is nowhere for the rest of the cast.
I believe her when she says it is looked down upon by casting agents... only but for a chosen few has appearing on a reality show blasted down the doors of obscurity and anonymity and help achieve desired notice and stardom. Yes, YaYa got her foot in the door with the show but it looks like she's got IT and has the drive and talent (beyond just her looks)to make her dreams a reality.
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By: DeeDee on 10/22/2008 5:03AM
LOL...YaYa...is that you (writing glowing responses and remarks about yourself)????
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By: Will on 10/22/2008 7:23AM
Priss and Sass you hit the nail right on the head. Regardless of whether execs want to know about it...just be greatful for what you learned and keep it at that.
I didn't like her on ANTM either cause she seemed very snobbish.
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