Malik Yoba Biography
Malik Yoba is an American actor. He is known for his starring role as NYPD Detective J. C. Williams on the Fox police drama New York Undercover. He also played the character of FBI Deputy Director Jason Atwood in the ABC political drama Designated Survivor.
Malik Yoba Age / Birthday
As of 2023, Yoba is 56 years old, he was born on September 17, 1967, in The Bronx, New York, NY, in the United States of America. He celebrates his birthday on September 17 every year.
Malik Yoba Height / Measurements
Yoba is of average body stature and stands at an approximate height of 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Malik Yoba Partner / Wife
Yoba has never been married, although he has been in several long-term relationships. While Yoba is not currently married, he is in a relationship with Bonnie. The couple have been together since 2020 and they frequently share photos of each other on social media.
Malik Yoba Pansexual
He identifies as pansexual and has openly discussed his attraction to transgender women. This means he experiences romantic and/or emotional attraction to people regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. He is currently in a relationship with a trans woman named Bonnie, though information about how long they’ve been together is unavailable.
Malik Yoba Current relationship
Yoba is in a relationship with a trans woman named Bonnie. He has not publicly shared any information about how long they have been together or how they met. In a 2020 interview with The Breakfast Club, Yoba discussed his attraction to trans women and said that he had been in relationships with trans women in the past. He also said that he was proud to be a pansexual man and that he hoped that his openness about his sexuality would help to raise awareness and acceptance of trans people.
Malik Yoba Kids / Children
Malik Yoba has three children: Josiah, Dena, and Pria. He has chosen to keep their lives relatively private, so there is not much information publicly available about them. Josiah is Yoba’s eldest child. He was born in 1991, and he is a graduate of New York University. Josiah is an artist and musician, and he has released several albums under the name Malik Yoba Jr. Dena is Yoba’s middle child.
She was born in 1993, and she is a graduate of Howard University. Dena is a writer and activist, and she has spoken out about issues such as racism and sexism. Pria is Yoba’s youngest child. She was born in 1998, and she is currently attending college. Pria is interested in pursuing a career in acting, and she has appeared in a few of her father’s films.
Malik Yoba Family / Relatives
Yoba was born in the Bronx, New York, and was raised in a Sunni Muslim household. Yoba’s parents are Mahmoudah Young Lanier (mother) who is a nurse and Erutan Abdullah Yoba (father) who is a businessman. He has several siblings, though the exact number is unclear. Some sources say he has four siblings, while others say he has five. His younger brother is A.R. Rahman, a composer and music producer.
Malik Yoba Education
He Graduated in 1989 from City-As-School in Manhattan, New York, with a focus on Visual and Performing Arts, Fashion, and General studies. he attended some college courses but didn’t complete a degree.
Malik Yoba Career
In 1994, Yoba commenced his role on the widely acclaimed FOX police drama series New York Undercover, alongside Michael DeLorenzo. Yoba and DeLorenzo achieved a milestone in television history, as the series became the first American police drama to showcase two individuals of color in the lead roles. Yoba’s contributions to New York Undercover led to him receiving three consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Yoba has also graced the big screen in films like Cool Runnings and Criminal. Notably, he appeared on the FOX TV series Arrested Development as Ice, a bounty hunter with a passion for event planning. Yoba had a recurring role as Brock Harris on the UPN sitcom Girlfriends and featured in the FX Network’s crime drama Thief and the NBC crime drama Raines.
From 2011 to 2012, Yoba portrayed former FBI Special Agent Bill Harken on Alphas, a science fiction drama series centered around a team with special abilities linked to a secret DOD department. Joining the cast of Revolution in 2013 as Jim Hudson, a former captain of the Monroe Republic, Yoba continued his television journey.
In 2015, he became part of Lee Daniels’ Empire as Vernon Turner, Lucious Lyon’s business partner and chairman of Empire Entertainment, staying with the character throughout the first season. Yoba premiered his one-man stage play, Harlem to Hollywood, at New York’s Apollo Theater in 2019. This autobiographical performance showcases Yoba’s original music and his portrayal of twenty diverse characters.
Malik Yoba Net Worth
Through Yoba’s career as an Actor, he has been able to accumulate a net worth that ranges between $1 Million and $ 5 Million.
Malik Yoba Ethnicity
Yoba’s ethnicity is African American. He was born in the Bronx, New York, to parents of African descent. His father, Erutan Abdullah Yoba, was from Grenada, and his mother, Mahmoudah Young Lanier, was from the United States. Yoba has been vocal about his identity and the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. He has said that he is proud of his African heritage and that he strives to use his platform to empower others.
Malik Yoba Empire
Yoba played Vernon Turner in the hit Fox drama Empire. Vernon was a complex and intriguing character who occupied a significant space in the show’s first season. Vernon held a powerful position, wielding considerable influence over the company’s decisions and serving as a key advisor to Lucious Lyon, the founder and CEO. e also took a protective and supportive role towards Jamal Lyon, Lucious’s son, recognizing his musical talent and encouraging him to pursue his dreams.
Malik Yoba Heart Surgery
Yoba is quite open about his experience with heart surgery, which has become a significant chapter in his life and a driving force behind his advocacy for health awareness, particularly among Black men. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2017 at the age of 52. His surgery was prompted by a lack of awareness of his health. He experienced fatigue and other symptoms but attributed them to his busy lifestyle. He experienced a profound change in perspective, realizing the preciousness of life and the importance of prioritizing his health.
Malik Yoba New York Undercover
Yoba played the role of Detective J.C. Williams in New York Undercover. Yoba and his co-star Michael DeLorenzo made history as the first two people of color in leading roles in an American police drama. This groundbreaking representation brought diversity to television screens and paved the way for future shows. Furthermore, New York Undercover launched Yoba to national fame, establishing him as a talented and versatile actor. The show opened doors for him to lead roles in other prominent projects like Cool Runnings and Empire.
Malik Yoba Why Did I Get Married?
Yoba plays the role of Gavin Agnew, an architect married to psychologist Dr. Patricia Agnew (Janet Jackson). On the surface, Gavin appears to be a loving and supportive husband to Patricia. He’s successful in his career and seems devoted to their family. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Gavin and Patricia struggle with communication and intimacy. They often avoid difficult conversations, which leads to misunderstandings and resentment.
Malik Yoba First Wives Club
Yoba plays the character of Derek Ellsworth. He appears primarily in the first season. Derek is the head of the record label where Hazel Rachelle, one of the main characters, is signed. He portrays himself as charming and supportive, but underneath, he’s self-centered and ruthless. Initially, Derek and Hazel have a passionate love affair. However, the relationship becomes toxic as Derek’s controlling and manipulative nature emerges.
Malik Yoba The Equalizer
Malik Yoba portrays the character of Manny in the CBS television series “The Equalizer.” Manny is a recurring character who has appeared in several episodes throughout the show’s second and third seasons. However, Manny is a seasoned intelligence officer with extensive experience in covert operations and espionage. He uses his skills and knowledge to assist Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah), the show’s protagonist, in tackling complex cases and taking down powerful individuals who prey on the vulnerable.
Malik Yoba Movies and TV Shows
Movies:
- Cool Runnings (1993): Yoba’s breakout role as Yul Brenner, a Jamaican bobsled team member, launched his career into the spotlight.
- Cop Land (1997): He played Detective Ronald Davis, showcasing his dramatic acting chops alongside Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro.
- Soul Food (1997): Yoba portrayed Miles Jenkins, a charming but troubled son in this family drama exploring food and relationships.
- Smoke (1995): Featuring several interwoven stories, he appeared as Augie, a drug dealer with a deep moral compass.
- Blue in the Face (1995): This independent comedy featured Yoba in a smaller role as Melvin, showcasing his comedic sensibilities.
Television:
- New York Undercover (1994-1998): As Detective J.C. Williams, Yoba starred in this pioneering urban cop drama that tackled social issues and hip-hop culture.
- Justified (2012-2015): He had a recurring role as Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens’ childhood friend and rival, Wynn Duffy.
- Blue Bloods (2010-present): Yoba plays Deputy Chief of Detectives Robert Lewis, a seasoned NYPD officer with a strong moral compass.
- Person of Interest (2011-2016): He portrayed Control, the enigmatic voice behind a crime-fighting AI system.
- The Good Wife (2012-2016): Yoba appeared as Judge Charles Cooper, a recurring character known for his wit and unorthodox methods.
Malik Yoba Twitter, and Instagram
Yoba is active on his social media accounts. He has about 209.8k followers on his Twitter account, and around 303k followers on his Instagram account.