24-year-old actress Yara Shahidi has shattered the Hollywood mold by revealing a key strategy that empowered her to negotiate higher salaries at an early age: hiring a lawyer.
In a candid interview with SoFi’s Vivian Tu, the Black-ish star opened up about her financial journey, revealing the pivotal role of her parents and legal counsel in shaping her career.
Starting in entertainment at just six weeks old, Shahidi credits her unique upbringing for allowing her to view acting as a craft rather than a necessity to support her family.
“My parents set it up so I could enjoy acting, not rely on it for survival,” Shahidi shared. “They taught me about taxes, finances, and the importance of building a strong team. That foundation made all the difference when negotiating my worth in Hollywood.”
Breaking Barriers at 14
At 14, Shahidi landed her breakout role as Zoey Johnson on ABC’s Black-ish. Her parents, both with industry experience, ensured she was actively involved in managing her finances.
Her mother encouraged her to connect with the show’s accounting team, fostering financial literacy early on.
But the game-changer? Hiring a lawyer.
“Not everyone in entertainment has a lawyer because they don’t want to give up 5%,” Shahidi explained. “But that 5% can secure you opportunities and earnings you never imagined. A lawyer advocates for you, ensuring you’re compensated fairly.”
Empowered Negotiations
Thanks to her legal team, Shahidi entered negotiations with confidence and secured higher salaries that reflected her value. She highlighted the importance of building a support system that understands the nuances of the entertainment industry.
“My parents’ awareness and my lawyer’s expertise equipped me to get what I deserved from the start,” she said. “I wasn’t just another young actor—I was a young professional with a team advocating for my worth.”
A Blueprint for Financial Independence
Shahidi’s story offers a fresh perspective on navigating Hollywood’s often opaque financial landscape.
By prioritizing legal and financial advice, she flipped the script for young actors who often find themselves underpaid and overworked.
Her approach may serve as a blueprint for others: Invest in a solid legal team, understand your finances, and demand what you’re worth.
