Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Bio: Age, Education, Television & Career
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an American actor celebrated for his versatility, commanding screen presence, and award-winning performances. He has become a recognizable name through blockbuster movies and acclaimed television productions.
From playing Black Manta in Aquaman to portraying Doctor Manhattan in Watchmen, he has demonstrated impressive acting range. Moreover, his transition from architecture to Hollywood makes his career particularly inspiring.
Abdul-Mateen won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in Watchmen. He later expanded his career through projects such as The Matrix Resurrections, Candyman, and Marvel’s Wonder Man.
In 2026, he also starred in Netflix’s Man on Fire, demonstrating his continued growth as a leading actor. His journey reflects ambition, discipline, and a willingness to explore challenging roles.
Who Is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II?
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was born on July 15, 1986, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He grew up in Oakland, California, where he spent much of his childhood.
Before pursuing entertainment, he studied architecture and worked in urban planning. However, his interest in acting eventually encouraged him to change careers.
He received professional acting training at Yale School of Drama. This education helped him develop the skills necessary for theatre, television, and film.
Today, Abdul-Mateen is known for portraying complex characters across several genres. His performances often combine emotional depth, physical intensity, and thoughtful character development.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Age and Early Life
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is 40 years old as of October 2026. His birthday falls on July 15.
He was born into a large family in New Orleans. Later, his family moved to Oakland, California, where he experienced different communities and environments.
His father, Yahya Abdul-Mateen Sr., and his mother, Mary, influenced his upbringing. His parents followed different religious traditions, giving him exposure to Islam and Christianity.
Abdul-Mateen lost his father in 2007. He was 21 years old at the time, and the experience affected him deeply.
Despite personal challenges, he continued pursuing his education and professional ambitions. Eventually, he discovered that acting offered an opportunity to express his creativity.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Education
Education played a significant role in Abdul-Mateen’s professional journey. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied architecture.
After graduating, he worked as an urban planner in San Francisco. This experience gave him professional skills outside the entertainment industry.
However, he eventually decided to pursue acting. He enrolled at Yale School of Drama and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.
His academic background demonstrates his commitment to learning and personal development. His transition from urban planning to acting also highlights his courage to pursue a new ambition.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Acting Career
Early Career and The Get Down
Abdul-Mateen began gaining attention through Netflix’s musical drama The Get Down, which premiered in 2016.
He played Clarence “Cadillac” Caldwell, a wealthy nightclub owner connected to New York’s disco scene. The role required dramatic acting, dancing, and a confident screen presence.
His performance introduced him to a broader audience. Consequently, he began receiving opportunities in major film productions.
The Greatest Showman and Baywatch
In 2017, Abdul-Mateen appeared in The Greatest Showman, a musical starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron.
He also played Sergeant Garner Ellerbee in Baywatch. These projects helped him gain experience in different genres and large productions.
Although these roles differed significantly, they demonstrated his adaptability. They also prepared him for more demanding opportunities.
Aquaman and Black Manta
One of Abdul-Mateen’s most recognizable roles came in DC’s Aquaman, released in 2018.
He portrayed David Kane, also known as Black Manta, a villain driven by revenge against Arthur Curry.
The character combines advanced technology, combat skills, and a deeply personal motivation. Abdul-Mateen gave Black Manta an intense personality that made him memorable.
He returned for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023. Both films strengthened his international recognition and established him within the superhero genre.
Watchmen and His Emmy Award
Abdul-Mateen reached a major career milestone through HBO’s Watchmen in 2019.
He portrayed Cal Abar, whose identity connects to Doctor Manhattan, one of the story’s most powerful characters.
The series explored racial injustice, identity, power, and American history. Abdul-Mateen delivered a performance that balanced emotional vulnerability with extraordinary abilities.
His work earned widespread critical recognition. In 2020, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
This achievement confirmed his ability to portray complex characters. It also helped establish him as one of television’s notable dramatic performers.
Us and Candyman
Abdul-Mateen appeared in Jordan Peele’s horror film Us in 2019. He played Russell Thomas and his disturbing counterpart, Weyland.
The film explored identity, inequality, and the frightening consequences of confronting one’s double. His performance demonstrated his ability to create tension through subtle character work.
In 2021, he took the leading role in Candyman, directed by Nia DaCosta. He portrayed Anthony McCoy, an artist whose life becomes connected to a supernatural legend.
The film examined racial violence, historical trauma, and artistic identity. Abdul-Mateen’s performance helped anchor its psychological horror.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
In 2020, Abdul-Mateen portrayed civil rights activist Bobby Seale in The Trial of the Chicago 7.
The historical drama examined the controversial prosecution of activists following protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
His performance highlighted Seale’s treatment during the trial. Furthermore, the role allowed Abdul-Mateen to participate in a film exploring civil rights and political protest.
The Matrix Resurrections
Abdul-Mateen joined the science-fiction franchise through The Matrix Resurrections in 2021.
He portrayed a new version of Morpheus, a character originally played by Laurence Fishburne. His interpretation introduced a different personality while respecting the franchise’s history.
The role expanded his experience with established film franchises. It also demonstrated his willingness to reinterpret familiar characters.
Ambulance
In Michael Bay’s action thriller Ambulance, Abdul-Mateen played Will Sharp, a military veteran facing financial difficulties.
Will becomes involved in a bank robbery with his adoptive brother. However, their plan quickly turns into a dangerous escape.
The film demanded intense physical performances and emotional commitment. Abdul-Mateen portrayed a desperate man struggling between family loyalty and moral responsibility.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on Broadway
In 2022, Abdul-Mateen made his Broadway debut in Suzan-Lori Parks’ play Topdog/Underdog.
He played Booth, one of two brothers dealing with rivalry, family history, and difficult circumstances. Corey Hawkins starred alongside him.
The production challenged Abdul-Mateen to perform live before theatre audiences. It also allowed him to apply the acting skills he developed at Yale.
His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play.
This achievement demonstrated his versatility beyond film and television. It also strengthened his reputation as a well-rounded performer.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Wonder Man
In 2026, Abdul-Mateen starred as Simon Williams in Marvel’s Wonder Man.
The series follows an aspiring actor who secretly possesses superhuman abilities. It explores Hollywood ambition, insecurity, fame, and the challenges of pursuing a creative career.
Abdul-Mateen brought humour and emotional vulnerability to the character. His performance also explored the uncertainty actors experience while chasing professional opportunities.
He received a 2026 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Although Marvel initially renewed the series for a second season, it canceled the planned continuation in 2026. Nevertheless, the role further demonstrated Abdul-Mateen’s ability to lead a major television production.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Man on Fire
Abdul-Mateen stars as John Creasy in Netflix’s Man on Fire, which premiered in April 2026.
The action thriller follows a former Special Forces operative struggling with personal trauma. Creasy attempts to rebuild his life before becoming involved in a dangerous mission to protect a young girl.
The character combines combat skills with emotional struggles. Consequently, the role demands both physical intensity and psychological depth.
Abdul-Mateen also serves as an executive producer. This responsibility expands his involvement beyond acting and gives him a greater role in the production process.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Movies and TV Shows
Some of his most notable screen credits include:
- The Get Down (2016–2017) — Clarence “Cadillac” Caldwell
- Baywatch (2017) — Sergeant Garner Ellerbee
- The Greatest Showman (2017) — W. D. Wheeler
- Aquaman (2018) — Black Manta
- Us (2019) — Russell Thomas and Weyland
- Watchmen (2019) — Cal Abar and Doctor Manhattan
- The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) — Bobby Seale
- Candyman (2021) — Anthony McCoy
- The Matrix Resurrections (2021) — Morpheus
- Ambulance (2022) — Will Sharp
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) — Black Manta
- Wonder Man (2026) — Simon Williams
- Man on Fire (2026) — John Creasy
His filmography demonstrates his ability to move between superhero adventures, psychological horror, historical drama, comedy, and action thrillers.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Family and Personal Life
Abdul-Mateen generally keeps his personal life private. Although he discusses his background occasionally, he rarely shares intimate details publicly.
He grew up with several siblings in a large family. His parents influenced his early experiences and introduced him to different religious traditions.
His father’s death in 2007 marked a difficult period. Nevertheless, Abdul-Mateen continued pursuing his ambitions and developing his professional identity.
He also enjoys exploring creative interests beyond acting. His commitment to personal growth reflects his desire to develop as both an artist and an individual.
Reliable public information about his current romantic relationships, marital status, and children remains limited. Therefore, unverified claims about his private life should be treated cautiously.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Net Worth
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s exact net worth has not been reliably confirmed through public financial disclosures.
However, his career includes major studio films, successful streaming productions, and award-winning television work. These opportunities have helped establish his position in Hollywood.
His income may include acting salaries, producing fees, and other professional earnings. However, specific contracts and financial arrangements remain private.
For that reason, online net worth estimates should not be treated as confirmed figures.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Awards and Achievements
Abdul-Mateen has earned recognition across television, film, and theatre.
His major achievements include:
- Primetime Emmy Award winner in 2020 for Watchmen.
- 2026 Primetime Emmy nominee for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Wonder Man.
- Tony Award nominee for his Broadway performance in Topdog/Underdog.
- International recognition for playing Black Manta in the Aquaman films.
- Leading roles in major productions, including Man on Fire and Wonder Man.
These accomplishments demonstrate his ability to succeed across different entertainment mediums.
What Makes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Unique?
Abdul-Mateen combines physical presence with emotional depth. He can portray intimidating villains, vulnerable heroes, and complicated characters without relying on one performance style.
His architecture background also distinguishes his professional journey. Rather than following a conventional route into acting, he developed another career before pursuing his creative ambitions.
Furthermore, his formal training helped him approach demanding roles with discipline. His theatre experience strengthened his ability to develop characters through dialogue and physical expression.
His continued interest in producing also creates new opportunities. Abdul-Mateen is developing a career that extends beyond acting into broader creative responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
How old is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II?
He was born on July 15, 1986. He is 40 years old as of October 2026.
Where was Yahya Abdul-Mateen II born?
He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, and grew up in Oakland, California.
What is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II famous for?
He is famous for playing Doctor Manhattan in Watchmen, Black Manta in Aquaman, Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections, and Simon Williams in Wonder Man.
Did Yahya Abdul-Mateen II win an Emmy?
Yes. He won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 for his performance in Watchmen.
What did Yahya Abdul-Mateen II study?
He studied architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale School of Drama.
Was Yahya Abdul-Mateen II an architect?
He studied architecture and worked in urban planning before pursuing professional acting.
Is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Man on Fire?
Yes. He stars as John Creasy in Netflix’s 2026 action thriller series Man on Fire. He also serves as an executive producer.
What is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s latest Marvel role?
He plays Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, in Marvel’s 2026 series Wonder Man.
Is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II married?
He keeps his personal life private, and reliable public information about his current marital status remains limited.
What is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s net worth?
His exact net worth has not been publicly verified. Online estimates vary and should be treated cautiously.
Conclusion
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has built an impressive career through talent, education, discipline, and versatility. His journey from architecture and urban planning to Hollywood demonstrates his willingness to pursue new ambitions.
His Emmy-winning performance in Watchmen established his dramatic credentials. Meanwhile, his roles in Aquaman, Candyman, and The Matrix Resurrections expanded his international recognition.
In 2026, Wonder Man and Man on Fire further showcased his range. His achievements in theatre and his growing producing responsibilities also reflect his creative ambition.
As his career continues to evolve, Abdul-Mateen remains an actor willing to explore challenging roles. His combination of professional training, versatility, and determination makes him a notable performer of his generation.
