Ehsan Shahidi is a young American actor and model best known as the youngest sibling of famous actress Yara Shahidi, the star of the popular Freeform and ABC series Black-ish and its spin-off Grown-ish. Born on March 7, 2008, in the United States, he is currently 18 years old as of 2026 and has been steadily building his own career in the American entertainment industry through both acting and modeling work. He is best known professionally for his role as Justin Simpson in the 2016 FX anthology series American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, which starred major Hollywood names including Cuba Gooding Jr., John Travolta, and David Schwimmer.
Born into a highly creative and multicultural family, Ehsan is the youngest of the three Shahidi siblings, alongside his famous sister Yara Shahidi (born February 10, 2000) and his older brother Sayeed Shahidi (born February 14, 2003), both of whom are also actors. His father is Afshin Shahidi, an Iranian-American photographer and filmmaker who immigrated to the United States from Iran as a child, and his mother is Keri Salter Shahidi, an actress and producer with African-American and Choctaw Indian ancestry. His family also includes his famous cousin, the multi-platinum rapper Nas. This article presents the complete verified profile of his life, family, career, and his rise as one of America’s most respected young multicultural entertainment figures.
Ehsan Shahidi Bio / Wiki:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ehsan Shahidi |
| Date of Birth | March 7, 2008 |
| Age (2026) | 18 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Family Origin | Family lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota before relocating to California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed — Iranian (father) + African-American and Choctaw Indian (mother) |
| Religion | Family follows both Iranian and African-American traditions |
| Father | Afshin Shahidi (Iranian-American photographer and filmmaker) |
| Mother | Keri Salter Shahidi (actress and producer) |
| Older Sister | Yara Shahidi (born February 10, 2000) |
| Older Brother | Sayeed Shahidi (born February 14, 2003) |
| Position in Family | Youngest of three siblings |
| Famous Cousin | Nas (multi-platinum rapper) |
| Career | Actor and Model |
| Famous Role | Justin Simpson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016) |
| Family Production Company | 7th Sun Productions (founded by mother and sister) |
| Sibling Acronym | Y.E.S. (Yara, Ehsan, Sayeed) |
| Social Media | Very limited public presence |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | Approximately $1 million |
Who Is Ehsan Shahidi?
Ehsan Shahidi is one of America’s most-watched young multicultural actors and models, primarily known as the youngest sibling of famous actress Yara Shahidi. Born in the United States on March 7, 2008, he is currently 18 years old and is quietly building his own entertainment career in Hollywood’s next generation of young talent. Despite being surrounded by his family’s growing fame, he has developed a professional identity that combines acting, modeling, and creative arts.
Ehsan’s professional acting career includes his notable role as Justin Simpson in the acclaimed 2016 FX series American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, which was one of the most respected true-crime dramas of the 2010s. Beyond his acting work, he has appeared in family-friendly modeling campaigns and shared his family’s public moments, including the family’s famous 2016 White House visit with Barack and Michelle Obama, where his dabbing photo went viral. His combination of family heritage, natural talent, and multicultural identity has made him a rising figure in modern American entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Ehsan Shahidi was born on March 7, 2008, in the United States, into one of Hollywood’s most creative multicultural families. His family originally lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota before relocating to California for his father Afshin’s career work. This move to California was particularly significant for the entire Shahidi family’s future entertainment career development.
Growing up in a highly creative household, Ehsan was exposed to the world of entertainment from his earliest days. His father Afshin Shahidi worked as a photographer and filmmaker, while his mother Keri Salter Shahidi was an actress and producer. His older siblings Yara and Sayeed were already building their acting careers by the time Ehsan was old enough to walk. This unique environment gave him early exposure to the professional entertainment industry, allowing him to develop his own creative interests naturally.
Ehsan Shahidi Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Ehsan Shahidi is American by nationality, born and raised in the United States. His ethnicity is remarkably multicultural, combining three distinct heritage traditions:
- Iranian (through his father Afshin Shahidi, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran as a child)
- African-American (through his mother Keri Salter Shahidi)
- Choctaw Indian (also through his mother’s mixed ancestry)
This unique Iranian, African-American, and Native American heritage makes his cultural identity one of the most distinctive in modern American entertainment. His mother Keri Shahidi has publicly emphasized that this multicultural family environment shapes the family’s close bonds, noting in a 2017 Glamour interview: “In Black culture and Iranian culture, that interconnectedness is deeply important.”
His religious background reflects his family’s cultural traditions, though the family has kept specific religious practices private. Some sources suggest the family follows a blend of Islamic (Iranian side) and Christian (African-American side) traditions, though the specific details are not publicly confirmed. His grounded, thoughtful approach to his multicultural identity is one of his most respected personal qualities.
Ehsan Shahidi Age, Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Ehsan Shahidi was born on March 7, 2008, which makes him 18 years old as of 2026. He celebrated his 18th birthday on March 7, 2026, marking his transition into legal adulthood. His zodiac sign is Pisces, traditionally associated with creativity, sensitivity, imagination, and emotional depth, all qualities that match his artistic personality.
Specific details about his exact height, weight, and physical measurements have not been widely publicized. He has a natural, healthy appearance with dark hair and dark eyes that reflect his mixed Iranian and African-American heritage. His naturally curly hair, warm smile, and thoughtful expression have made him a distinctive presence in family photos and public appearances. His overall style combines modern American youth fashion with cultural pride, matching his family’s respected image in modern Hollywood.
Ehsan Shahidi Parents and Siblings
His Father Afshin Shahidi
Ehsan’s father is Afshin Shahidi, a respected Iranian-American photographer and filmmaker. Afshin was born in Iran and immigrated to the United States as a child, bringing his rich Persian cultural heritage to his American family. His notable professional projects include a documentary about the legendary musician Prince, showing his connection to some of the most important names in modern American music.
His father’s creative career has been a major influence on all three Shahidi children, giving them early exposure to photography, filmmaking, and creative arts. Afshin’s Iranian heritage has also given the Shahidi family strong cultural roots that connect them to the Iranian-American community.
His Mother Keri Salter Shahidi
Ehsan’s mother is Keri Salter Shahidi, a respected American actress, producer, and businesswoman. Keri’s ancestry is a mix of African-American and Choctaw Indian, giving her heritage deep American roots. Before her production career, Keri was an actress who appeared in various commercials and the 2005 sitcom American Dad!.
In July 2020, Keri and her daughter Yara launched their production company, 7th Sun Productions, and signed a deal with ABC Studios to produce shows focused on themes of “history, heritage, culture, and joy.” Keri is widely respected for her thoughtful approach to family, education, and multicultural pride. Her cousin is the multi-platinum rapper Nas, connecting the Shahidi family to major hip-hop industry connections.
His Older Sister Yara Shahidi
Ehsan’s older sister is Yara Sayeh Shahidi, born on February 10, 2000, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Yara is one of the most celebrated young actresses of her generation, best known for:
- Zoey Johnson on Black-ish (2014-2022) — ABC sitcom
- Zoey Johnson on Grown-ish (2018-present) — Freeform spinoff series
- The Sun Is Also a Star (2019) — Lead role in romantic drama
- Peter Pan and Wendy (2023) — Playing Tinker Bell
- Extrapolations — Apple TV+ anthology series
Yara graduated from Harvard University in 2022 with a degree in sociology and African American Studies. She is Ehsan’s most famous sibling and a major role model for his own entertainment career.
His Older Brother Sayeed Shahidi
Ehsan’s older brother is Sayeed Shahidi, born on February 14, 2003. Sayeed is a talented American actor and model who guest-starred on his sister Yara’s show Black-ish and has built his own steady acting career. As the middle sibling, Sayeed shares a particularly close bond with Ehsan, with the two brothers often seen together at family events, sports activities, and fashion campaigns.
The Famous “Y.E.S.” Sibling Acronym
The three Shahidi siblings share a famous sibling acronym: “Y.E.S.” (Yara, Ehsan, Sayeed), formed by the first letters of their names. This acronym reflects the tight-knit bond between the three Shahidi children and has been shared publicly by the family on social media as a symbol of their family unity.
Famous Cousin Nas
Through his mother Keri, Ehsan is related to the legendary American rapper Nas (Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones). Nas is Keri’s cousin, giving the Shahidi family close ties to the American hip-hop community. In November 2022, Yara had Nas as a guest on her Facebook Watch series “Yara’s Day Off,” and their conversation showed the family’s genuine closeness with the multi-platinum rapper.
Ehsan Shahidi Wife/Girlfriend
At just 18 years old, Ehsan Shahidi’s relationship status has not been publicly confirmed. He has just recently transitioned into legal adulthood in March 2026 and is fully focused on his growing acting and modeling career. Any specific claims about his romantic life should be considered unverified unless directly confirmed by Ehsan himself.
His family has consistently protected his personal life throughout his childhood and teenage years, in keeping with their thoughtful approach to giving their children space to grow without excessive public attention. Ehsan’s focus remains on his professional development, family bonds, and creative pursuits during this important stage of his life.
Children
Ehsan Shahidi has no publicly known children as of 2026. At just 18 years old, he is in the earliest stages of his professional career and adult life, and there is no verified record of him being a father.
He is expected to remain focused on his acting career, modeling opportunities, and personal growth for the foreseeable future. Any specific claims about him having children should be considered inaccurate and inappropriate given his age and career stage.
Ehsan Shahidi Wikipedia
As of 2026, Ehsan Shahidi does not have his own dedicated Wikipedia page. He is mentioned in his sister Yara Shahidi‘s Wikipedia entry and his father Afshin Shahidi’s public references, but he has not been featured as the primary subject of his own Wikipedia article.
Wikipedia has strict notability rules that typically require multiple independent news features about a person as the primary subject before approving a personal page. Ehsan’s career, while growing, has not yet reached the level of mainstream notability required for a dedicated Wikipedia page. The most reliable sources of information about Ehsan are his IMDb profile (which credits him for American Crime Story), his sister Yara Shahidi’s Wikipedia entry, and biography sites including TheCityCeleb, Story Era, and Yahoo Entertainment.
Social Media Presence
Ehsan Shahidi maintains a very limited public social media presence, in keeping with his family’s thoughtful approach to protecting their children’s privacy during their teenage years. His main verified status across major platforms is listed below.
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| Limited or no widely verified public account | |
| Twitter / X | Limited or no widely verified public account |
| Limited or no widely verified public account | |
| TikTok | Limited or no widely verified public account |
| No verified public profile | |
| Personal Website | None publicly verified |
His public moments and family appearances are shared primarily through his sister Yara Shahidi’s verified Instagram account (@yarashahidi, with millions of followers) and his mother Keri Shahidi’s verified accounts. Both his sister and mother share family moments while being careful to protect Ehsan’s individual privacy.
As Ehsan continues his transition into legal adulthood and builds his own professional career, his social media presence is expected to grow gradually. Most fan engagement around him currently happens through Yara Shahidi fan accounts and Shahidi family community pages rather than through his own platforms.
Ehsan Shahidi Career
Early Career Beginnings
Ehsan Shahidi’s entertainment career began during his early childhood years, following the natural path of his multi-talented family. Growing up alongside his acting sister Yara and brother Sayeed, he was exposed to professional casting, auditions, and set work from a very young age. His father Afshin’s photography career also provided him with early access to the visual arts and modeling opportunities.
Famous Role: American Crime Story (2016)
Ehsan’s most notable acting credit is his role as Justin Simpson in the acclaimed 2016 FX anthology series American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. Justin Simpson is the son of the real-life O.J. Simpson, and Ehsan’s portrayal helped bring humanity to the family’s story during the trial period. The series starred major Hollywood names including:
- Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson
- John Travolta as Robert Shapiro
- David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian
- Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark
- Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran
He appeared in the series premiere “From the Ashes of Tragedy” (2016) and later appeared as himself in Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson, American Crime Story (2017). This role in one of the most critically acclaimed true-crime dramas of the 2010s gave him early professional credibility and exposure to Emmy Award-winning production.
Modeling Career
Beyond acting, Ehsan has built a modeling career, appearing in various fashion campaigns and print advertisements. He has been photographed at major fashion events including the Brooks Brothers Mini Classic for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Beverly Hills in 2015 and 2016, where he appeared alongside his siblings Yara and Sayeed. His photogenic appearance and family heritage have made him a rising figure in youth modeling circles.
The 2016 Obama White House Visit
One of Ehsan’s most famous public moments came in April 2016, when the entire Shahidi family attended the Sixth Science Fair of the Obama Administration at the White House. His sister Yara co-hosted the event, and the family met President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. A viral photo of young Ehsan dabbing in front of the White House became one of the most shared images from the event, showcasing his playful personality.
7th Sun Productions Family Connection
In July 2020, his sister Yara and mother Keri launched their production company, 7th Sun Productions, and signed a deal with ABC Studios. This family business focuses on “pursuing projects that touch upon themes of history, heritage, culture, and joy.” While Ehsan himself is not officially a partner in the company, the family business represents the Shahidis’ commitment to expanding the media landscape with meaningful stories.
Future Career Possibilities
As Ehsan transitions into adulthood, his career possibilities include:
- Expanded acting roles in film and television
- Continued modeling with major fashion brands
- Producing projects through the family’s 7th Sun Productions
- Creative arts pursuits following his father Afshin’s photography career
- Multicultural advocacy representing his Iranian, African-American, and Native American heritage
- Possible college education following his sister Yara’s Harvard example
Ehsan Shahidi Net Worth
Ehsan Shahidi’s estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $1 million, primarily built through his acting fees from American Crime Story, his modeling work, and family financial support. Some sources have listed this net worth figure, though as with all young entertainment industry figures, the exact number is a rough estimate rather than confirmed data.
His main income sources have included:
- Acting fees from American Crime Story and other roles
- Modeling contract fees from fashion campaigns
- Possible family trust arrangements
- Personal investments managed by family
His sister Yara Shahidi’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million through her Black-ish, Grown-ish, and other acting work. The combined Shahidi family wealth provides Ehsan with a comfortable lifestyle and support for his early career development.
Any specific net worth claims about Ehsan found online should be considered honest estimates rather than verified amounts. His financial situation reflects the values of his family’s thoughtful approach to career development over quick wealth.
Ehsan Shahidi Salary
Ehsan Shahidi’s exact annual salary has not been publicly disclosed. As a young rising actor and model, his income varies significantly based on the specific projects he works on. Guest star and supporting actor fees on major cable and streaming series typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 per episode depending on the role and production budget. Modeling fees for young talent typically range from $1,000 to $25,000 per campaign.
His current professional and financial situation is supported by his family, allowing him to focus on career development rather than immediate income maximization. As his career continues to grow, his earning potential is expected to increase significantly.
Achievements and Awards
Ehsan Shahidi’s most notable life and career achievements include:
- Role as Justin Simpson in the Emmy-winning The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)
- Appearance in Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2017)
- Modeling work at Brooks Brothers Mini Classic events (2015-2016)
- 2016 Obama White House visit with his family
- Youngest of the famous Shahidi family of entertainment professionals
- Multicultural heritage representing Iranian, African-American, and Choctaw Indian communities
- Related to multi-platinum rapper Nas through his mother’s family
- Strong sibling bond with Yara and Sayeed (the famous “Y.E.S.” trio)
- Family connection to Harvard-educated sister Yara Shahidi
- IMDb professional profile with verified credits
While he has not received formal industry awards yet, his early achievements reflect his family’s respected role in modern American entertainment.
Hobbies
Ehsan Shahidi’s reported hobbies and personal interests reflect his identity as a young multicultural American teenager transitioning into adulthood. Based on publicly available information, his likely hobbies include:
- Spending time with family including sister Yara, brother Sayeed, and parents
- Sports activities, often shared with brother Sayeed
- Fashion and modeling related interests
- Technology and video games (popular for his age group)
- Reading and personal development (his family emphasizes intellectual growth)
- Attending family events with Yara and Sayeed
- Iranian and African-American cultural celebrations
- Following his sister Yara’s activism work
- Photography (inspired by his father Afshin)
- Music appreciation, especially through cousin Nas connection
Specific details about his personal hobbies have been kept relatively private by his family, in keeping with their commitment to giving their children a normal childhood despite their famous connections. His mother Keri and sister Yara have publicly discussed how the family enjoys discussing philosophers, reading books like The Alchemist, and exercising together in their downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ehsan Shahidi?
Ehsan Shahidi is a young American actor and model best known as the youngest sibling of famous actress Yara Shahidi, the star of Black-ish and Grown-ish.
How old is Ehsan Shahidi?
He was born on March 7, 2008, which makes him 18 years old in 2026.
Where is Ehsan Shahidi from?
He was born in the United States. His family lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota before relocating to California when his sister Yara was 4 years old.
Who are Ehsan Shahidi’s parents?
His father is Afshin Shahidi, an Iranian-American photographer and filmmaker. His mother is Keri Salter Shahidi, an American actress and producer.
What is Ehsan Shahidi’s ethnicity?
He has mixed heritage: Iranian (father), African-American (mother), and Choctaw Indian (mother). This multicultural background is central to his family’s identity.
How many siblings does Ehsan Shahidi have?
He has two older siblings: sister Yara Shahidi (born February 10, 2000) and brother Sayeed Shahidi (born February 14, 2003). He is the youngest of three.
Who is Ehsan Shahidi’s famous sister?
His famous sister is Yara Shahidi, the American actress who stars as Zoey Johnson in Black-ish and Grown-ish and graduated from Harvard University in 2022.
What movies or TV shows has Ehsan Shahidi been in?
His most famous role is Justin Simpson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016). He also appeared in Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson, American Crime Story (2017).
Is Ehsan Shahidi related to Nas?
Yes. The multi-platinum rapper Nas is his mother Keri Shahidi’s cousin, making Nas his second cousin.
Does Ehsan Shahidi have social media?
He maintains a very limited public social media presence. His family shares occasional photos through his sister Yara’s and mother Keri’s verified accounts.
What is the Shahidi family’s “Y.E.S.” acronym?
“Y.E.S.” stands for Yara, Ehsan, and Sayeed, formed by the first letters of the three Shahidi siblings’ names. It symbolizes their tight-knit sibling bond.
What is 7th Sun Productions?
7th Sun Productions is a production company launched in July 2020 by Ehsan’s mother Keri Shahidi and sister Yara Shahidi in a deal with ABC Studios. It focuses on stories about history, heritage, culture, and joy.
Did Ehsan Shahidi meet Barack Obama?
Yes. In April 2016, the entire Shahidi family visited the White House for the Sixth Science Fair of the Obama Administration. A viral photo of young Ehsan dabbing in front of the White House went viral.
What is Ehsan Shahidi’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $1 million, primarily built through his acting and modeling career.
Is Ehsan Shahidi married?
No. At just 18 years old, he has not been publicly confirmed in any romantic relationship.
Does Ehsan Shahidi have children?
No publicly known children for Ehsan Shahidi as of 2026.
Does Ehsan Shahidi have a Wikipedia page?
No, he does not have his own dedicated Wikipedia page, though he is mentioned in his sister Yara Shahidi’s Wikipedia entry.
What is Ehsan Shahidi’s zodiac sign?
His zodiac sign is Pisces, since he was born on March 7, 2008.
What is Ehsan Shahidi’s religion?
His family follows both Iranian and African-American traditions. Specific religious practices have been kept private by the family.
Where does Ehsan Shahidi live?
He lives in California with his family, where they relocated when his sister Yara was 4 years old.
Conclusion
Ehsan Shahidi’s life story is one of the most inspiring examples of modern multicultural American family excellence in the entertainment industry. From his birth on March 7, 2008, to his upbringing in a family that combines Iranian, African-American, and Choctaw Indian heritage, every chapter of his life has been shaped by his family’s deep commitment to creativity, cultural pride, education, and family unity.
His memorable role as Justin Simpson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016), his family’s famous 2016 White House visit with Barack and Michelle Obama, his modeling work with major American fashion brands, and his tight-knit bond with his siblings through the famous “Y.E.S.” acronym all reflect the kind of grounded, meaningful upbringing that has made the Shahidi family one of Hollywood’s most respected. As the youngest of three Shahidi siblings alongside his famous sister Yara Shahidi (Grown-ish star and Harvard graduate) and his brother Sayeed Shahidi, Ehsan is uniquely positioned to build his own respected entertainment career in the coming years.
Ehsan Shahidi represents the very best of modern American multicultural family unity, proving that with strong family bonds, cultural pride, education, and creative talent, even the youngest sibling of a famous family can carve his own meaningful path. His story continues to inspire young Americans who admire authentic family relationships, multicultural identity, and the courage to build a meaningful career on one’s own terms.