Yasmine Sahid Is Done Waiting for a Break—She’s Making Her Own

Actress. Comedian. Host. Writer. Singer. Disruptor. Yasmine Sahid has never been one to stay in a single creative lane—and she’s finally getting her moment to shine on her own terms. With over 3 million fans online, a breakout role in the new Prime Video series Overcompensating, and a creative spark that never seems to dim, Sahid is boldly crafting a space for herself in the entertainment world—one laugh, lyric, and layered performance at a time. We caught up with the internet-born star to talk comedy as catharsis, representation in Hollywood, and what it means to stay grounded when your dreams are coming true before your very eyes.

Interview By: Angel Neal

Photographer: Ben Cope

Stylist: Jasmine Woolfork

MUA: Laci Johnson

Hair: Rachel Lita

Sahid’s journey into comedy content creation wasn’t born out of a grand master plan—but rather a candid conversation in the most unexpected of places. “It was during the pandemic. I was literally in a pool with my friend,” she laughs. “We were talking about TikTok and I just said, ‘Everybody’s getting famous off TikTok—I want to get famous off TikTok.’ And then I just did it. I started posting consistently, and things took off from there.” What started as casual content quickly became something deeper.

“I was tired of waiting for someone to give me a break in entertainment,” she explains. “So I just decided—I’ll make my own.”

Yasmine credits her early love of sitcoms and sketch comedy as the foundation of her comedic voice, but it’s more than just making people laugh—it’s about connection, and sometimes, survival. “Comedy was always an escape for me,” she shares. “It’s a way to feel like I’m bringing joy to people—even when I’m struggling myself.” Growing up, she wasn’t the loudest in the room, but she was certainly one of the funniest. “I wouldn’t call myself the class clown,” she says with a grin, “but I was definitely trying to make people laugh. Whether it was at school, at home, or on stage—I liked the idea that I could bring people comfort, even for a moment.”

In Prime Video’s upcoming dramedy Overcompensating, Sahid plays an eager outsider trying to find her place in a new environment—something she relates to deeply. “In high school, I was a lot like her—really outgoing, trying to be friends with everybody,” she says. “Now, I’m more guarded with my circle, but I totally remember that feeling of wanting to fit in and find your people.” When she first read the script by internet-favorite-turned-showrunner Benito Skinner, it felt like fate. “I’d followed Benny for a long time, so when I saw he had a show, I was like, ‘I have to be in this.’ And luckily, they wanted me too!” The experience on set, she says, was a dream. “Everyone was so nice—like, genuinely kind and collaborative. You always hear horror stories about working in TV, but this was the opposite. It was one of those ‘Is this really happening?’ moments.”

As a Black Sierra Leonean-American woman in Hollywood, Sahid is conscious of how she chooses roles—and which ones she avoids. “I’ve seen my share of stereotype-heavy scripts. But I’m picky,” she says. “Black people are not a monolith. I want to play characters that reflect the full spectrum of who we are—not just the tropes.” That pride in her identity was instilled early. “My family never made me feel like I had to hide where I come from. We ate African food, listened to Sierra Leonean music—it was just normal. I’m lucky for that.”

Sahid isn’t waiting for the industry to define her. In addition to acting, she’s also writing a play, working on original music, and releasing her latest single—a sultry jazz cover of “Old Devil Moon.”

“Most of my music so far has been comedic or rap-based,” she says. “This one is more serious, more romantic. I love jazz and ballads, so it’s just a snippet of that side of me.”

Even with so many ventures on the go, she lets instinct guide her next move.

“It really depends on what I’m feeling emotionally. Right now, I’m drawn to music and writing, but that could change. I just go where the creativity takes me.”

With millions of fans and major industry moments under her belt—including hosting at the Oscars and appearances at the Aim Far Gala for TikTok—Sahid still finds ways to stay down to earth. “I lived in L.A. before the numbers came, so I had time to set my foundation first,” she explains. “And my friends? They’ll humble me real quick if I start acting too big.”

Despite her growing fame, she insists she hasn’t “arrived” yet. “There’s still so much I want to do. I don’t ever want to get too in my head. I’m just trying to take it one step at a time. When asked what kind of legacy she hopes to leave, Sahid doesn’t skip a beat.

“I want to be remembered as a creator who wasn’t afraid to try new things,” she says. “Disruption means shaking things up—and I think we need more of that. Hollywood loves sameness, but that’s not where magic comes from.” As for what’s next? “More writing. More music. I’m working on getting a play produced this year. I’m trying to do it all,” she says with a smile. “Because if I don’t, who will?”

Yasmine Sahid is no longer waiting for permission. She’s too busy building her own universe—on screen, online, and beyond. With heart, humor, and hustle, she’s not just in the room—she’s redefining it. And if Overcompensating is any indication, this is only the beginning.

To keep with all things Yasmine Sahid follow her here @yasmine_sahid .