If you watched Amazon Prime’s new comedy-drama series ‘Overcompensating’ and like us were obsessed, then you are undoubtedly already a fan of actress, writer, musician and content creator Yasmine Sahid. The series was her breakout role, but Yasmine is no stranger to the world of performance and hamming it up on screen, whether big or small.
With over 3 million followers across her social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram and Youtube), she has managed to take her social media comedy sketches and parlay that into a legit Hollywood career in the short span of 4 years.
Since beginning her creative journey, Yasmine has worked with top brands such as T-Mobile, LEGO, Hasbro, and TIDE. Yasmine has captivated audiences across various platforms with her unique blend of nostalgia, pop culture references, and relatable characters.
Yasmine has also been hard at work on her music career with her fourth studio release, a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “Old Devil Moon” back in May. Away from the mic, she is also a strong supporter of Girls Make Beats, a nonprofit organization that empowers girls by expanding the female presence of music producers, DJs, and audio engineers.
Alongside her content creation, Yasmine is a sought-after red carpet host, having recently hosted the SAG Awards Red Carpet and Oscars Red Carpet in Los Angeles, as well as the amfAR Gala in Cannes for TikTok. NBD!
What we love most about Yasmine is that she believes in using her platform for good and understands the responsibility social media creators like her have with such large followings. We had the opportunity to catch up with the rising star and learn more about her creative process, how she got her start in the world of entertainment, and how she juggles such a busy schedule!
Congrats on your breakout experience in ‘Overcompensating’! What was it like filming the show, and what can you tell us about the audition process?
It was an awesome experience – we filmed the show in Toronto, and it was so amazing to be there, surrounded by such wonderful and kind people. I got the audition through my team and immediately jumped on it. I did a self-tape, sent it in, and waited. As soon as I finally got the call that I booked it, I was thrilled.
As a multi-talented performer, can you tell us more about your music and acting background, and how you got your start in the industry?
From a very young age I was always interested in theater. I did theater at my school and at other neighborhood schools whenever they held auditions. I just had that acting bug — or that creativity bug. But I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and there aren’t necessarily a lot – or any spaces – to fully grow as a creative there.
I knew that I wanted to act, so I told my mom I wanted to move to LA, and she was like, “Yeah, you can do that, just as long as you have a plan.” And I did. I enrolled at Loyola Marymount University, got my BA in theater, and now I’ve been living here for about ten years.
You re also a content creator and have traveled all over the world for this work. What have been some of the highlights for you so far?
The Oscars. I still can’t believe it! I wasn’t just at the Oscars as an attendee – I was also working it! It was so surreal and such a great experience. I used to dream about being at the Oscars but never thought it would happen so soon in my life. I am so, so grateful to the Academy for giving me the opportunity.
What is your fave content to make, and can you tell us about the preparation that goes into your skits?
To be honest, there isn’t a lot of preparation that goes into the skits. Most of the time it’s me spotting a funny trend on TikTok that I want to recreate or putting together a skit around something that is currently (or constantly) being discussed online, like the show ‘Love Island USA’. But, for the most part, it just depends on what I like or connect with.
Juggling acting, music and content creation is no doubt a full time gig! How do you plan out your work schedule and balance all of your creative endeavors?
I don’t know if balance is the right word to use, but my creative phases come in waves and how I’m feeling mentally. I focus on things that make me feel productive. When it comes to my work schedule, I prioritize things that are important to me so I can continue to stay focused and motivated – for example, I’m selective about where I spend my time. I don’t attend every event or premiere just for the sake of it. I have to make sure I’m attending an event because I want to, otherwise it can get very overwhelming fast. Mental health should always come first, especially in this industry.
You released a new music track “Old Devil Moon,” what can you share about your cover of ‘Old Devil Moon’, and what made you want to remake this song?
I’ve made music before, but they were more comedic, and rap based. This one is more serious, more romantic. I sang jazz in high school and it’s one of my favorite genres to listen to. So, I thought, why not do a short jazz standard! It’s cute and a different side of me. Also, I hope that it opens doors for me in the more classical and musical theatre world. But I’m for sure going back to pop music real soon!
Aside from making music yourself, you love to support other women in the industry. Can you share more about your involvement with Girls Make Beats, and why you are passionate about their cause?
Girls Make Beats is an amazing organization that really helps to encourage and empower girls to lean into their musical talents. A lot of these girls in the organization are self-taught with no formal training! They know how to produce and mix beats, but they don’t have the funds or resources to get the equipment they need to explore their passion.
That’s sadly becoming the case in the artistic field – a lot of community-driven theaters are going out of business or shutting down because they just don’t have the outside support that they need. So, I like to help where I can. It’s important to help because you never know whose future you are helping to build.
@ladyyasmina1 From my drafts of when I hosted the @TikTok ♬ original sound – Yasmine Sahid
Why is it important that people with big platforms, like yourself and your large social media following, use your voice for good, as well as entertainment?
If we’re lucky enough to have a large social following, we should use it for good – but also be careful not to coerce. The rise of social media means that fans now have direct access to their favorite artists, which can be a great pro or an unsettling con. With that kind of lens on you – having your every move being watched – you have to be aware of what you’re putting out to the world. So, if you’re going to choose to speak up, it should be about something that can helpful, positive, or good. But it’s always important to remind those that are listening or watching that they have their own voice and can make their own choices.
What are some of your biggest goals for the future, and what are you going to be working on next?
My goal for the future is to just stay active and keep producing work I’m proud of. I’ve been working on developing a show that I’m hoping to pitch soon, and a play that I’d love to produce later this year. I’m trying to stay busy and creative at home, and hopefully have all that ready either by later this year or early next year. But for the most part, I just go where the creativity takes me.
Keep up with all of Yasmine’s great content by following her on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube.
