Yael Yurman is most recognized for her role in Once Upon a Time because she was phenomenal. The actress brought a certain depth to the character that thrust her into the spotlight so early into her acting career. She has since followed it up with appearances in other notable shows like Snowpiercer and Firefly Lane.
Since she made her debut in 2017, what’s gotten increasingly clear is that Yael is a talented actress. However, what has been less clear is just who the woman behind the captivating performances is. In ten facts, we answer that question in detail below.
1. She’s a Gen Z
It’s easy to look at Yael’s CV and mistake her for an adult, established actress. But she’s still very much on the young side. She was born on June 28, 2001, in Vancouver, Canada, and celebrated her 19th birthday in the middle of a lockdown. She grew up with a brother, who, along with her parents, supported the quick start to her acting career.
2. She’s Very Expressive
Yael Yurman likes to post photo grids of herself on her Instagram account in which she’s making many different faces. They’re all photos of herself snapped mid-conversation with someone, and they’re everyone who is an animated speaker. If only we could all see ourselves in momentary captures in the middle of a conversation.
3. But she rarely posts on Instagram
It’s unsurprising that a Gen Z actress has an Instagram account. What’s surprising is how little she uses it. Since her first post in July 2017, the Canadian actress has posted a little over 200 times. Could it be she’s not a fan of the platform? That’s a possibility, but we’re more inclined to think the actress finds other ways to spend her time. According to a couple of the few posts on her account, she prefers spending her time in other ways…
4. She’s a Reader
She enjoys spending time reading, and that’s one thing we wish more people enjoyed time doing. Books are so good, and they transport you to a place of imagination, creativity, and fantasy in a way that nothing else can replicate.
5. She Thought 2020 Sucked Too
In her first Instagram post of the year in 2021, she captioned a photo of herself with a middle finger emoji and “I really don’t have anything to say other than, this year sucked and we all tried our best,” which seems to embody what many feel about the year. The other half of the population loved the changes that came with 2020 such as being able to spend more time with family and more time at home. Stars, they really are like us.
6. She Started Acting at 13
Child and teenage actors are not new in Hollywood, but it’s impressive every time we notice one. Especially when they already have a resume like Yael Yurman in the early years of their career. In 2015, which would have made her only 13/14 at the time, she debuted as Clara Sampson in The Man in the High Castle. She must have excelled in the audition because she appeared in four episodes of the show and has been working every year since.
7. Yael is an Award Winner
It may still be early days in Yael Yurman’s career, but she’s already had her first taste of silverware. In 2018, she won her first acting award for Best Ensemble in a Short Film. She shared the Joey Award with fellow actresses Marissa Miller, Serena Manhao, and Ari Guzhel for their performance in the short film, Lifelines.
8. She’s Not a Fan of Early Christmas
Listen, no one is judging anyone for trying to find their beauty and happiness in the middle of the crazy world, but there is something to be said about the lack of excitement in seeing Christmas in the stores in August. And she lives where the weather is actually seasonal. The point is that she recognizes that perhaps the stores should embrace other holidays in a timely fashion. For example, I don’t know about anyone else, but in August, I still need swimsuits – not snow jackets. And in October, I’d like to find Halloween costumes, not valentine’s décor. Just saying.
9. She’s Very Private
She’s not a young woman who shares too much. She shares what’s important to her, but she doesn’t share what’s personal to her. If you’re going to social media stalk her, go for it, but you won’t find any juicy details about her life.
10. She Believes in Asking for Help
While scrolling through Yael Yurman’s Instagram page, we found that she often references asking for help when you’re feeling alone, scared, stressed, or just in a place where help might be needed. We aren’t sure if she has a personal story that is tied to her desire to remind people that there is always someone to help, but we think she’s lovely for making sure her fans know that she’s there – or that someone is there.
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