Yahya on staying true to himself in Hollywood and why being interesting beats being right| The Pivot
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“Do you want to be right or do you want to be interesting?” Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for a candid and inspiring conversation about the road that led him to becoming one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. Full of energy, spunk and true authenticity, Yahya lets his guard down with Ryan, Channing and Fred- revealing a side of deep pain that has led to difficult healing as well as giving us a glimpse into the traits that make him one of film industry's most sought-after leading men.
I never knew this actor’s name, but I see him in quite a few things and I like the rolls He play. I just can’t get over how this guy could play Kanye in a biopic. 😁👊🏾💯
Yahya opens up about his childhood, sharing what it was like growing up from Louisiana to Oakland and how his upbringing and community helped shape his voice, work ethic, and backbone in creativity. He takes us behind the scenes of his unconventional journey into acting—from his aspirations of architecture and building to taking a leap of faith into acting classes and fully committing to the craft. Yahya reflects on the risks he took, the doubts he faced, and the defining moments that pushed him forward, offering insight into the discipline it took to break into a competitive industry.
The conversation also dives into his standout roles across major hit projects like Aquaman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Watchmen—the latter earning him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award. Yahya shares how he approaches complex characters and prepares for emotionally demanding performances, giving listeners a deeper understanding of his creative process.
He’s wonderman in real life 😂
A highlight of the conversation is his discussion of stepping into his latest role, starring as John Creasy in Netflix's new series Man on Fire, famously portrayed by Denzel Washington. Yahya explains how he honors the legacy of the performance while making the role his own—bringing a fresh perspective, new emotional layers, and a distinct physical presence that reflects his personal interpretation. He goes on to share that choosing to be interesting is more impactful than being right, which is a philosophy that he has used to separate himself from others in his craft.
Grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest, Yahya gives us a deeper look at the mindset, resilience, and purpose behind his rise—making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in creativity, reinvention, and chasing purpose beyond comfort.
This guy is like Anthony Mackie. He's sold his soul in some way. It's just not as clear at the moment. Anthony played a gay role on film like Will Smith. Just wait, it's coming.
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I didn’t know about him until Aquaman and now he’s like one of my top favorite actors
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Yahya is special✨ He has beautiful spirit ✨
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Yayah's hearty laughter reminds me if my late father and uncles. This was a great interview.
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23:16 as an actor that went to a formal conservatory to study and watched my home boy kill this scene in class hearing this explanation was hilarious 😂😂😂
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#ThePivot
This man is about to become a Hollywood Superstar 🤞🏿 Watch Out
#Podcast
#RyanClark
My NOLA Home boy!!! Great Interview!!! Keep bringing these wonderful interviews The Pivot...🎉🎉🎉
#ChanningCrowder
#FredTaylor
Fred had some great questions.
Great interview, I wish there was a part two.
#NFL
I think I'm in love with Yahya ❤😂
More User Perspectives
Didn’t he kiss Anthony Mackey on the lips?
@zaywhitt50206TTGB🤙🏾
@MultiMEGAHOLLYWOODI wanna see Ms. Pat on the show
@dedethickens089We really gonna entertain the notion that being interesting beats being right? In this day and age of viral misinformation and disinformation, its more important to be right
@mikoakeI smile whenever a guest says great question. Its even more powerful when you know that these people are interviewed regularly and yet they're still surprised. THE BEST INTERVIEWERS EVER. No one has ever done it better than you three Kings. Period.
@meredithforde-purposefocus5004Soon as the clip played for a few seconds..i felt the powerful energy coming from this brother and was automatically hooked.
This interview feom beginning to end was interesting and one of the best interviews I can recall watching.
I smiled most of this interview..his spirit is strong and incredible. I was getting gems most of this interview
He's blessed
@ThernoJellohWe don't need a minute of video showing us what we came here to watch
@MillysRMine777I've been watching his career since I caught him in Black Mirror with Anthony Mackie. Mackie is another favorite actor of mine.
@pitpride122022:49 If you coming from TikTok it a scene from a play.
@JoeyisSpideyHe reminds me of Delroy❤ cant wait to see what else he does!
@khristalwoodall6679Man on fire was incredible! 🔥🔥🔥
@CrawfordBeatCaneloWaaaaaaaann!!!!!
@JohnnyHall20504I didn’t expect to get emotional, but hearing Yahya’s immediate reaction when his father was mentioned really spoke to the depth of their connection. That moment offered such genuine insight, and for me, it became the turning point of the conversation.
Thank you, Ryan, for revisiting it and asking that thoughtful follow-up question about his dad.
One of my favorite episodes.
* I Hope Everyone, Including The Pivot Fam is Watching Yahya's Awesome Performance in the Series "MAN ON FIRE"!!!👍💯
@johnanthony7494This guy is the new Denzel.
@ronaldoalandolol surprised he didn’t say Pierre lol
@Sudowoodo009He's so handsome and I love his voice!! He was great as Creasy!!
@natashasimmons642Man I have to admit this is one of the better episode that I have watched on the pivot. I am a Yahya fan for life now! I had no idea he was that sharp. I watched a few of his movies and liked the way he carried himself. This is definitely a episode to archive for future watch.
@NiquesrLoved this!@
@sheilaavant166Another great Interview
@AbeyliusThis is my Guy! I put my money on him anytime!
@TheBlackAbstractTHE GET DOWN WAS HIS FIRST JOB??? I loved that show
@williamlambisThis interview has inspired me so much
@tillcasper1730Channing gonna Channing 😂😂😂
Love to hear what that Coogler question was..
Fine azz yahya❤
@shameljohnson3658The get down was dope
@TheKingSPEXIncredible sit down
@AyeeErrkGrown ass KD
@joshuagee9423Never seen his name but to look it up and see him in literally every fucking thing ???? Do more big time interviews
Even if you gotta reach out cause I haven’t even watched it yet
The Get down! I forgot about that!
@davidmoulterie9572What a leader! What articulation about where he is, and going deeper than just being famous. Thanks for paving the way/ showing up through transparency.
@musiccentral9272Great episode seen the short and had to watch the full interview dope
@chrismitchell457loved this dude in all day and a night
@ShenkkHe thought he was gone bring up black mirror episode 😂😂😂 39:23
@2phace___Awesome
@sharonchilds3871YaYa West
@the77th11:33 He really is Wonder Man and I'm loving his take on "Man On Fire"
@BrothaGOfficial