Yani Simone is an Atlanta-born actress and teaching artist with a B.A. in Theatre (Acting concentration) from Columbia College Chicago. Her training includes work with Angela Davis at ActHER Studios, The Actor’s Studio (Chicago and Atlanta), The Company Acting Studio, and The Annoyance Theatre for improvisation.

After signing with Evolution Talent Agency, Yani quickly booked roles on BET’s Being Mary Jane and The Quad, and went on to co-star in STARZ’s hit series BMF. She made her lead theatrical debut in STRIP and brought her dynamic presence to the stage in The African Mean Girls Play. Her feature film debut came in Life of the Party, sharing the screen with Melissa McCarthy and Debby Ryan.

Now represented by Carol Shaginaw Talent and Houghton Talent for voiceover, Yani has voiced national and regional campaigns for brands including the Georgia Lottery, Publix, and Secret Deodorant.

With over four years of experience as a teaching artist, Yani has led youth and adult acting programs, mentored emerging talent, and guided families through the entertainment industry. She founded her own acting studio and previously taught at Young Moguls Acting Academy, collaborating with fellow teaching artists to develop structured, technique-driven training. Today, Yani continues to pursue lead roles in film and television while serving as a teaching artist at ActHER Studios in Atlanta and the Lead Acting Coach at Lyfstyle Modeling in Houston, Texas.