Yrsa Daley-Ward Biography | Poet

Yrsa Daley-Ward is a British poet, model, and actor of West Indian and West African descent. She is known for her powerful and raw writing style, as well as her captivating performances on stage and screen. In this biography, we will delve into her personal life and background to learn more about the woman behind the words.

Early Life and Education

Yrsa Daley-Ward was born on May 17, 1989, in Chorley, Lancashire, England. She was raised by her mother and grandmother, who were both devout Seventh-day Adventists. Her father, who was of Jamaican and Nigerian descent, was not present in her life. Growing up, Yrsa struggled with her identity and felt like an outsider in her predominantly white community.

Despite these challenges, Yrsa excelled in school and went on to study at the University of Manchester, where she earned a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. It was during this time that she began to explore her passion for writing and performing.

Career as a Poet

Daley-Ward began writing poetry as a teenager as a way of dealing with the challenges she faced growing up, including bullying, racism, and sexual abuse. She started sharing her work on social media, where it quickly gained a large following.

After graduating from university, Yrsa moved to London to pursue a career in writing and performing. She began sharing her poetry on social media, quickly gaining a following. Her honest and vulnerable writing style resonated with many, and she soon became known as a rising star in the poetry world.

In 2014, Yrsa published her first collection of poetry, titled "Bone." The book received critical acclaim and was praised for its raw and unapologetic exploration of topics such as race, identity, and mental health. It went on to become a bestseller and was translated into several languages. It was later followed by her second book, "The Terrible," which was a memoir about her childhood and struggle with mental health and addiction.

She has also performed her poetry at various events and festivals worldwide, including the prestigious Hay Festival and the Southbank Centre in London.

Modeling and Acting Career

In addition to her successful career as a poet, Yrsa has also ventured into modeling and acting. She has been featured in campaigns for major brands such as Nike and Topshop, and has graced the pages of magazines like Vogue and Elle.

Yrsa has also appeared in several short films and TV shows, including "Black Mirror" and "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl." She has received praise for her acting skills and has expressed a desire to continue pursuing this aspect of her career.

Personal Life

Yrsa Daley-Ward is a private person and does not share much about her personal life. However, she has spoken openly about her struggles with mental health and has used her platform to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

In 2019, Yrsa married her long-time partner, filmmaker and photographer, Maurice Williams. The couple currently resides in Los Angeles, California.