Before landing her role in Overcompensating, the new Amazon Prime comedy from Benito Skinner, Yasmine Sahid was just a kid in Milwaukee with a loud laugh, a love for performing, and a TikTok account that started gaining serious traction. Fast-forward a few years, and she’s working the Oscars red carpet, making waves at Cannes, and proving that talent plus hustle can pay off. In this interview, Yasmine opens up about staying grounded in L.A., the ups and downs of being both an actor and a content creator, and why Overcompensating feels like the perfect full-circle moment.
Peter Vandunk: You’re starring in Overcompensating coming soon to Amazon Prime. What drew you to this role, and how did you connect with the character on a personal level?
Yasmine Sahid: I was beyond excited when I found out Benny’s show got picked up. I’ve been following him for so long. We’ve been mutuals for a while too. So, it felt like watching a close friend of mine finally making his dreams come true. So, when I got the audition from the Overcompensating team, I jumped on that so fast. The character also made sense to me as well. I was definitely more like her in high school and college. Too eager to make friends and obnoxious enough to try to be the center of attention. But it’s funny how much I’ve mellowed out because I don’t think I could do my character’s job currently.
PV: You’ve worked some of the biggest red carpets in the world. Was there a moment where you just had to stop and go, “Wait… is this real life?”
YS: Absolutely the Oscars. I get flashbacks from the euphoria of it. It was those rare media/on-set moments where everything worked out. The team was phenomenal, we got way more A-list talent to stop by than we expected. The feedback from everyone was positive! Plus, actually working the carpet was just crazy in general. I used to dream about being at the Oscars but never thought it would happen so soon in my life.
PV: You grew up in Milwaukee and now you’re making waves in L.A! How do you think your hometown shaped who you are today?
YS: Wisconsin is known to be a very friendly state. I think that took me far industry-wise because people would always tell me how easy I am to work with. This was shocking! I feel like it doesn’t take much to be an easy person to work with in general. Milwaukee is a big city. It somehow has a small-town feel compared to major cities like LA and New York. I think growing up in that strong community helped ground me as a person.
“I can be stubborn when it comes to my success”- Yasmine Sahid
PV: What was your journey like going from studying theater at Loyola Marymount to landing a major streaming series? Was there ever a moment you almost gave up?
YS: It was not easy. It’s hard to get your foot in the door. I had no credits. No good management at the time. And I’m Black but also can be a bit of a character. So, I felt like casting directors either didn’t know where to cast me. Or, someone who was just like me got the role because they had more credits. There were a few moments where I second-guessed myself. Thankfully, I can be stubborn when it comes to my success. I’m glad that it’s starting to come together. I feel like Overcompensating is the best project to get the ball rolling.
“I’m hoping that in the future, studios and execs take more risks”- Yasmine Sahid
PV: You’ve built a big following on TikTok. How do you stay grounded and true to yourself while also growing as a performer in the spotlight?
YS: I think having solid friends is the most important thing. I’m lucky enough to have made friends with people in LA before I became “big”. They’ve known me before the fame and can put me in check when I need to be. It’s also nice because the bigger you get the more people try to mooch off your clout. It’s nice having a solid group of friends who like you, for you.
PV: You’ve been to Sundance, Cannes, and hosted the Oscars red carpet—that’s wild. What have those experiences taught you about the industry that you didn’t expect?
YS: It taught me that we’re all in the same boat. Waiting in line to get photos taken is such a humbling experience, no matter how big you are. Here I am, in line with an Emmy-winning actress, and we’re both awkwardly waiting for the same step and repeat. Or waiting for my car to pick me up after the Oscars with Yorgos Lanthimos two feet away from me. It humanizes the biggest celebrities and reminds, and honestly takes away, a lot of the nerves.
PV: TikTok and traditional Hollywood are kind of blending together now. Where do you see your place in that mix, and where do you think it’s all headed?
YS: I don’t have much of an answer because I feel too blended between the two. On one hand, I’m an actor, and I’ve always been one. I see myself being an actor far longer than a content creator. But I’m known more for my online presence and that’s what’s popping right now. Nothing bad about it, it’s just the way the industry is moving. I’m noticing a lot of studios taking chances on social media stars which is good, but it has its setbacks. Good, because it’s opening that world up to a wider, more mainstream audience.
Not always good, because I feel like it’s typically reserved for the biggest online names. And, it overshadows the smaller creators who may have more of a passion. As well as training for the film/TV space. I’m hoping that in the future, studios and execs take more risks with creators who have a vision. Or, story to tell but may not have the following. It explains why so many creators are making their own productions and finding success in that. They’re creating their own path.
PV: What was it like working with Benito Skinner on Overcompensating? He’s hilarious—did you two click creatively right away?
YS: Oh, we immediately clicked. He’s such a joy. So sweet and really cared for everyone on set. It felt like reuniting with an old friend!
PV: Are there any roles or stories you’re dying to tell? Something you haven’t seen yet that you feel only you could bring to life?
YS: I do have a few projects I’m developing so I guess you’ll have to wait and see.
PV: For anyone sitting in their room scrolling through TikTok in a small town, dreaming about making it. What would you tell them?
YS: Move.
What sets Yasmine Sahid apart isn’t just her talent or viral presence. It’s her authenticity, resilience, and the way she’s rewriting the rules as she goes. In a landscape where social media fame and traditional Hollywood rarely coexist seamlessly, she’s bridging the gap with purpose. Overcompensating isn’t just another credit on her resume. It’s a milestone that represents how far she’s come, and how much further she’s ready to go. Her story isn’t one of overnight success . Rather, steady momentum, quiet confidence, and a refusal to wait for someone else’s green light. As she continues to carve out her own lane. On screen, online, and behind the scenes. She’s not just making space for herself. But,for a new generation of creators ready to be seen, heard, and taken seriously. And if this is only the beginning, the industry better be ready for what’s next.
You can follow Yasmine Sahid: @yasmine_sahid on Instagram or ladyyasmina1 on Tiktok!
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