I was studying architecture at Berkeley when my father passed away in 2007. We knew he had cancer, but we didn't expect it to escalate so rapidly. In my mind, it was like, 'He'll pull through.' When he didn't, I didn't understand. I was 21, and my best friend had died.

The quote by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is a deeply personal reflection on a life-altering moment that occurred during his time studying architecture at Berkeley. At the age of 21, Yahya faced the devastating loss of his father, who had been battling cancer. Though the family was aware of his illness, the sudden escalation of his condition took them by surprise. Yahya’s words convey the emotional shock and disbelief that often accompany such unexpected tragedies, especially at a young and formative age.

In the quote, Yahya recalls thinking, "He'll pull through," a sentiment rooted in hope and the natural inclination to believe in recovery, particularly when the alternative feels unimaginable. The reality of his father's death shattered that hope, leaving him in a state of confusion and grief. His father was more than a parent—he describes him as his best friend, highlighting the depth of their bond and the profound sense of loss he experienced.

This moment became a pivotal chapter in Yahya’s personal and professional journey. While he began in the field of architecture, this loss may have played a role in his eventual transition into acting—a space where he could explore emotion, identity, and storytelling. His performances often reflect a depth of feeling that suggests a deep well of personal experience, perhaps rooted in this formative moment of loss and growth.

The origin of this quote comes from interviews in which Yahya Abdul-Mateen II discusses his background and the events that shaped his career path. While he trained as an architect, it was through dealing with personal grief and searching for meaning that he found his way to the performing arts. This quote not only reveals the pain of losing a loved one but also underscores how such moments can lead to profound self-discovery and transformation.