A Sneak Peek into The Life of Yonathan Elias

Originally published in January 2022 print

Written by Gloria Peebles

Yonathan Elias became a viral sensation after he made a Youtube video named “DC Metro” in which he found himself on an empty metro and proceeded to let his inner child out. While some might know him as “DC Metro Guy,” Yonathan has been building quite a resume as a media personality.

Yonathan was a co-host for BET’s number one rated music video show 106 & Park. He was also a cast member for BET’s hit reality show Grand Hustle alongside T.I while hosting other popular podcasts and other TV programs. Yonathan is currently Ebony Magazines lead correspondent and media personality. He has over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

He takes nothing for granted and continues to stay rooted and grounded in his upbringing so that he doesn’t get caught up in the Hollywood hype. Being Eritrean and Nigerian descent and from Inglewood California, his parents who are big on education were totally against him going into the entertainment industry mostly because they didn’t know a lot about it. But Yonathan proved to his parents that he could be successful in whatever he chose to do. “I started working at the age of 15, saved up and bought a car at 16 and started taking myself to auditions; it was like if they weren’t going to take me, I was going to find a way to take myself,” said Yonathan. 

His first gig as the youngest dancer on Soul Train at the age of 17. “I was known as the soul train kid going down the soul train line,” said Yonathan and that’s when his career began to take off. While growing up, he had a lot of insecurities. “I wasn’t too fond of who I was as a child. I was very doubtful I was bullied a lot; I didn’t think I looked good compared to my siblings and cousins” stated Yonathan. He felt like acting or being in the entertainment industry glamorized everything, giving him the attention he wasn’t used to receiving. He felt accepted in the entertainment arena and decided this was where he wanted to be.

The most challenging thing Yonathan finds in the entertainment industry are the nos. “Sometimes when you get so close to booking that big gig, you get a no— especially for someone who wasn’t as confident in himself. Nos used to hurt me” said Yonathan. But then he realized it was business and nothing personal. He has learned to flip the no into motivation believing a better opportunity lurks around the corner. 

Yonathan recently booked his first nationally broadcast commercial which aired in December. His plate is full and he’s working hard to become the successful entertainer he desires to be. He believes in living life to the fullest.  But, most of all, he wants to make his parents proud.