Brief Introduction of Kelly Yazdi
Kelly Yazdi is a multifaceted American adventurer, actress, stuntwoman, model, and entrepreneur. She is widely recognized for her dynamic career in the entertainment industry, with credits in television series like Hawaii Five-O and stunt work in major music videos. However, Yazdi is perhaps most celebrated as the visionary founder of Ride Wild, a pioneering platform and movement dedicated to empowering women in the powersports community. Her passion for adventure and commitment to fostering a community for female riders has established her as an influential figure. She has also garnered significant media attention due to her brief marriage to country music star Zac Brown and the subsequent public legal disputes.
Kelly Yazdi Overview
| Full Name | Kelly Marie Yazdi |
| Date of Birth | January 25, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years old |
| Birthplace | Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Half-Iranian, Half-Scandinavian |
| Height | 5′ 10½” (179 cm) |
| Profession | Actress, Stuntwoman, Model, Entrepreneur, Events Producer |
| Known For | Founding Ride Wild, Acting roles, Marriage to Zac Brown |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Zac Brown (m. 2023, div. 2023) |
| Education | University of California, Santa Barbara (Bachelor of Arts) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly detailed |
Early Life and Education of Kelly Yazdi
Kelly Marie Yazdi was born on January 25, 1991, in Minnesota, USA. Raised in a rural environment, her childhood was deeply connected to nature and adventure, filled with activities like riding horses, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. This upbringing instilled in her a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a need for speed. Yazdi is of mixed ancestry, being half-Iranian and half-Scandinavian, which contributes to her distinctive looks.
During her teenage years, Yazdi made the significant move to Los Angeles to pursue her ambitions in acting, modeling, and stunt work. She was academically gifted, graduating early with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). At UCSB, she studied International Relations and Affairs and also pursued advanced acting and performing arts, laying a solid foundation for her diverse career path. After completing her university education, she returned to Los Angeles to fully immerse herself in the entertainment industry.
Kelly Yazdi’s Career
Kelly Yazdi has built a dynamic and multifaceted career that spans across entertainment, entrepreneurship, and brand ambassadorship. As a professional SAG-AFTRA actress and stuntwoman, she has appeared in various films and television shows.
Acting and Stunt Work
Yazdi’s acting portfolio includes roles in the hit TV series Hawaii Five-O, Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Ranch Challenge, and the film The Martial Arts Kid. She also gained recognition for her performance in the J.P. Getty Museum’s documentary Herb Ritts: L.A. Style, where she portrayed iconic supermodels like Cindy Crawford. Her stunt work is equally impressive, notably featuring in Katy Perry‘s “Harleys in Hawaii” music video. She is also trained in mixed martial arts.
Modeling and Brand Ambassadorship
As a model, Yazdi has been represented by agencies like Peter Kallinteris Agency and It Model Management. She has been featured in campaigns for numerous brands, including Carhartt, Garmin, Lululemon, and GMC. Her strong connection to the outdoors and powersports has made her a sought-after ambassador for companies such as Indian Motorcycle, Polaris Adventures, and Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys. She also serves as a member of the Polaris Empowersports Women’s Council.
Entrepreneurship: Ride Wild
In 2017, Yazdi founded Ride Wild, a platform and community created to unite and empower women in powersports. The organization is built on the principles of “tribe, adventure, and purpose,” aiming to change the perception of women in motorsports and highlight their passion and diversity. Ride Wild partners with various women’s riding groups, events, and companies to strengthen the riding community. Through Ride Wild, Yazdi also launched the Wild Gypsy Tour, the first-ever all-women’s motorcycle festival. She believes that empowering women in this space creates a positive ripple effect that supports families and the community at large.
Kelly Yazdi Personal Life & Family
Kelly Yazdi’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly her relationship with country music star Zac Brown. Yazdi and Brown were engaged in 2022 and quietly married on August 31, 2023, in Georgia. However, the marriage was short-lived, and they announced their divorce just four months later in December 2023. The divorce was finalized in January 2024.
Yazdi maintains a lifestyle centered on adventure, wellness, and mindfulness. She is an avid outdoorswoman, with hobbies that include riding, fishing, scuba diving, and hunting. She lives a life that balances high-adrenaline adventures with quiet moments of self-care, often in the company of her beloved dogs, Kai and Moose.
Awards and Achievements of Kelly Yazdi
Kelly Yazdi is a world-record-holding adventurer. Her determination and skill in the outdoors have earned her significant accolades.
- IUSA Spearfishing World Records: She holds four IUSA World Records in speargun fishing.
- SCI World Record: In addition to her spearfishing records, she holds an SCI world record, bringing her total to five world records.
Kelly Yazdi Net Worth and Income
Kelly Yazdi’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Her income is derived from her diverse career streams, including her work as an actress, stuntwoman, professional model, and event producer. She also earns income through her company, Ride Wild, and various brand endorsements and partnerships with major companies like Polaris, Carhartt, and Indian Motorcycle.
Legacy and Influence
Kelly Yazdi’s most significant legacy is her work in empowering women through powersports. With the creation of Ride Wild, she has built a powerful platform that provides community, adventure, and purpose for female riders, a demographic often underrepresented in the motorsports world. Her goal has been to “change the way women are seen in powersports” and to celebrate their passion and diversity. As a public speaker, brand ambassador, and event creator, she has become a leading voice and a role model for women who are passionate about outdoor adventure and motorsports.
Interesting Facts about Kelly Yazdi
- She holds five world records, including four in spearfishing and one SCI world record.
- Yazdi has trained in mixed martial arts.
- She is a passionate animal lover and has two pet dogs named Kai and Moose.
- Her hobbies are a direct reflection of her adventurous spirit and include riding motorcycles, fishing, scuba diving, hunting, and traveling.
- She was featured in Maxim Magazine and named one of the “Top 11 Californian Models on Instagram”.
Controversies
Divorce and Legal Battle with Zac Brown
Following their divorce announcement in December 2023, Kelly Yazdi and Zac Brown’s separation became publicly contentious. In May 2024, Brown filed a lawsuit and a request for a temporary restraining order against Yazdi. The legal action was reportedly prompted by an Instagram post by Yazdi, which Brown claimed violated a confidentiality agreement. Yazdi responded publicly, stating she would not be silenced and that the lawsuit was an attempt to control the narrative surrounding their divorce.
The situation escalated with Yazdi making further claims on social media. She alleged that Brown asked for a divorce via Zoom just nine days after their wedding reception and tried to force her to sign a marital NDA. She also claimed that footage from their wedding was used in a music video with a look-alike model. The legal battle has continued, with Yazdi describing it as an “employment lawsuit” used to control and intimidate her. A jury trial for the case is scheduled for September 15, 2025, in Atlanta.
Amid the legal proceedings, Brown announced his engagement to jewelry designer Kendra Scott in July 2025. Yazdi has since used her social media to draw comparisons between her relationship with Brown and his new one, titling a collection of comparative images “Rinse and Repeat.” While doing so, she has stated that she wishes his new fiancée the best and that her fight is not with her, but with Brown’s alleged attempts to silence her.
Social Media Presence
Kelly Yazdi is active on social media, using her platforms to share her adventures, wellness journey, and updates on her life. Her Instagram account, established in 2016, offers glimpses into her travels, personal life, and brand endorsements. She also has a YouTube channel where she posts content related to adventure, wellness, and travel, along with responses to her ongoing legal situation. Her social media presence has been central to her public statements regarding her divorce from Zac Brown.
Final Words about Kelly Yazdi
Currently, Kelly Yazdi continues to navigate a very public and challenging chapter of her life, centered around the legal battle with her ex-husband. She has expressed a desire to put the situation behind her and has used her platform to defend herself, viewing the upcoming trial as a step toward closure and an opportunity to reclaim her narrative. Despite the personal turmoil, she remains a dynamic force for female empowerment in the world of adventure and powersports. Her work with Ride Wild continues to inspire women to pursue their passions with confidence. Looking forward, Yazdi appears focused on her well-being, her advocacy, and telling her own story in her own terms.
