Biography & Career Overview
Urassaya Sperbund, universally recognized by her nickname Yaya, is one of Thailand's most acclaimed and influential actresses and models. Born in Pattaya to a Norwegian father and a Thai mother, she is fluent in Thai, English, Norwegian, and French. Sperbund initially entered the entertainment industry as a model in her mid-teens before signing an exclusive management contract with Channel 3. She catapulted to nationwide superstardom with her breakout role as Jeed in the 2010 romantic drama 'Duang Jai Akkanee', opposite real-life partner Nadech Kugimiya, establishing their status as the beloved onscreen pair 'NY'.
Over the ensuing decade, Sperbund cemented her reputation as a powerhouse performer by tackling complex, demanding roles across diverse genres. Standout television projects include the hit revenge melodrama 'Kluen Cheewit' (2017), the body-swap comedy 'Leh Lub Salub Rarng' (2017), and the tragic, multi-character historical drama 'Klin Kasalong' (2019), where she received widespread critical acclaim for portraying four distinct incarnations. Her performance in the global Netflix broadcast of 'Bad Romeo' (2022) further expanded her international fandom, garnering high viewership across Southeast Asia.
Beyond television, Sperbund is a celebrated cinematic actress, winning the prestigious Suphannahong National Film Award for Best Actress for the box-office smash 'Brother of the Year' (2018) and earning international praise for her leading role in Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit's acclaimed indie-comedy 'Fast & Feel Love' (2022). Dubbed the 'Queen of Presenters' for her record-setting commercial endorsements, she also made fashion history as the first Thai celebrity featured in American Vogue and as a global brand ambassador for luxury house Louis Vuitton.
