Black-Ish Star Marsai Martin Recently Turned 17 – Here's a Look at Her Role on the Show

The Guinness World Record holder, as the youngest executive producer, celebrated her special day in style. We take a glimpse into her role as the witty Diane Johnson on the hit series and why she likes playing her.

“Black-ish” star Marsai Martin recently turned 17 years old. Renowned for her role on the TV show, Martin took to her Instagram on her birthday on Saturday, August 14, to express gratitude:

"Thanks God appreciate it.”

The Texas native shared three beautiful photos from the social media photoshoot donning a stunning cow-neck yellow slip dress paired with a black cowboy-like hat.

She wore her braided hair in four jumbo braids and opted for glamorous makeup with lipgloss and glittered rhinestone eyelids.

The actress accessorized her look with a gold bracelet and a matching ring while posing, serving sassy vibes holding a pie with the numbers “17” displayed in burning candles.

Fellow stars, including some of the “Black-ish” cast, commented on her post, sending warm birthday wishes. From the "Grown-ish" spinoff, Chloe Bailey wrote, "Happy birthday gorgeous," along with a string of heart-eyes emojis.

Deon Cole commented, "Happy birthday, beautiful," while Yara Shahidi said, “Yess, yes, Yesss! Welcome to almost adulthood,” along with a heart emoji.

Martin and Shahidi, 21, recently had a surprise mini “Black-ish” reunion while filming for the animated film "Paw Patrol: The Movie." The co-stars had no idea the other was in the cast.

The onscreen siblings have joined a star-studded cast for the pup’s big-screen adventure, including the multi-talented actor and director Tyler Perry and reality star Kim Kardashian.

In an interview with Metro.co.uk, Martin, the voice behind the ultra-cool Liberty, revealed she was oblivious to who she would be starring alongside and was only told while recording her part. She shared how she learned fellow actress Shahidi is her co-star once again:

"After a session, Yara texted me and was like, 'So you're part of this too?!' It's fun and exciting, and it's more of a reunion. It's a whole family get-together."

The pair are well-known for portraying sister roles on ABC’s sitcom “Black-ish," with Shahidi playing the older sister Zoe Johnson and Martin the youngest, Diane Johnson.

Martin has become a household name for portraying the gifted-talented yet mischievous role of Diane. During an interview with Buzzfeed in June, the award-winning actress shared her favorite part about playing Diane.

She explained that she feels as though you see her becoming her own woman in each episode, which she loves. "I've been on the show since I was 9. It's pretty insane to see how far we've come with her. I'm very grateful," said Martin.

Of the most important lessons she has learned from her onscreen parents Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, Martin said it is how much they put into their work. She described them as funny, protective, and fun to be around.

When asked how she felt when she learned that the series would be coming to an end after Season 8, Martin said "it was bittersweet," admitting she gets emotional thinking about it. “It’s touched so many families from around the world. But all amazing things come to an end.”