Meet Angela Yee’s Parents: Celestina Farage-Yee and Mr. Yee

Angela Mae Yee, born on January 3, 1976, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York City, grew up in a rich cultural blend that shaped her distinctive personality and career.

Raised in one of Brooklyn’s most diverse neighbourhoods before later moving to South Orange, New Jersey, Angela’s upbringing reflected the dynamic fusion of her Afro-Montserratian and Chinese roots.

Her mother, Celestina Farage-Yee, of Afro-Montserratian descent, infused their home with Caribbean warmth, storytelling, and a spirit of resilience inspired by Montserrat’s cultural heritage.

Her father, Mr. Yee, a Chinese-American entrepreneur, instilled discipline, mindfulness, and business acumen—qualities that later influenced Angela’s ventures such as Juices for Life and Coffee Uplifts People. Family life was a celebration of diversity, where dishes like jerk chicken met handmade dumplings at the dinner table, symbolizing the harmony of two worlds.

Angela attended Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn through the Prep for Prep program before transferring to Columbia High School in New Jersey.

She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in English from Wesleyan University in 1997. During her college years, her parents’ divorce tested her resilience but also strengthened her independence. Despite their separation, both Celestina and Mr. Yee remained deeply supportive, continuing to guide Angela and her older brother, whose identity she keeps private.

The Yee family practiced Buddhism, rooted in her father’s Chinese traditions, emphasizing balance, compassion, and self-awareness—values Angela carries into her work and personal philosophy.

From her early days in Brooklyn to her national prominence as the former co-host of The Breakfast Club and now the host of Way Up with Angela Yee, her multicultural background and strong parental foundation have remained central to her journey.

Celestina Farage-Yee

Celestina Farage-Yee, Angela’s mother, hails from Montserrat, a small Caribbean island known for its tight-knit community and volcanic landscapes.

Her Afro-Montserratian heritage brought a vibrant cultural thread to the Yee household, blending Caribbean traditions like storytelling and communal warmth into Angela’s upbringing. While Celestina has maintained a private life, steering clear of the public eye, her role as the family’s emotional anchor is undeniable.

Angela has shared nostalgic glimpses of their bond, often posting throwback photos on social media that capture her mother’s nurturing presence, like a young Angela smiling beside Celestina during family moments.

As a single mother following her divorce from Mr. Yee during Angela’s college years at Wesleyan University, Celestina’s strength shone through. She guided Angela through the emotional challenges of the split, fostering her daughter’s independence and drive.

“My mom was always there, pushing me to stay focused,” Angela noted in a TV appearance on The Real. Celestina’s influence is evident in Angela’s commitment to community, seen in her advocacy for mental health and her role as an ambassador for the New York Public Library.

Her mother’s Caribbean roots also instilled a global perspective, helping Angela connect with diverse audiences and navigate the complexities of fame.

Mr. Yee

Angela’s father, known simply as Mr. Yee, brought Chinese heritage to the family’s cultural tapestry. Born into a lineage tied to East Asian traditions, he embodies the immigrant tenacity that defines many New York stories.

Mr. Yee’s impact on Angela is clear in her disciplined work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. His influence likely shaped her ability to thrive in high-stakes environments, from interning at Wu-Tang Clan Management to co-founding Juices for Life, a Brooklyn juice bar, with rappers Styles P and Jadakiss.

Though the divorce from Celestina marked a turning point, Mr. Yee remained a steady presence in Angela’s life, offering quiet support as she built her media empire. His Chinese background enriched the household with traditions that complemented Celestina’s Caribbean flair—think family meals blending dim sum with island flavors.

This cultural fusion helped Angela develop her knack for bridging worlds, whether moderating heated Breakfast Club debates or launching her book imprint, Angela Yee Books. With a net worth of approximately $2 million, Angela’s business savvy reflects the lessons of perseverance likely passed down from her father.