What Happened to Tarek "Taz" Yassin Skylar?

Tarek "Taz" Yassin Skylar, born on December 5, 1995, in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, is a Spanish-British actor and screenwriter with a diverse heritage, having a Lebanese father and an English mother. His early life saw him working on surfboards from age 15 after leaving high school. In 2016, an attempt to enlist as a reservist in the British Army was thwarted by a car accident that caused a concussion, leading him to pivot towards writing and acting.

Skylar's career began in the United Kingdom, where he gained recognition in theatre. He made his writing and acting debut in 2019 with the play Warheads at London's Park Theatre, a powerful urban drama addressing PTSD among war veterans. This production earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. He also made his West End debut as Leonard Vole in Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution. His transition to screen work included roles in short films and television series such as The Reserves (2018-2019), Agatha Raisin (2022), and The Lazarus Project (2022). His feature film debut came in 2019 with the war drama The Kill Team, followed by appearances in Villain (2020) and the critically acclaimed Boiling Point (2021 film, 2023 miniseries).

The turning point in Skylar's career arrived in 2021 when he was cast as Sanji, the charismatic chef of the Straw Hat Pirates, in Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece. The series premiered on August 31, 2023, achieving massive global success and breaking Netflix viewing records. Skylar's dedication to the role was evident through his intense training in martial arts and cooking, which he undertook to authentically portray the character. His performance was widely praised by both critics and fans, solidifying his status as an international star.

Following the success of One Piece, Skylar continued to expand his portfolio. In 2023, he co-wrote and starred as Dubz in the Amazon Prime action-comedy Gassed Up, which premiered at the London Film Festival. He also filmed the action thriller Cleaner (2025), directed by Martin Campbell and co-starring Daisy Ridley, where he plays Noah, the leader of an eco-terrorist group. In August 2025, Skylar was appointed as a Global Ambassador for Visit Maldives, leveraging his international influence to promote the destination.

As of March 2026, Skylar remains highly active. One Piece Season 2 officially launched on Netflix on March 10, 2026, with Skylar reprising his role as Sanji. He has been actively involved in promotional events, including attending the "One Piece" Into The Grand Line Fan Event in Los Angeles in February 2026. Furthermore, One Piece has been renewed for a third season, which is currently in production, ensuring Skylar's continued presence in the popular series. He is also involved in the upcoming film Monitor. His journey reflects a multifaceted talent in acting, writing, and producing, with a clear trajectory towards sustained international recognition.