Biography of Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress, author, and a social advocate. She rose to prominence in Hollywood after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2013 film “12 Years a Slave”. Her entertainment career has been marked by powerful performances, a commitment to social justice, and a desire to inspire and empower others.
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Lupita Nyong’o Age
Lupita was born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Mexico. She is Lupita Nyong’o 41 years old.
Lupita Nyong’o Early life
Nyong’o grew up in Kenya with her parents, who were both involved in politics and education. She attended a prestigious school in Nairobi before moving to the United States for college.
Lupita Nyong’o Family
Nyong’o is the daughter of Dorothy and Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is the current Governor of Kisumu County. She has five siblings, including a brother who is also an actor.
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Lupita Nyong’o Education
Nyong’o earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Theater Studies from Hampshire College in Massachusetts. Later, she joined the Yale School of Drama, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Lupita Nyong’o Career
After graduating from Yale, Nyong’o began her acting career in theater, appearing in several productions in New York and California. Her breakthrough role came in 2013 when she was cast in “12 Years a Slave.” The movie is a historical drama about the brutal reality of slavery in the United States. Nyong’o’s portrayal of Patsey, a young slave, earned her critical acclaim and a slew of awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Following her success in “12 Years a Slave“, Nyong’o continued to make a name for herself in Hollywood. She appeared in several high-profile films, including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Black Panther“, which were box-office hits. Nyong’o also became known for her activism and advocacy work, using her platform to speak out on issues such as racism, colorism, and representation in the entertainment industry.
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Academy Award
Lupita won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2014 for her role in the film “12 Years a Slave.” The film, which tells the story of a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War era, was widely acclaimed for its powerful performances and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of slavery.
Nyong’o’s performance as Patsey, a young slave who endures brutal treatment at the hands of her master, was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. She brought depth, nuance, and humanity to a character who could have easily been reduced to a victim or a stereotype. Her win marked a historic moment, as she became the first Kenyan and the first Mexican actress to win an Academy Award.
Films and Television Shows
Lupita has appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career. Some of her notable roles include:
12 Years a Slave (2013) – In her breakthrough role, Nyong’o played Patsey, a slave who is subjected to brutal treatment by her master. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – Nyong’o provided the voice for Maz Kanata, a wise and enigmatic alien who helps the film’s heroes on their quest.
Queen of Katwe (2016) – Nyong’o played the mother of a young girl in Uganda who becomes a chess prodigy. The film was based on a true story and received critical acclaim for its uplifting portrayal of African life and culture.
Black Panther (2018) – Nyong’o played Nakia, a spy and love interest of the titular superhero. The film was a cultural phenomenon and was widely praised for its representation of black culture and empowerment.
Us (2019) – In this horror film directed by Jordan Peele, Nyong’o played Adelaide Wilson, a woman who is forced to confront her past when she and her family are terrorized by their doppelgangers.
Nyong’o has also appeared in several other films and television shows, including Non-Stop, The Jungle Book, and “Little Monsters. She is known for her versatile and dynamic performances.
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Lupita Nyong’o Sexual Harassment
In October 2017, Lupita Nyong’o published an op-ed in the New York Times detailing her experiences with Harvey Weinstein, alleging that he had sexually harassed her on multiple occasions earlier in her career. In response, Weinstein stated his spokesperson denying Nyong’o’s claims, stating that “Mr. Weinstein has a different recollection of the events, but believes Lupita is a brilliant actress and a major force for the industry.”
Nyong’o’s op-ed was part of a wave of allegations against Weinstein and other powerful figures in the entertainment industry, which led to the rise of the #MeToo movement and a broader cultural reckoning around issues of sexual harassment and assault. Despite Weinstein’s denial, Nyong’o’s account was widely viewed as credible and helped to shed light on the pervasive and systemic nature of sexual misconduct in Hollywood.
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Lupita Nyong’o Net Worth
As of 2023, Nyong’o’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.