Lupita Amondi Nyong’o was born in Mexico City on March 1, 1983, to Kenyan parents, Dorothy Ogada Buyu and Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, with her father being a college professor.
Lupita Nyong’o Personal life
Lupita Nyong’o is a resident of Brooklyn, New York City, and has proficiency in English, Spanish, Luo, and Swahili.
She made a significant impact in 2014 by speaking at Essence Black Women in Hollywood on the subject of beauty and overcoming insecurities.
In the same year, she opposed the development of a former slave-trading site in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond, Virginia.
Nyong’o is an advocate for wildlife conservation and has supported campaigns like Conservation International’s Nature Is Speaking.
She became the Global Elephant Ambassador for WildAid and actively supports Mother Health International.
Nyong’o also launched an anti-poaching campaign and authored the book “Sulwe” in 2019, which went on to become a New York Times Best-Seller.
Nyong’o is a renowned actress and philanthropist, honored with awards such as the Visionary Lineage Award and WildAid’s Champion of the Year.
She serves on The Africa Center’s board of trustees and co-founded the Africa Cancer Foundation.
Lupita Nyong’o Career
Nyong’o pursued formal training, enrolling in Yale School of Drama for a master’s degree.
There, she excelled in stage roles and won the Herschel Williams Prize. Her acting career soared with “12 Years a Slave” (2013), leading to an Oscar win.
She later played Maz Kanata in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” earning nominations and attention for her iconic blue Prada dress.
Nyong’o made a triumphant return to the stage in Danai Gurira’s play “Eclipsed” in 2015, set during the Second Liberian Civil War.
The play was a hit, earning her an Obie Award. It later moved to Broadway at the John Golden Theatre, boasting an all-black and female creative team.
Despite turning down film offers, Nyong’o’s performance in “Eclipsed” garnered praise.
She won the Theatre World Award, earned a Tony Award nomination, and received accolades from the Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama League Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play.
Lupita Nyong’o Worldwide Recognition
In 2016, Lupita Nyong’o voiced Raksha in “The Jungle Book” and portrayed Nakku Harriet in “Queen of Katwe,” earning praise from Brian Tallerico and Geoff Berkshire.
She returned in 2017 as Maz Kanata in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and contributed to “Star Wars Forces of Destiny.” Her role as Nakia in “Black Panther” garnered a Saturn Award nomination.
Nyong’o displayed her comedic talents in “Little Monsters” (2019) and delivered an “astounding” performance in Jordan Peele’s “Us,” earning her accolades and commercial success.
Nyong’o narrated “Serengeti,” earned Emmy and NAACP nods, hosted “Warrior Women,” and joined “Black Is King,” “The 355,” Netflix’s “Human Resources,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022.
Lupita Nyong’o Upcoming projects
Nyong’o has a slew of projects in the works. She’s developing a TV series based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel “Americanah,” where she will produce and take a leading role.
She’s also producing and starring in “Born a Crime,” a film adaptation of Trevor Noah’s memoir, portraying Noah’s mother, Patricia.
Furthermore, she’s reuniting with the team from “Little Monsters” for a science fiction comedy film.
Additionally, she’s producing an animated musical based on her bestselling children’s book, “Sulwe,” for Netflix.
Lastly, she’s set to star in the horror film “A Quiet Place: Day One.”
In the media
Lupita Nyong’o received mentions in songs by artists like Lecrae, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj.
Her fashion journey began in 2013 when she made Derek Blasberg’s Harper’s Bazaar best-dressed list.
In 2014, she had a standout year with Miu Miu’s campaign and covers in major magazines.
Vogue’s July cover made history, she earned an Elle Women in Hollywood award, and Harlem declared “Lupita Nyong’o Day.”
In 2016, she appeared in Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Issue, was recognized for her Broadway debut, and starred in Tiffany & Co.’s campaign.
Nyong’o’s natural hair advocacy brought acclaim, and she received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and Forbes recognition in 2020.
Filmography
Lupita Nyomgo has been in the industry of film for more than 10 years .
She has been in the industy has follows.
FILM
- 2008:
- Title: East River
- Role: F
- Notes: Short film
- 2013:
- Title: 12 Years a Slave
- Role: Patsey
- 2014:
- Title: Non-Stop
- Role: Gwen Lloyd
- 2015:
- Title: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Role: Maz Kanata (voice)
- 2016:
- Title: The Jungle Book
- Role: Raksha (voice)
- Title: Queen of Katwe
- Role: Nakku Harriet
- 2017:
- Title: Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- Role: Maz Kanata (voice)
- 2018:
- Title: Black Panther
- Role: Nakia
- 2019:
- Title: Little Monsters
- Role: Miss Audrey Caroline
- Title: Us
- Role: Adelaide Wilson / Red
- Title: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
- Role: Maz Kanata (voice)
- 2022:
- Title: The 355
- Role: Khadijah Adiyeme
- Title: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Role: Nakia
- Notes: [160]
- 2024:
- Title: A Quiet Place: Day One
- Role: TBA
- Notes: Post-production [161]
Television:
- 2009–2012:
- Title: Shuga
- Role: Ayira
- Notes: 5 episodes
- 2017–2018:
- Title: Star Wars Forces of Destiny
- Role: Maz Kanata (voice)
- Notes: 32 episodes
- 2018:
- Title: Star Wars Rebels
- Role: Archive recording
- Notes: Episode: “A World Between Worlds”
- 2019:
- Title: Warrior Women with Lupita Nyong’o
- Role: Host
- Notes: Documentary
- Title: Serengeti
- Role: Narrator
- Notes: Documentary
- 2021:
- Title: Martha Knows Best
- Role: Herself
- Notes: Episode: “Paths” [162]
- Title: Super Sema
- Role: Sema
- Notes: Executive producer, Voice (4 episodes)
- Title: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?
- Role: Narrator
- Notes: Documentary
- 2022:
- Title: Human Resources
- Role: Asha (voice)
- Notes: Episode: “International Creature Convention”
Lupita Nyong’o Networth
Conculusion
Lupita Nyong’o is a highly accomplished Kenyan-Mexican actress who has made a significant impact in the film industry.
She is a highly respected individual known for her exceptional talents and generous philanthropic efforts.
Furthermore, she has numerous exciting projects on the horizon.
