Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress who has become a Hollywood trailblazer. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, and raised in Kenya, Lupita has made a name for herself as an accomplished actress, author, and activist.
She is known for her captivating performances on stage and screen, striking beauty, and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Lupita was born in Mexico City, Mexico on March 1, 1983. Her parents, Dorothy and Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, were both Kenyan. When Lupita was less than a year old, her family moved back to Kenya, where she spent most of her childhood.
She attended primary school in Kenya before moving to the United States for high school. She later attended Hampshire College and earned a bachelor’s degree in film and theater studies. She went on to earn a master’s degree in acting from the Yale School of Drama.
Career Highlights
Lupita made her acting debut in the short film East River in 2008. She later appeared in the Kenyan television series Shuga and made her feature film debut in the 2013 film 12 Years a Slave, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also appeared in other films, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Black Panther, and Us.
In addition to her work in film, Lupita has also made a name for herself on stage. She made her Broadway debut in 2015 in the play Eclipsed, for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play. She has also appeared in other productions, including The Winter’s Tale and The Jungle.
Lupita is also a published author. In 2019, she released her children’s book Sulwe, which tells the story of a young girl who learns to love her dark skin. The book was a New York Times bestseller and was well-received by critics and readers alike.
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Activism and Advocacy
Lupita has been vocal about promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has spoken out about the lack of opportunities for people of color and has called for more representation in front of and behind the camera.
In 2013, she gave a powerful speech at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, where she talked about her own struggles with self-acceptance and urged others to embrace their uniqueness.
In addition to her advocacy work in the entertainment industry, Lupita is also involved in various charitable organizations. She has worked with Mother Health International, an organization that provides healthcare to pregnant women and children in Uganda, and the Africa Cancer Foundation, which raises awareness about cancer and supports those affected by the disease.
Recent Rankings
Lupita’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and was ranked as one of Forbes’ Highest-Paid Actresses. She was also listed as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes in 2018.
Lupita Nyong’o is a true trailblazer in Hollywood and beyond. Her talent, beauty, and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her recent rankings and accolades are a testament to her hard work and dedication, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.